Jeff Walker's Blog: Jeff Walker's - What The Blog?! - Posts Tagged "professional"

Okay, there seems to be a bit of a flame war going on with a few authors and reviewers of late. I don't understand the need to thrash out at each other on social media when and if it happens. Seriously people, enough already.

First off, let me just say that I do not encourage authors to reply to those that review your books in a negative light, just don't do it... period. You'll never get that person to change their view or become sympathetic to your ego in that moment. Trust me.

Secondly, for all you reviewers, don't talk about that person or rant publicly about what the author did. That's equally unprofessional. If the author lashed out... ignore them, they're obviously very insecure about their writing or haven't kept their ego in check for awhile.

I do not respond to reviewers that gave negative reviews. I don't really respond to those that do give good ones as well... but, if it was favourable, I can just give them a mention of thanks and leave it at that. Reviews are there to be helpful to the reader to decide on whether or not to choose your book. I would prefer them all to be in-depth and carefully worded as to not sound harsh. But, many are very passionate about sharing their opinion.

So are writers, apparently.

There needs to be a line both author and reviewer need to make. Authors want the review, of course, but we shouldn't be scolded on a personal level... just the book itself. And authors need to understand, that not all people will agree on your writing or storytelling ability. That's call individuality, and we humans have a lot of it.

Look, if an author rants on you about the review.... just be the bigger person and ignore them, or block them. And if you have to give a negative review... just let it be on the book and not the person themselves. Don't stoop down to a level that will obviously infuriate the writer. That's just asking for trouble. I know some authors are very defensive about their 'vision' and tend to puff out their chest when someone says "I don't like it", but there are fewer of them than you think.

The one thing I don't like is seeing that get plastered on social media. I'm not proud to admit it, but I did do that once, and I learned to just let it be. Stay professional in any thing you do. That's my advice. I hold that to be true now. If you like my work, fantastic, if you don't... well, I'll get over it. Cause that's just one person out of how many else that thought otherwise, right?

Just needed to get this off my chest.

Not a rant, but a concerned voice for peace amongst authors and reviewers.

Much thanks,
Jeff W.