Janet DiFabio's Blog
February 4, 2019
The Positive on Negative Reviews
One of the most difficult tasks in publishing a book is, well, publishing it. Never mind the actual process: outlining, writing, editing, editing, and more editing, cover design and type set. The hardest part is putting the book out there for everyone to read. It’s like throwing yourself into the ocean as live bait for sharks to feast on.
People who read your book are going to talk, and what they say isn’t always nice. Yes, it’s their opinion, but their opinion sometimes hurts.
As an author, I was once told to grow thick skin. “People are always going to judge you.” I agree, but it’s still difficult to suppress your emotions when people bash you, especially when you pour your heart and soul into your work.
But I’ve learned that you shouldn’t let these people define you. Being an author is only one tiny piece of a giant jigsaw puzzle of who you are. You are so much more beyond your book, so don’t let these people rip you apart. You can’t please everyone. It’s impossible.
Instead, evaluate their subjective opinion. Did they have a valid point? Maybe they did, but just said it in a negative way. If so, look for ways to learn from it. And if you can't take any positive away from it, hope no one else can either and move on.
Happy writing, my friends!
People who read your book are going to talk, and what they say isn’t always nice. Yes, it’s their opinion, but their opinion sometimes hurts.
As an author, I was once told to grow thick skin. “People are always going to judge you.” I agree, but it’s still difficult to suppress your emotions when people bash you, especially when you pour your heart and soul into your work.
But I’ve learned that you shouldn’t let these people define you. Being an author is only one tiny piece of a giant jigsaw puzzle of who you are. You are so much more beyond your book, so don’t let these people rip you apart. You can’t please everyone. It’s impossible.
Instead, evaluate their subjective opinion. Did they have a valid point? Maybe they did, but just said it in a negative way. If so, look for ways to learn from it. And if you can't take any positive away from it, hope no one else can either and move on.
Happy writing, my friends!
