This is a response to something I personally find pretty disgusting: authors attacking book reviewers, either under a pseudonym or their real name.
Repeat after me, writers: Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
Fact: Your writing isn’t going to appeal to every single person who reads it.
Also fact: There will be readers who do enjoy your writing.
This thinking that ‘any publicity is good publicity’ is bullshit. Look at Tiger Woods. Yeah, negative publicity really worked for him, didn’t it?
If you are so thin-skinned that you have to scour book review blogs, Amazon and message boards where readers talk about the books they’ve read and defend yourself by responding, you are in the WRONG BUSINESS.
Yes, there will be some who read and then post something along the lines of ‘OMG, it sUxored! Dont bUy!’, but hello? Ignore it.
Some will also read and post ‘OMG, the best book evar!’ (just like they do for every book they read and ‘review’). Again, ignore it.
Responding to negative reviews, or rather, picking a fight with the reviewer (and anyone else who weighs in), is a quick trip to showing the world your ass. And that you can be one.
If you want to comment on negative reviews, pick those that give a thoughtful, well-written negative review – and just say ‘thank you, I’ll keep your criticisms in mind’.
You’re not doing yourself, your career, your publisher, editor, etc. people involved with each of your titles any favors by acting like an ego driven, screaming harpy.
Readers ARE entitled to their own opinions. You’re entitled to yours, but you don’t have to air it publicly when it comes to reviews.
Of course, I guess if you don’t have anything better to do, like say, writing, well…go ahead and make an ass out of yourself for all to see.


