Suggestions on Dealing with a Bad Review

by

David S Grant

It happened, you got a bad review.  It happens to the greatest and most “successful” artists every day.  Still, after reading the bad review you may need more than a hug.  Here are some suggestions on how to handle the bad news.

1. Don’t overreact. This applies to both good and bad reviews: stay “Even Steven”, and understand its part of the promotion process. 
2. Promote the good parts. For example “David S. Grant’s new book balances his sense of humor with the dark topic of murder…” See, not so bad. Now that’s a blurb I can use, never mind that the review continued “…, but his emotionless and materialistic characters didn’t impress me.” It goes without saying which blurb will make the press release! 

Reviews are an author's gold

by

Nicholas Maze

How do you get reviews?

When it comes to books, reviews are partial gold. Reviews spark a person’s interest. If you are new to the writing scene and have no reviews you can easily be overlooked: an individual will not take the time to read about your book, even if it is a genre that they love.

Although you spent months or years writing, that two-paragraphed review could hold the life of your book in its hands.

At the same time, you can have great reviews, but no one ever sees them. Being unknown can stop you from being noticed all together. So, a long list of great reviews can mean nothing. Reviews are a gamble, but definitely worth the risk.

I also utilize book review services, such as *bookrooster.com and *bookplex.com. These organizations locate reviewers for you, who turnaround and submit their reviews to various online sites. By submitting reviews to various online stores, they are increasing your presence and certifying you as a worthy writer.

*Louise Wise: I haven't checked these out, but be expected to pay.

How do you deal with bad ones?

In my world, a bad review is excellent!

I’ll give two key reasons why I enjoy bad reviews. First, a bad review helps you to grow. When you receive a poor review, you have the opportunity to see where you might have made a mistake or maybe missed some information. Bad reviews help you to grow as a writer.

My second benefit is reality. When a curious reader is going through your reviews, they will come across that negative review. Of course they will wonder if the book is terrible, but they will also see that real people reviewed your work. And, if you have good or great reviews to go along with it, they can weigh their options.

About a week ago, I received my lowest review for my latest work (EXIT: How to Leave Debt Forever). The reviewer titled the review, “I didn’t find anything new here.”

Although, the title stated how my book was just like any other financial book, the reviewer yet pointed out that they learned something in the book. This type of review is even better, because I not only received a “lower than average” review, but I also received good remarks on my work. So, a curious reader will be led to read the negative review and find a positive spin on it.

One thing you have to remember is that you will not please everyone, so write from your heart and find the good in all your reviews and comments.

The Exit

How to Leave Debt Forever

What 12+ years of schooling never provided is located within this amazing literature. From basic instructions on saving to the reason for America’s current financial dilemma, we receive great advice in the world of finance. People across the globe are crying for relief that will never come. In EXIT, we learn that financial strain is planned and orchestrated. The more America suffers financially, the more successful certain individuals become. How do we eliminate a problem that has been in place for almost 100 years? We first learn how to exit, escape.  

Genre - Non-Fiction/Self-Help/Financial

Format - Paperback & Ebook
Publisher - Pearle Pages Publishing
Released - February 21, 2012


Purchase Links:
Nicholas Maze Website
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Itunes
Lulu

Getting an agent - Mortal Kombat style

by 

Emlyn Chand

Do you like to play video games? Have you ever played Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Soul Calibur, or Super Smash Brothers?

If you’re a writer who has attempted to land a literary agent, then you have to some degree. Securing a literary agent is one part fight and one part game, and there are many rounds to this battle.

I’ve made it through the first match alive but slightly worse for the wear. Rather than explain my literary agent submission experience in lengthy, dramatic prose, I thought it would be more fun to turn it into a video game script.

Welcome to Book Basher Super Fiiiight Time—Hiyaah!

Deep in the snowy wasteland of the mid-January Midwest, our hero boldly prepares for battle. With nothing more than a six-time-revised manuscript and a dash of hope, she sets forth on her journey toward publication.

Meanwhile in the magical urban forest called “New York,” an army of battle-weary agents also prepare for their day’s journeys. They have emerged victorious many times before and think nothing of today’s show-down.

Within the space of the cyber realm, at last they shall meet.

Our hero goes forth, query in hand, with minimal armor to protect her feelings. Although she has honed her skills for more than one year, nothing could have prepared her for this first battle.

Emlyn vs. The Literary Agents—Battle 1—Fiiiight!

OUR HERO: “I’m calling on my strength.” She circles her arms and performs a sun salute.

AGENT #1:  "He, he. I will make you cry!" She looks at our hero from over her shoulder, sticks out her tongue, and winks.

OUR HERO inches forward, hesitantly, toward her opponent

AGENT #1 performs a swift maneuver, pulling a red rejection stamp out of her pocket and bringing it to rest on our hero’s manuscript—KO—“You die too easily, hmmpf!”

Out in MAY!