Guest post by Kartharine Johnson
We’re all different. We all like different things. That’s part of being human.
As writers, we know that however hard we try, our books aren’t going to please everyone. We also know as readers that we can’t like every book we read.
And yet it’s so hard when something you’ve poured life and soul into for months if not years is trashed.
I don’t know about you but my stomach flips when I see a new review has been added and I feel a bit sick in those few seconds of anticipation as I click to see what’s been written.
I’ve written three novels with a fourth being published on May 10th. While I’m excited about seeing my youngest book baby go out into the world I’m also a bit nervous because at this stage I’ve no idea what people will think of it.
I accept that not everyone will love my new book – and some will probably hate it.
And mostly I’m fine with that.
I’ve had reviews for my other books from readers who weren’t wild about them and some from people who liked some aspects more than others – which is fine. I appreciate that the person has taken the time to read and give their opinion.
But what about the one-star reviews? Sometimes they’re just ratings with no comment, sometimes they are abusive rants.
I’ve just received my first one-star review for The Silence, my psychological thriller set in Tuscany. I’ve been a bit spoilt up until now because I’ve had 96% four and five stars for my first 50 reviews (as well as a few three stars from people who were obviously less enthusiastic about it but managed to remain polite.) However, I always suspected it was just a matter of time.
So how will I deal with this one?
Well, for one thing by telling myself I’m in good company. I couldn’t resist checking out this very angry, anonymous reader’s other reviews. Out of 26 reviews, 18 had been given one star, including books by some very well-known and popular writers. Judgements like “boring” and “rubbish” appear frequently, and readers are urged not to waste their money. At least it’s a relief to know this customer won’t be buying any more of my books!
The more unreasonable the comments, the easier they are to laugh off but low-star reviews are annoying because they bring down your star rating. The only thing we can do is keep in mind they are only that person’s opinion.
But it’s unfair when a negative review includes spoilers, and when the review shows the reader hasn’t read or understood the book.
Some authors have fought back by shaming the worst reviewers, reading out their reviews online. So far I’ve resisted the temptation to do that and have tried to ignore but it isn’t easy.
I was so tempted to respond to a reviewer for my first book, pointing out everything they’d got wrong and asking them to remove the spoilers. In the end, I didn’t send my response because I had no idea how things would escalate and because the advice is to never respond but whereas the reviewer might have had a few moments’ fun letting off steam, for the author the review’s always there and could well put other people off the book.
It is possible to complain when rules have been breached. I don’t know many authors who’ve been successful with this but it can happen – one author I know had their mean review removed when another writer complained to Amazon that they suspected the reviewer was known to the author (which they were.)
Another thing you can do is ask other authors and to mark your best reviews as helpful so they appear at the top of the page when new potential readers land on your book page
What’s your top tip for dealing with negative reviews?
Katharine Johnson
The Suspects
Katharine Johnson
Shallow Grave meets The Secret History in this quirky psychological thriller
Bristol, 1988. Five young graduates on the threshold of their careers buy a house together in order to get a foot on the property ladder before prices spiral out of their reach. But it soon becomes the house share from hell.
After their New Year’s Eve party, they discover a body – and it's clear they’ll be the first suspects. As each of them has a good reason from their past not to trust the police, they come up with a solution – one which forces them into a life of secrets and lies. But can they trust each other?
"The hugely talented Katharine Johnson has, again delivered a tense thriller! This is a compelling novel - up there with Erin Kelly and Sophie Hannah." -- Val Penny, author of The Edinburgh Crime Mysteries.
“Gripping and frighteningly realistic. The twists and turns kept me guessing to the very end.” – Jo Fenton, author of The Brotherhood.
Purchase Links:
About the author:
Katharine Johnson was born in Bristol and now lives in Berkshire. She’s worked as a journalist on lots of magazines and has written a history book about Windsor. When not writing you’ll usually find her with a book in one hand and a coffee in the other, restoring a house in Italy, walking her spaniel or playing netball (although not usually at the same time.)
www.crookedcatbooks.com @crookedcatbooks
COMPETITION TIME!!
Giveaway to Win copies of The Suspects and The Silence (Open International)
1st Prize - signed paperback of The Suspects
2nd Prize audiobook of The Silence – any region
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