How do you respond to negative reviews? by Brendan Conboy

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Just about every writer that I know has struggled at some point with self-belief and imposter syndrome.  So, how does it make you feel when you receive negative reviews and feedback?

I was asked this question during a recent interview for a popular literature Youtube channel, and this was my answer.

No one likes to receive negative feedback of any kind, it can be painful and the hurt cuts deep.  You question why you bother.  These are all natural reactions but I have given this a lot of thought.  I now say that I would rather have negative feedback than no feedback at all.  When I receive nothing, it makes me feel insignificant.

Another thing that I have realised about negative reviews is that not all books will be to everyone’s taste and liking, so you must expect some lower reviews.  For example, my best-selling book has many 4 and 5-star reviews, but among them is a 2-star with patronising comments.

I admit that I was a little taken aback by this review, then when I weighed it up against all of the positive compliments, I considered something else.  Sometimes, it isn’t the book that is the problem, the problem lies with the person reviewing it.

Apparently, the ‘sweet spot’ for Amazon reviews is a 4.2-star rating, it is an indicator of genuine reviews.  My book that I am referring to currently has a 4.6 rating, so I would welcome a few more 3 or 4-star ratings (but not too many).

There are right ways and wrong ways to leave a low review.  It is possible to leave a good review of a book that you consider to be bad.  Consider these points when writing a negative review.

1.       Explain what disappointed you.

2.       Don’t be personal and nasty.

3.       Don’t patronise.

4.       Consider what the author was aiming to achieve.

5.       No spoilers.

6.       Don’t forget to mention the good parts.

7.       What would make it better?

8.       Consider if other readers might enjoy it.

I digest every comment that I receive, I take it on board and I learn.  I am thankful for them all and appreciate the person taking the time to communicate with me.  I would love to hear your comments about this blog, for example.

So, how do you feel about negative reviews?

 

Brendan Conboy aka Half Man Half Poet is the author of 11 published books including his fascinating autobiography, The Golden Thread.  In 1986, Brendan invited Jesus into his life and God blessed him with the gift of rhyming words.  He used that gift as a Christian Rap artist for 25 years and has written 5 poetry books including the entire Book of Psalms in Rhyme.  He has 3 published novels - Issues, Invasion of the Mimics and Legacy of the Mimics.  He is the creator of Book Blest Christian book festival.  Brendan is available for speaking events, poetry performances and workshops.  Visit Brendan's website HERE.

Comments

  1. Anonymous26 April 2023 at 08:44

    One of my best most thoughtful Amazon reviews was a 3 star! I even wondered whether the writer had meant to give a higher star rating. In fact those reviews are beneficial. Amazon lists the 'top critical review' and if it's a really thoughtful and detailed 3 star review at the top, that stands in the author's favour. Also, quite frankly, I'm glad to get ANY reviews and that includes negative. I had a one star review and even that was helpful, indicating to me how some people of a certain cast of mind might indeed react to my subject matter. (Sheila Robinson aka SC Skillman).

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    1. Brendan Conboy26 April 2023 at 09:07

      Thank you Sheila, it's good to know that others think like me.

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  2. Veronica Bright26 April 2023 at 10:33

    Disappointing reviews can make us feel bad, because we do want people to enjoy and like what we write, but, as you suggest, they may be helpful, especially after our normally peaceful natures settle in again. Negative reviews, on the other hand, which seem to contain spiteful remarks, indicating that the reviewer may have insecurity problems, or is reacting to something unpleasant in their life at the moment. Difficult to ignore, yes, but if, like you, we can learn something about ourselves at the same time, then all will be well. A five star blog, Brendan. Thank you.

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  3. Brendan Conboy26 April 2023 at 12:44

    Thank you Veronica, I hadn't thought that a reader may react to something in their own lives. Thanks for the five stars.

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  4. Joanne G26 April 2023 at 13:50

    A really thoughtful response to negative reviews - perhaps I shall reconsider my 'only review if you can give 5 stars' policy and follow your guidelines. Thank you

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    1. Brendan Conboy26 April 2023 at 16:01

      Thanks Joanne, your policy did make me laugh, as I used to say the same. :)

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  5. Bobbie Ann Cole26 April 2023 at 16:20

    One reviewer of my first book SHE DOES NOT FEAR THE SNOW gave me 1 star and suggested I kept my other reviewers 'chained up in a dungeon'. I hesitated about whether to complain and ask for it to be removed but decided not. To my surprise, within 24 hours, several other reviewers had rushed to defend me. Much later, Amazon themselves took it down.

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    1. Philippa Linton26 April 2023 at 17:32

      Sounds like the Lord vindicated you, Bobbie ... xx

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    2. Bobbie Ann Cole26 April 2023 at 18:22

      I'd say, Philippa.

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    3. Brendan Conboy26 April 2023 at 21:35

      Hi Bobbie, thank you for sharing such an encouraging testimony. God brings justice.

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  6. Olusola Sophia Anyanwu26 April 2023 at 19:04

    Lovely post, Brendan. Yes, I do feel let down getting a below the belt review. As long as my book has recieved lots of 4/5 star reviews, that soothes the hurt when a low review suddenly rears up its head. Thans. Blessings.

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  7. Katherine Blessan28 April 2023 at 13:24

    My worst review was my first ever review for Lydia's Song. It was a 1 star review on Amazon.com and was written by a reviewer who seemed to have a bee in their bonnet about everything to do with Cambodia, and in fact had dissed a whole load of other books set in Cambodia! Amazon has since removed that review, but it was horrifying at first!

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    1. Bobbie Ann Cole28 April 2023 at 13:27

      That's a similar story to mine, Katherine.

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    2. Brendan Conboy30 April 2023 at 16:22

      Thanks Katherine, there are some hurting people out there and they just love to hurt other people. I'm glad the review was removed.

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  8. David Smart1 May 2023 at 07:06

    Great thoughts Brendan and I like your approach. As you say, we can't expect everyone to like what we write. I have seen some unpleasant reviews of Christian books which I suspect were written with ill intent by someone who set out to discredit the book / author for personal reasons. Christian books will stir up opposition. Maybe when this happens, it is an opportunity to pray for that person (and for the review to be removed!). Also, it's likely reviewers aren't thinking about the author at all when they write a review. They are simply reviewing a product they purchased on Amazon or wherever without considering the personal impact it will have.

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