Maybe you haven’t heard the story, but there’s a lot to learn. Earlier this week, a blogger posted a review of an author’s self-published ebook. The review was positive, for the most part, but included a few nicely worded criticisms.
The story really started when the book’s author began posting comments, asking the blogger to remove the review, and later calling him a liar, among other things. It didn’t take long for the blog to go viral on Twitter, and soon hundreds of blog readers took the author to task for her behavior.
Sadly, the author’s name will be connected to poor behavior for a long time.
While I decided not to post a link to the melee, I thought the educational value was something useful to the writing community in general. In the coming years, many more of us will choose the self-publishing route over traditional publishing (which many now call “legacy” publishing). How new authors handle the inevitable criticism and bad reviews will raise them head and shoulders above the sea of others.
Here’s a couple things I’ve learned from the issue:
1. Begin now to grow a thick skin. No one will ever write a perfect book that everyone likes. Including me. So now is the time to get accustomed to hearing what’s not working in my manuscript, even if I don’t agree. That’s why I’ve joined critique groups, why I enter contests, and why I let others read my writing.
2. Determine to act like a professional. I need to ensure that my online communication, and the way I deal with people is respectful, polite, and shows I’m conscious of the fact that others have valid opinions. I hope to never respond in anger, or verbally abuse an individual just because I disagree.
3. Realize the value of a reader. My future readers will include critique partners, beta readers, agents, editors, reviewers, and the buying public. Most of them will not get paid to read my book—in fact, some will be spending their own money, plus their own time. That is something not to be taken lightly.
There’s lots more to learn about developing a writer’s rhino skin. What would you add to the list?
I don't have anything to add to the list (except agree with everything you've said). I do, however, want to point out that, though the author did behave exceptionally poorly, what started out as reasoned expressions on the part of the readers became an all out witch hunt.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't just the author who came off looking like a unprofessional tool. The reviewer, quite gladly, didn't partake in the witch hunt, but plenty of others did.
I can add a section to the post today: If ever you come across an author who responds particularly poorly to a review on a public forum, do keep in mind that your behaviour towards them will also be public.
Keep it civil. Everyone makes mistakes.
That's a fantastic point. I agree, the reviewer posted a clarification or two, but did not join in on the author bashing. He came out looking professional when all was said and done. What we post on the internet lasts a long, long time.
ReplyDelete~Debbie
Ditto to both comments. We reap what we sow, both in actions and reactions. It is imperative to remain professional in all interactions with the public
ReplyDeleteThat's a great illustration, Terri. And it's a fairly small business, so negative actions get talked about.
ReplyDelete~Debbie
Wow. I'm still shaking my head at this one. This was painful to read. The review didn't seem that bad to me. It's helpful to have a buddy to vent to, so you don't resort to this behavior.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Stacy. It's not that you *can't* vent, you just need to be careful where you do it.
ReplyDelete~Debbie
I couldn't believe what I was seeing with this whole thing - the lady obviously can't take criticism...or a beta reader's advice ;)
ReplyDeleteIt really makes me want to get used to accepting criticism gracefully, that's for sure!
ReplyDelete~Debbie