That’s right, be grateful! Why? Because those low reviews act as gatekeepers, keeping those readers that really wouldn’t enjoy your book from reading it. With The Arrival on the free list again I’m now privy to understanding just how valuable those negative reviews are. When you look at The Arrival’s page on Amazon, the most popular reviews are three low ranked ones, all complaining about the style. Which is GREAT! Because it stops the click happy greedy people from downloading it willy nilly. Instead, readers are having a read of the sample and then downloading the book. This in turn means more readers who will genuinely enjoy your book. So don’t take those bad reviews to heart, because in the long run they’re often more valuable than the good reviews—not that you, as the author will feel that way (I don’t know an author who doesn’t like to hear that a reader loved their book *grin*).
Now, I’m looking for something different. Writers of unusual styles and topics. Having written a book that can often receive polar opposite reviews, due to the different style it was written in (to all those scratching your head over this, apparently writing in 1st & 3rd person in the way I do isn’t done ;p) I know how frustrating it can be to have to explain your writing again and again. I think the short and skinny of it really is, if you enjoy it—great! If you don’t, then don’t worry and read something else.
So all you writers out there with unusual and not-popular topics seeking a spot to tell everyone about your work get in touch! I should specify, this is for indie, fictional works only. Use my contact form and let me know you’re interested in having a guest spot on this blog. Basically I’ll require a blog post from you explaining a bit about yourself, your style and your current available works. I would also love your favorite good AND bad review and why (and you’re welcome to be as honest as you like here *grin*). I’ll put up whatever links you provide and I’m even considering creating a page on the blog where I can store these interviews so others will have an easy spot to find them later on.
So get in touch! And spread the word if you know of a writer like this trying to get their works noticed.
Take care all!
Nic
The Arrival, available for free right here on this blog!
Awakening on Amazon or UK Amazon or in Epub format right here on my blog (the bright yellow buttons on left!)
My only complaint…I got the 1st one free, then HAD to buy the second. It's done and now I've got to wait almost a year. I didn't get the criticism about the points of view anyway; the stories made perfect sense to me.
*hee* and really, that's the best complaint I've seen *grin*
Bad reviews are hard to get, but they are just as good to have as good reviews. I recently got my first low review for my debut novel and it was rough but I ranted privately and got over the pain and went on to see a possible good out of it. The person who wrote it is a friend on goodreads so among my good reviews from friends is a bad review and I'm hoping it will show ppl that the reviews from friends I have are honest and truthful. =)
*lol* thank you to you both 🙂 I'm not hurt in anyway by bad reviews now, I've got plenty ;p I put this post up for those who might be fretting that bad reviews are ruining their chances 🙂
Big hugs from me! You have a great attitude – it's definitely a strength of character to be able to turn negatives into positives – something I struggle to do! So yay for you! Enjoy writing!! Take care
x
and you know how people love negative things so I bet a lot of them click on those negative reviews just to feed on some evilness 🙁
I swear, I have most comments when I post some darker film, and whenever I do heartwarming, positive, loving posts I get the lowest amount of comments 🙁
It's a bit disappointing that isn't it, Dezzie. You'd like to think most people look for the light.
Hi Nicole:
So great of you to encourage struggling authors. Bad reviews are hard. I try not to be too negative, but if I'm sick you might get punched in the face. LOL I have noticed that writers review and look at things based on their training. If they have spent years being told one thing, it is difficult to see the benefit in breaking that rule.
I'm so glad you have found readers who love you.
Nancy
I think you're spot on with the attitude about bad reviews. I'm sure that would hurt, but you want people reading your work that connect with it. Great post!
Catherine Denton