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I remember my first bad review. It was a two star, and the reader 'just couldn't get into it'. I was surprised at my reaction....It didn't hurt. In fact, it was a bit of a relief as I came to the realization that I couldn't please everyone. Not everyone would understand or like my work, and it took the pressure off a bit.
Of course this meant giving up the dream of uniting the planet in peace and love, like the 'Wild Stallions' of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.
Bummer as it was, this is reality. You can't please everyone.
Now, since I know that, why is it so hard to GIVE a bad review?
This is my third time with this dilemma, but the difference is...I didn't finish the last two books. They just couldn't hold my interest. To be fair, both were YA (Young Adult) and I've come to the conclusion that besides 'Hunger Games', I simply don't care about that particular genre. No finish, no review. It wouldn't be fair.
So I won a collection of short stories from an indie author. I'm almost finished the book, and I am faced with an uncomfortable situation.
This writer gifted me with a FREE copy of his latest work, and politely asked me for a review, which we all do. Here's the problem:
I hated it, and since it's short stories, I kept reading, hoping for something I could immerse myself in and enjoy.
I found ONE creepy, awesome ghost story. All the other shorts are negative, devoid of pleasantness or happy endings. The characters have constant, circular arguments that only add as filler. They all have the same accent. Some of the stories have no point at all. There's a lot of typos. (But who doesn't do the occasional typo? This blog and my Facebook pages are LITTERED with them, because I type with two fingers.)
I don't want to point out their shortcomings in public. If it wasn't for relentless, brutally honest critique partners, I wouldn't be any better. (Again, thank you Suzanne, Jan and Dawn.)
My publisher tells me to never give a review for an indie author unless you can give it at least THREE stars. Which is well and good, but it looks like I love everything and everyone like some kind of throwback flowerchild. I'm scared I won't look 'legit'.
Does anyone have any advice? How do you give a crap review when you are an author yourself?
You have the ability to understand the mechanics and creative process required to write successfully. It is up to you to share your opinion. You were asked for your input and to be anything less then honest is a real disservice. I know you would only want to hear what you could take in and use to improve your craft. Good luck! :-)
ReplyDeleteKevin, you're probably right. It's just that this book was sooooo terrible! One star isn't low enough. I think maybe it's difficult because I really don't have anything nice to say about it. :( I don't want to be hurtful.
DeleteI'm curious as to why your publisher would tell you not to review anything less than 3 stars. I can attest that some self-published works are absolute junk, and reviews are there to warn others of this. I mean, really, who doesn't have spell-check, and how hard would it be to find at least one beta reader? Life is too short to read bad books.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel :)
DeleteMy publisher and I had a discussion about that. The problem with giving a bad review isn't always about the author and their work. Sometimes, if it isn't the author themselves, it's the FANS. I know of at least two blogger/reviewers who've received backlash for their honest opinions. Everything from "Go play in traffic, bitch." to death threats.There are people out there who will publicly trash a writer on social media and convince others to boycott their work for 'honest reviews'. It's an unfortunate truth.
Yea, unfortunately I've also gotten backlash from writing a few negative reviews. Fortunately, it's stayed relegated to Amazon only, and I'm not an author, so I can see where this could bite you in the you-know-what.
DeleteI couldn't have said it any better than Kevin Warren. Personally, if I do something that is complete crap and everyone around me just smiles and nods in approval, later when I finally get my head out of the clouds and see my work for what it truly is, I get embarrassed and it totally trashes my confidence. Plus, I get angry with the people that patronized me because of their dishonesty. How can I trust that they'll give me constructive criticism in the future? I can't, so, I turn to the ones that gave me their harsh opinions. At least then I know they're not just saving face.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you Anonymous, but like I said to Rachel, some people (or their fans) can't take criticism. I think I'd be more comfortable if I knew the person, or if there were other reviews up there. I'm still thinking about this, because it's a difficult decision.
ReplyDeleteDonna don't over think this. Do what you would want done for you. Would you truly want false praise? I know you would prefer an honest review. that is the only way you can grow. I have confidence you will do the thing that is right for you. Can you decline the opportunity to review the book?
ReplyDeleteThanks Kevin...I CAN avoid giving a review if I choose. He isn't a writer I know personally. When I say a request for a review was given, I meant he asked the reader at the end of the book. I am safely anonymous. I hate my cowardice, but I can't say anything nice, and I don't want to be hurtful. This book is a perfect example of those who self-publish because they think anyone can write a book. Sigh...
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