All About YA discussion

So I visited a blog yesterday, and she read a book for review (not naming names). Then, the author slammed her on Facebook and sent people to harass her on her blog and Twitter account. I went to the author's Facebook page, and I was stunned at the immaturity that I refuse to now read the book. It was like looking at a middle schoolers page. And more authors were in on it! They were all being so immature about one bad review. It was disgusting.

What are your thoughts on this? Have you been harassed by an author for a bad review? Have you seen it happen?

I have not personally had this done to me, but I know a couple of people that had the same thing happen to them. This is the world we live in now. You really can't stop people from acting nuts. When I review, I try to be a nice as possible. If I do have problems with a book, I'll notify the author and give my reasons. The authors that I deal with have no problem with this. If the situation happen to me, I would just ignore it and continue on, but will not read other books for review by that author. My reason is this: everybody has a right to their own opinion. Some people can take the constructive feedback while others can not. Avoid those. My life is too short to argue with others.

Exactly. I've also seen quite a few authors who have threatened to sue reviewers for defamation. It's insane. Like they asked for reviews. They asked for the opinions, so they should know that everyone is entitled to his/her own opinions. I've given quite a few negative reviews, but I keep everything as honest and kind-worded as possible.

The only thing I have ever seen really wrong from reviewers is when they personally attack an author. I've seen it once on here, and then I visited the profile of the reviewer. It was ugly and unprofessional.

There is always somebody that will upset the balance. Lots of people will transfer that on everybody else. I try to stay away from those. Not worth the aggravation or my time.

I was curious to see if any authors I've given bad book reviews too were a bit on the odd side, and I found one.

D: That's terrible. I actually hadn't realized this happened until I rad this... From now on I'll try to keep my negative reviews as nice and professional as possible, I guess~

Connie wrote: "D: That's terrible. I actually hadn't realized this happened until I rad this... From now on I'll try to keep my negative reviews as nice and professional as possible, I guess~"

I've noticed that it's more common with newer authors. Sometimes reviewers are just plain nasty, but it's still uncalled for.

I've heard about authors doing things like this but I've never seen it. Some of them end up being quite big names but I never know the details of it. Personally, I think it's best not to say anything. Authors have feelings and they can be hurt just like anyone else's but that doesn't give them the right to attack a reviewer. I've had bad reviews before but I've also had very good ones and the bad ones never make me feel as bad as the good ones make me feel good. You just have to let some things go.

Kay wrote: "I've heard about authors doing things like this but I've never seen it. Some of them end up being quite big names but I never know the details of it. Personally, I think it's best not to say anythi..."

So true. I'm glad an author jumped in on this one!

I feel bad when I write a bad review, but I write them respectfully. I would never write one just to attack an author. It's just my thoughts on the book.

Erin wrote: "Kay wrote: "I've heard about authors doing things like this but I've never seen it. Some of them end up being quite big names but I never know the details of it. Personally, I think it's best not t..."
No problem. I thought it was an interesting topic.

Sometimes it can be hard if a book realy offends you in some way (like if you find it sexist or racist) but there's a polite way to write a review and, to be honest, the author still has to let the reviewer have their opinion, unless they're outright insulting the author. Even then it's best to just take the high road and walk away.

There should never be such a thing as a "bad review". Good can be found in anything. Before my computer crashed, and I was down 9 months, I was regularly critiquing art and literature.

Never have I found a reason to 1 or 2 star anything. I believe that the 1 and 2 star review shows more of a lack of understanding of the critique/review process, and need/meaning.

My overall opinion about the critiquing of all arts, and the critic's need to be the one showing humility, is here, for anyone interested in a different from the mainstream view of the role of reviewer. For too many people, the reviewer seems to think awfully highly of themselves, especially being the one who did nothing to create the "Art" in the first place.

Criticism of the Arts

As an author myself I've been subjected to reviews that were less than favorable...but the way I look at it is...when I set about to write the book I have a specific set of readers in mind. When someone doesn't get it, or doesn't like it...well they weren't part of my target market group, and I'm sorry they didn't like it.

I do know the thing that frustrates me is being blamed for things beyond my control. Like right now, the file of my prequel on NetGalley is really messed up because when the publishers PDF's convert for Kindle it makes double letters. And I'm the one getting dinged with 1 and 2 stars for bad editing and typos...sigh.

I do know there was one woman I had to talk about on Facebook...you have to know that I'm not a romance writer, and any romance I put in the series is because my publisher said I should...but I digress.

The woman said I made her heart palpitate and her hands sweat. (My thought was she should see a Dr. about that.) But then she said that because my female character THOUGHT..."Why did I kiss him? Because it felt right."...the woman was NOT going to let her teens read it because I was sending wrong signals to them.

*sigh* ...Have mercy!

Bonnie wrote: "As an author myself I've been subjected to reviews that were less than favorable...but the way I look at it is...when I set about to write the book I have a specific set of readers in mind. When so..."

I agree. I always feel bad for authors who get 1 star reviews on Amazon just because their copy of the book didn't arrive for weeks or was in poor condition. That's a review of the service not the product's content. I would be quite irritated if that happened to one of my books.

As an author it is really hard to get a bad review (honestly, a really bad one can actually make you feel physically sick because we are normally pretty deeply invested in the work we've created) - but you kind of just have to develop a thick skin and get on with life. Attacking the reviewer is just plain wrong.

I've been lucky so far that I've not had any majorly negative reviews on my books - the lowest is 3.5 stars I think, and the reviewers were constructive and honest so it didn't bother me too much when they were critical.

But I know that when I was still putting my stuff on online writing sites like Inkpop and getting regular comments and feedback I got some pretty negative ones. My response? Say thank you for the feedback and move on. I never argue with a reviewer because everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Which is the only reason I disagree with Guy - I think there is a place for low reviews and 'bad reviews'. An opinion is an opinion and we are all entitled to express them.

The only time I would disagree is when the review attacks the author not the book. That can be a little out of order. But as an author I think that I would still just walk away from a review like that - I certainly wouldn't dream of attacking the reviewer back.

Anyway - just my 2 cents.

ROFLOL...I had one lady give me a 1-star because when she opened the digital file on her iPad there was nothing there. I really wanted to say, "Lady give me a break!" I really refrain from most comments though because no matter how well intentioned it will most always end badly.

One thing I could note for authors here...if someone complains that you didn't address a specific issue or answer a question, and you know right where that answer or issue was addressed...the person was bored with the book and were skimming...so they missed it.

Way back on my first book, I had a woman that gave five...count 'em...FIVE things I didn't address. And me....in my naivete went and looked up all the answers, and *snort-giggle* gave her page number and paragraph for each...her response..."Sorry...I was bored and skimmed a lot."

*sigh*...not in my target market group!

Nicola wrote: "As an author it is really hard to get a bad review (honestly, a really bad one can actually make you feel physically sick because we are normally pretty deeply invested in the work we've created) -..."

Totally agreed Nicola! I saw a flame war a couple of years ago where an author went after a reviewer really bad, and it turned into an all out way of reviewer friends and author friends...it got pretty nasty and even got news time of GalleyCat. :-(

Kay wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "As an author myself I've been subjected to reviews that were less than favorable...but the way I look at it is...when I set about to write the book I have a specific set of readers i..."

That's why they have the shipping feedback feature. OMG. I can't stand stupid people. I always get damaged books, and I always make sure to leave the shipping feedback first.

That's why they have the shipping feedback feature. OMG. I can't stand stupid people. I always get damaged books, and I always make sure to leave the shipping feedback first.

There are so many people that can barely find the buttons, and don't have a clue about the shipping features and such...

Bonnie wrote: "That's why they have the shipping feedback feature. OMG. I can't stand stupid people. I always get damaged books, and I always make sure to leave the shipping feedback first.

There are so many pe..."

Oh man. I always get an email after it's delivered to leave the shipping feedback. I figured that everyone got it.

But I've noticed that their website appearance changes all the time. Sometimes I get a new and sleek design, and it's so easy to use, and other times... I get a hot mess of a website.

Erin wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "That's why they have the shipping feedback feature. OMG. I can't stand stupid people. I always get damaged books, and I always make sure to leave the shipping feedback first.

There..."

LOL...there are people that never open their emails...and wouldn't know if they got a feedback form...

True. Very true.

Erin wrote: "True. Very true."

LOL...we need like buttons here!

Bonnie wrote: "Erin wrote: "True. Very true."

LOL...we need like buttons here!"

We do. It would make things so much more interesting in the groups. lol

*like* Do emoticons work here? Let me try a thumbs up (Y)

Bonnie wrote: "*like* Do emoticons work here? Let me try a thumbs up (Y)"

I don't know. I've tried to add them from my iPod, but they have never worked.

Nope...mine didn't work either. *sad face*

I hate getting bad reviews. As mentioned above it makes me sick to my stomach. But... It is going to happen. If the negative review is because of a specific issue that I can learn from, then I try my best to learn from it. But if it's just BAD... Well then I mope around for a few days but I keep my feelings offline. A review is a courtesy, and even bad reviews can bump interest. Besides, you never know if your next book will convert the reviewer.

I think it's disgusting behavior and totally unprofessional, I saw it happen with The Selection series awhile back? The author and someone working with her slammed a reviewer for writing a negative review..

While I agree with what everyone here is saying, I believe there are certain lines that should not be crossed on both sides of the fence. No, the author should not resort to this type of behavior, and more often than not should refrain from commenting period.

On the other side, while the reviewer has every right to their opinion, there's a fine line between a negative opinion and outright insults. It's a line I do not believe should be crossed either.

I've only ever published a handful of super short stories, and while I got a lot of love for a few, there were inevitably haters. I never once sought out to speak to one of them. But, on two occasions, these people decided to seek me out via email. One lady tore into the theme of one of my stories and saying how offended she was by it. She got the theme wrong, so I very calmly told her that that wasn't what the story was about and explained the true inspiration of the story to her. Her response "You're an idiot and you clearly don't know what the story is about!"(I edited to remove swear words, as per the group rules, but just know they were there).
My response to that was "If you don't like the story, that's fine, but do you really want to argue with me over what a story I wrote is about? Because that's like the one argument I literally cannot lose."

I then received hate mail from her and a few of her friends about how I was being unprofessional(along with how I was being other choice words not allowed in discussions in this group).

I did vent about it on my personal Facebook to friends. Never named names or anything, just shared the gist, kind of like I did here. Honestly, I don't even feel slightly bad about it, because I feel she crossed a line and I did not.

Tommy wrote: "While I agree with what everyone here is saying, I believe there are certain lines that should not be crossed on both sides of the fence. No, the author should not resort to this type of behavior, ..."

You are correct. You did not cross the line...she did. And in a case like that I'd have posted her emails on Facebook...with her name, telling people, "...and this one thinks she and her bad language know what my story is about better than I do."

After all...she contacted you! You didn't seek her out.

Well... I just saw a pretty rude rant from an author on Twitter, and I can say that I definitely don't want to read her book now. Apparently reviewers shouldn't write negative reviews.

I'm sorry, but not everyone is going to like a book, and you can't tell reviewers that they can't say that they didn't like something. I feel like that's taking away my freedom of speech and press.

I think it should be sorta like the group rules here..."treat each other with respect...but please be kind if you disagree with someone."

Everyone has free speech...some things are just not profitable to say.

I thought any publicity was good publicity??

I like my reviewers honest, if you don't like it let me know why. I always try to treat people with respect and a bit of kindness if I can manage it. ☺️

LOL...authors behaving badly is not good publicity :-)

Bonnie wrote: "I think it should be sorta like the group rules here..."treat each other with respect...but please be kind if you disagree with someone."

Everyone has free speech...some things are just not profit..."

Right? And because of how everything is on the Internet, I was able to find the person this author was talking about in a matter of minutes.

I can understand being upset over a negative review, but slamming that reviewer, especially over Twitter is just terrible.

C.D. wrote: "I thought any publicity was good publicity??

I like my reviewers honest, if you don't like it let me know why. I always try to treat people with respect and a bit of kindness if I can manage it. ☺️"

That's what I do when I review. I'm honest, but professional, so I expect the same courtesy from the authors, even if I dislike their book. It's just human decency.

But I agree with Bonnie... when authors act like that, I'm less likely to want to read anything by them. It's just annoying to see published authors act like middle school students.

I agree Erin!

Authors...and I am one so I know...have to realize that not every person is part of their target market group, and sometimes when reviewers get rude, you just have to let it go.

Bonnie wrote: "I think it should be sorta like the group rules here..."treat each other with respect...but please be kind if you disagree with someone."

Everyone has free speech...some things are just not profit..."

I agree with this wholeheartedly. If you create any type of art and put it out there and reach enough people, there are going to be people who love it and hate it, regardless of quality. As an artist(or author) you have to go into your craft knowing this. To this date, there is not a single artist/product that is universally loved, why should a book you write be any different?
So, yes, the consumer has every right to their opinion and should express it. But respect must always be present. Writing a book isn't easy, so while I haven't liked every book I've read, I try really hard not to bash it, even while tearing it apart.


My reviewing/consuming philosophy:
I personally try to find the good in everything. It's very rare for me to find a story that just "Sucks". Even the polarizing Twilight. Not a big fan, but there were moments here and there that I loved(i.e. Alice's backstory/vamp origin story)
And even when I don't like a book, I try to get it into the hands of someone who will. So rather than focus on what I didn't like, I'll point those things out, then, with more emphasis, point out the things I think certain readers might enjoy. I've got other people to read books I disliked with this strategy, and have found books I love based on similar "bad" reviews.

If reviewers go in respectfully, both for the author as a human and as a creator, the reviews should rarely get rude even if they hated the book. And as far as the author is concerned, unless this person REALLY crossed the line, don't bother with them. Your focus should be on your target audience. They're the ones who are going to lift your spirits, share your work, and(potentially) pay your bills. By expressing hate towards your work, or you as an author(or especially you as a person) this person has removed themselves from your target audience and, thus, you should remove them from your mind and push forward.

LOL...we need like buttons here!

*Like* what Tommy said!

I'd like to second the Like.

Bonnie wrote: "I agree Erin!

Authors...and I am one so I know...have to realize that not every person is part of their target market group, and sometimes when reviewers get rude, you just have to let it go."

Exactly. It shows so much more maturity and grace to just let the bad reviews slide. I have a much greater respect for authors who do that. :)

Bonnie wrote: "LOL...we need like buttons here!

*Like* what Tommy said!"


Denise wrote: "I'd like to second the Like."


Well, shucks :)

Well this one is all over Twitter right now... I'll let you decide this one from Kathleen Hale for yourselves.

http://www.donotlink.com/framed?565129

I am surprised to not see more chat about the whole Kathleen Hale situation.

Personally, I hate that the continuing bad behaviour of a few authors tars the rest of us.

Nicola wrote: "I am surprised to not see more chat about the whole Kathleen Hale situation.

Personally, I hate that the continuing bad behaviour of a few authors tars the rest of us."

It's been insane on Twitter about her. I can't believe that she actually did that. And then a few days ago, another author hit a reviewer in the head with a bottle of wine.

It's sickening, and I feel bad for the authors out there who act professionally and with grace and maturity.

I saw that, makes me wary of who I'll review for anymore. I dont wanna be attacked or stalked. Lol. Although,I can honestly say every author I've ever dealt with personally has been very lovely and kind.

I'm really surprised though this lady wrote an entire article about what she had done. I think that sorta thing should be kept to yourself. I've also heard people comment that they think it's a "funny" article, not a serious one.

Lanie wrote: "I saw that, makes me wary of who I'll review for anymore. I dont wanna be attacked or stalked. Lol. Although,I can honestly say every author I've ever dealt with personally has been very lovely and..."

I've had a few get pretty upset with me for not wanting to review their books. Like my review policy lists what I do and don't read, and they've tried to push books on me and I won't read them. But I've been pretty lucky so far with reactions to negative reviews.

Oh, thats not goodD: I hate when people get pushy! As long as you have a policy and people can see it, Im not sure why they bother:(

I've only had trouble with one bad review, but I never had to communicate with them. They just went through my reviews and gave them all thumbs down on Amazon. lol

Lanie wrote: "Oh, thats not goodD: I hate when people get pushy! As long as you have a policy and people can see it, Im not sure why they bother:(

I've only had trouble with one bad review, but I never had to c..."

I hate when that happens. It's not very mature.