We all like to make sure our books are shown in the best possible light. But when we send our new release out into the world, things can get ugly. What if someone doesn’t like our book and we have an upcoming interview with them? What if our books get negative reviews?
How far can we go in controlling our publicity and appearances? For my thoughts on this, please pop over and visit me on The Blood-Red Pencil.
Great post — I’ll mirror what I said over there here:
I don’t think reviews have much of an impact on sales one way or the other. Lately, at Smart Bitches, a male math professor has been giving his take on a variety of romance novels. He’s snarky, and tells it like he sees it, chapter by chapter. He’s reading a JR Ward right now, and his comments are extremely entertaining (ok-they’re ‘coffee all over the keyboard and monitor’ funny), but you’d be surprised to see how many comments are of the “I have to go buy this book just to see how bad it really is” variety.
Great article! I’m sure easier said than done to put those negative reviews out of our minds. Seems like the negative remarks cut deeper and we remember them longer, even if they aren’t true.
Excellent blog! I left you a comment over there!
Actually, if JR Ward even reads the commentary, I’m sure she’ll laugh along with the rest of us (all the way to the bank, as they say).
Don’t we kind of prepare for this while we are querying??? I think I’ve about become the master of rejection. :)
PS..anyone who doesn’t like Myrtle Clover is a ninny!
Oh definitely, Marybeth! We can’t be shrinking violets and be writers. It’s all about the rejection.
Myrtle thinks they’re ninnies, too. :)
I think because writing is such a personal act that when rejection or criticism occurs one can’t help but take it personally. The concept of taking it philosophically is easier said than done – unless you’re a glutton for punishment. Take what you can from the bad, rejoice in the good has usually been my motto. It’s hard though.
Yup, it takes a thick skin!
L. Diane Wolfe “Spunk On A Stick”
http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com
http://www.spunkonastick.net
http://www.thecircleoffriends.net
Terry–Wow! That WOULD take a thick hide to deal with. But as you mentioned, even bad publicity is publicity.
Jodi–At first I felt like I was in middle school again and the girls were making fun of my haircut. But it’s SO much better to shrug it off.
Diane–The thickest!
Sharon–Thanks so much for popping by, Sharon. I really appreciate it. Congratulations to you for your BBAW award noms!
Terry–Good for her! (Of course, it certainly helps when the checks are rolling in, regardless.) :)
A nice and sensible post! I came across a controversy recently: the author found a negative review and threatened to sue the blogger for having used too many & too long quotations. It was horribly embarrassing to read, and I can assure you I don´t feel like trying his books.
I enjoyed your excellent post at Blood Red Pencil. It’s a topic all writers can relate to.
Elspeth–That’s a very healthy attitude. And good point about taking what we can from bad reviews.
Jane–Thanks so much. I think just about everyone has gotten less than stellar reviews.
Dorte–Thanks. :) I hadn’t heard about the author vs blogging reviewer. It sounds completely unprofessional. Google has a LOT of my book available online….much more than a few long quotations. If it gets someone interested in my book, where’s the harm?
You know what would be worse than a mediocre or lousy review? Knowing thirty reviewers had your advance review copy and not a single one chose to read and/or comment. What would that mean? How would you feel? I know it would make me feel awful.
If everyone loved our books, we’d be rich and one of a kind. Even JK Rowling and Stephenie Meyer have people who hate their work, so I guess I just have to take it with a grain a salt.