Receiving Bad Reviews

Posted on by LittleFears

Nobody likes a bad review. Thankfully with January, I received mostly positive and balanced reviews. A belated shout-out to Great Northern Book Owl.

Capricorn, however, was an entirely different kettle of fish. I have received six reviews so far across the web. All bad. The best was a 2-star review that said most of the tales didn’t make sense. Fair do’s, I understand my writing is incredibly British. Weird fiction and horror tales mixed with British oddness aren’t going to be for everyone.

The other five reviews were all one star. Two reviews just left me one star with no comment. The other three left one-star reviews because Capricorn wasn’t my usual puns. Despite there being no mention of humour anywhere in the description of the book, with a synopsis emphasising horror, they are reviewing a book they got for free and moaning because it’s not humour? Are you kidding me?

So what am I meant to do in this situation? Six bad reviews, not one single good review for Capricorn that I have seen yet.

I start writing the next book.

Out of all six reviews, only the 2-star review had something useful to say. I take that as constructive criticism. ‘Because it’s not more of the same’ is not constructive criticism. I accept my writing isn’t for everybody. If someone doesn’t like a book or film, you can’t argue them into leaving a good review. So instead of burning energy chasing them, I shall spend that energy writing the next book. Figure out the next marketing strategy. Get doodling new illustrations. Work on getting the third book, Spiders, out in May.

I have also headed back to Skillshare, looking for new writing courses. Turns out Monika Kanokova has created a new class, The Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing: Publish and Sell Your Nonfiction Book.

I took her original class, An insightful guide to becoming a freelancer some time ago and quite enjoyed it. Although she writes non-fiction, the new class still has good information, and have nabbed a few interesting bits to take with me to the release of my next book.

In the meantime, if you’d like to read the better reviewed January, or give the horrors of Capricorn a read, click the links to purchase either on Amazon. Kindle digital editions are £4.99 and are under the links below.

January USA – $15.54   /   January UK – £12.00

Capricorn USA – $15.54   /   Capricorn UK – £12.00

95 thoughts on “Receiving Bad Reviews”

  1. I learned a long time ago, to expect 100 “no’s” or haters, to find that One YES. Rarely do you get the “yes” in your first 10 no’s. Never Give Up.

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    1. Heyas Heart. Yes, there will always be 100 rejections to 1 yes vote. Head down, and get writing the next book. 🙂

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      1. In the big picture, the naysers are insignificant particles of dust at the end of the day. Great description of British Literature, tastes. That’s what makes it brilliant. (Do I have to go to Amazon to read it? I’m a bit confused. There’s no other virtual (as in blog) backup of the work?

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      5. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but Ms Rowling was rejected a dozen times before a then small publisher took a risk with a bespectacled trainee wizard. I am soon to send my first three chapters off for the fourth time, so who knows…

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    2. I agree never give up! I almost gave up on my own life after I became paralyzed! but I am so thankful to my family and friends and to all those who support me and who help me through all my darkest moments in life!
      Now I try to inspire others in my situation or anybody needing inspiration to show that life is worth living and that you can overcome adversity not only that but you can thrive while doing it!!

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  3. Life is like that. Lots of complainers but few with a positive comment. This is true in art, politics, religion and commerce. Look for complaints and one will fnd them. Taking note of them can be demoralising. I agree … Never give up!

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      1. I say that all the time. I don’t like criticism unless it’s constructive. And like Little Fears said, “Only take note of the use for criticism” because if you listen to every hater that’s out there you too will soon become a hater

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      3. Be daring as you follow your heart seems so logical to me when it comes to writing, besides it’s burdensome to keep all those true stories in your heart…better for the world to taste them!

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  4. Funny (and a bit sad) that it sounds like people reviewed the book they EXPECTED and not the book that was actually in front of them, but human brains are often twisted in such fashion!

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    1. Yes, seen people do it with films. ‘Wasn’t like the first one’. That’s because if an entire trilogy was the same film repeated, you would get bored of it heh.

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  5. If you haven’t already, read short stories by DHL, Joyce, Chekov, Kafka, Maupassant, and Hemingway. And forget about likes/comments. Just write. Tell the truth. And open up a clearing.

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    1. Forget about the likes and comments, but if you see a genuine criticism (few and far between), should always take note. Then keep on writing. 🙂

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  6. Well, it’s this way, Little Fears: writers write–a mantra my mentor engrained in all her classes’ minds. You are absolutely correct in saying that not everyone will get or appreciate everything you have to offer, and that’s okay. Many notable authors struggled with rejection before they found their audience and achieved their writer’s success. And, although your niche may not be mine, don’t stop fulfilling your writer’s passion. If you feel there are ways you might improve your skills, seek them out. Listen to others. Pay attention to what you read. If anything you see or hear holds merit, mold those suggestions in to your style. Never be afraid or too egotistical to believe you know all there is to know about writing (or anything). Once you have established your voice (and I believe you have) stick with it, but never shy away from making that voice speak clearer. Best wishes for your writing success.
    BTW, I think British humor is great.

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    1. Cheers!

      Yes, took me to my mid-thirties to realise what my voice was and that waxed and waned. People change as do their writing. Just got to keep putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and keep generating the good stuff.

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  7. I’m sorry. It is difficult to get bad reviews. I think you are taking it the best way possible. Take what you can from the review release the rest, and get back to writing and improving your writing.

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    1. Wouldn’t say it’s difficult getting bad reviews, but it is a pain in the arse getting ‘bad’ bad reviews heh. Certain the best response is to take any criticism as constructive, ignore the rest, and get back to writing the next book. 🙂

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  10. You cant please everyone all the time. I often think that people who don’t like something are more likely to make a comment, than those who do. Its what’s we do as humans, ignore the good- focus on the bad. Your writing is quirky, and I’d say to those who don’t like that style- move on! its takes someone British to appreciate the British sense of style/humour. keep going.

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    1. Spot on. Another good example, I never understand people on who constantly bash Doctor Who every episode. Same thing, if you don’t like it, move on. Watching or reading something you don’t like is a massive waste of everyone’s time heh.

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  11. I have a had a few bad ones recently and it sucks, such a horrible feeling it feels like they are also insulting your life at times! Trying to improve and not take it personally. We shouldn’t be afraid to take more creative risks so keep doing your thing 🙂

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    1. Hey hey, Orchha. I don’t feel insulted. Lil frustrated certainly. I have had a British lifetime on the Internet knowing I can’t fit everybody’s ‘correct’ ideas heh. Sorry to hear you have had some bad ones yourself!

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  12. Sorry to hear that your reviews were so negative. But glad to hear you’ve found the positive in it all!
    I don’t like horror, so wouldn’t even think of reviewing
    I do thou, love your daily humour 😀

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  13. Reviews can be so hurtful, especially from “trolls”! Someone once gave me 2 stars because, in a one-line review she said: “I thought this was a book about herbs but it’s about tarot” ! Also, I once pulled a book off amazon because of one review. I’d never do that again because I know that people can be terrible because they enjoy it! Writing is not for the thin-skinned but here we are. Just write, just publish, believe in yourself…

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    1. Stone me, reference the herbs/tarot, what a daft reason to leave a negative review.

      Hey, I have read your poetry site, your writings really good. Stick at it!

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  15. Yes, bad review suck! But you have to remember that not everyone will get your stuff and you have to believe in your own stories. Keep on keeping on ?

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  17. Out of curiosity, would the skillshare course be applicable to people living in the states, too, or just in Europe? And do you think it’d still be helpful even if, as in my case, the book has already been published but I need guidance in getting more sales?

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    1. Hmm, haven’t finished it yet, but it’s applicable everywhere. She discusses Kindle Select, launch parties, promotion before release. But there are some ideas in there that I do take from it. Such as everyone on her Kickstarter got a little postcard as a thank you. In future, I would be interested in sending up to the first 100 good reviews a couple of art cards with the fears on as a thank you. There are ideas to glean off it you know?

      I would say, on Skillshare once you pay the $0.99 to join for 3 months, which you can cancel at any time, you get access to (according to search) 96 courses relating to Kindle, 26 courses relating to self-publish and 4000+ marketing courses. That 99c trial is worth a go. There is something you will learn there.

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      1. Thanks for the tip! I love the idea of sending a postcard – especially since getting reviews (good or bad) on Amazon can be hard. I had tried to include a little card with each book that I mailed out, but that’s not allowed when you ship book rate via USPS in the states, and several got rejected by the post office and had to be resent without the card. Grrrr. A follow up card with some art on it is a great idea!

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      2. Your books got rejected because of a card? o.o Like a postcard sized card? How on earth do they even know its in the book?

        In the UK everything has to be sent in sealed parcels and containers, don’t think anyone would notice until the package was opened by the recipient.

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  18. Keep on keeping on…and when you reach the pinnacle…show three fingers to doubters and ask them to read between the lines.

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  19. I am sorry about your bad reviews. I look forward to your daily posts in my inbox every morning. I find them rather funny. Once I get some extra funds I will take a gander at your books. I do love the horror genre so I’m sure I will like your books.

    Just keep on writing. I don’t want to miss those daily writing prompts in my inbox!!

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  20. Don’t let the bad reviews get at you. People have different tastes… I don’t know why though books are reviewed based on what a reader expects/likes. When I write reviews for authors, especially on genres that is not my cup of tea, I base the review on the authors style, content and I look for positive aspects to highlight. If the story does not appeal to me personally, I don’t let my personal tastes get in the way of writing an honest well deserved review. Forget those 6 bad reviews… from what I read on wordpress, you are great… that’s just 6 insignificant small minded persons… and they got it free, wth who cares about them… you will get the reviews you deserve and they will drown out those bad ones 🙂

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    1. Hey hey Monika, cheers for stopping by. Man, you found this post quick heh. I follow you on Skillshare, I think I saw this course ages ago, but got distracted by something shiny and never went through it properly. Your Freelancer course I believe was the first Skillshare course I ever took heh.

      Like I said in the post, my response to the bad reviews is to just keep writing. It’ll come!

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  24. Between you and I and the gatepost, write what you write, with your middle finger up if you have to. If you have an audience that expects you to be a one trick pony, tell them “oops.” Here’s the deal. Commercially? You may be in a pigeonhole, live with it. Creatively? That’s your bag. Start writing for your critics and you’ll start writing “shite”.

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    1. Yes, the old Blue Moon theatre had several rebuilds in Second Lifes digital world. Every time I tried to make a theatre for other people, it came out bland, soulless and shite. Always have to create for me heh.

      I am still in the fortunate position of having various incomes. Not needing to rely solely on writing makes it a lot easier, but I imagine for those that rely entirely on writing it must be a twat to deal with.

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  25. Sorry you didn’t get the response hoped for. I thought perhaps your blurb might be misleading, so I just checked. It describes it very clearly, even for this American understanding and sensibility. I would expect something dark, odd and very British. Therefore, I certainly wouldn’t mark it with a one star when that’s what it delivered.
    I haven’t purchased Capricorn, though I’m enjoying my copy of January, so I can’t comment directly on it.
    If it’s any conciliation, Amazon search considers number of reviews rather than content of reviews for placement, so more is better even if they are worse.
    Writing another book is the best way to improve your rating and success. I wish you the best with the next venture!

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    1. Hey hey Sheri. Thanks for the good words!

      Thankfully they didn’t leave one Amazon review, just Good Reads and blog reviews. Glad to hear you’re still enjoying January!

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  27. It sounds like a bunch of fake reviews. One star and no comments? People get paid sometimes cents to gush about books, etc. why wouldn’t someone pay them to do the same to your book especially when it’s for free for a limited time? Your writing is creative and engaging and though I’m not British, I greatly enjoy it so.. I stand by what I said above.

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    1. Hey hey Cat. Not sure it’s fake reviews, most likely silly humans. ‘Not his usual style’ sounds like they follow this site to me? Silly humans. 🙂

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      1. I’m telling you because there are many places that exist like this on the web (call it odd jobs, micro jobs, etc.)? But it is full of silly humans as you say.

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  29. Beyond useful criticism, honestly offered, humour is much like art, all down to taste, and so it’s a rocky road to travel, but the people who do enjoy your work and fall about, much as myself, are growing methinks. You’re not as severe a choice as marmite mind you, and I see lots of folks smiling at your pieces. It’s hard to hear the negative though, I’m sure I’d be miserable as hell to receive it, but you have a healthy attitude, keep it up sir! (as the actor said to the bishop)

    Esme joining in with the smiles upon the Cloud

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    1. Cheers, Esme. I honestly don’t mind bad criticism if it’s well written or has a good reason. The 2 ‘it is not the same’ reviews though, heh, not useful. 🙂

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  31. I really wonder if people really read the reviews of a Shop, or a specific item. I know myself if I see something I like, it may not appeal to everyone (that is why we have the ability to make choices!). So I go by my own opinion of an item, not what someone sitting behind their computer, who most likely doesn’t even know what “wirewrapping” meaning. So I say, ignore those reviews, and go with your own choice!

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    1. I reckon everyone’s different if they read reviews or not. I know to ignore Rotten Tomatoes when looking for the next film to watch. Bad reviews can be helpful, but when they are badly written bad reviews, then they should be ignored. 🙂

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  33. Sorry this happened to you. It might not be that the stories were bad. Readers follow some writers because they like the style of writing. When a writer branches out or changes the way they write, those readers usually don’t appreciate it. I know some writers who will write under pseudonyms when switching genres for that very reason. Have you tried marketing Capricorn to the horror market instead of your regular readers?

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    1. Hey hey Gail. It happens, hope the tone of the post puts it forward that I will carry on writing regardless? 🙂

      To be honest, I will continue to mix and match genres. Separating everything out between different names is not a path I want to walk down as it the fears in general changes drastically by 2018’s tales. I have written daily tales through to about 2020. The genre sways different directions throughout. If it was puns all the way to 2020, the tales would get incredibly samey. To try and articulate, I value the future Fears narrative over sales?

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  34. Hello Peter, ‘tolle animos’, take courage.
    I learned many years ago that success is founded on numbers. I make one thousand telephone calls a month – get a big share of rejections, but the result is that I have a satisfying, profitable business.
    Write more and more books and the results will take care of themselves……

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  35. As you know I am America’s most feared literary critic. Advice is painful, but it’s best, in the long run, to look at it objectively and break down what they didn’t like. Don’t take it personally. They want to read your work, they are just looking for a little more. See if you can integrate the best parts of their critique and ignore any invective.

    Peace be the Botendaddy

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    1. Heh, hello Boten!

      Yes, of the one review that was useful, I take that as constructive criticism. The other reviews criticism was, in my opinion, completely invalid. So we ignore them and get back to writing. 🙂

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  36. Keep up the good work. I have trouble separating out haters from constructive criticizers sometimes. But it is best to see all comments as help to keep us on the right track.

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  37. I am impressed with the tenacity of writers who believe in their art. Critics have to carve out places for new writers. Therefore, since I’m older but not wiser I think I can flood the market with material which will be rejected, leaving some places free for the talented writers. If you are talented, give me some time to irritate the critics. However, always believe in yourself and fight furiously for what you want. Sometimes we are fighting for the same prize.

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    1. Ach, tenacity? Just doin what I enjoy. Everyone should do that. 🙂

      People who hate on a book or film because it’s ‘not the same’ as the previous one barely qualify as critics. 🙂

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  38. Hi LittleFears,

    I haven’t dealt with bad reviews yet (that is to say, I am not published in the fiction world). However, I can say I have gone thru ~~ er countless rejections on one manuscript since 2014. After many reincarnations, cleaning up the grammar, working, living, breathing my characters, those three chapters and proposal landed in a big agency hands. Three months later, the owner (GAH!) emailed me and said please send entire manuscript + it had been thru every reader in the agency, and wow, well, got some words of praise that almost caused me to pass out. Granted, I am still waiting to hear back, but this is the furthest I’ve gotten. No matter the reason for a rejection, I try to clean a MS up, buff up the synopsis etc.

    I work with a critique group online, very honest, sometimes brutal, but always (mostly) encouraging. I read from all over the world (their works to critique) and they, mine. I am getting used to the term bullocks. LOL.

    When I read a book, I am not looking at typos etc, I look at content. Am I up til 4 AM?

    Granted I just finished a book by one author whom I figured had self-published, but apparently combed by an editor (want to tell her to fire the editor) and a filmmaker (really?). Anyway, because I can’t give a positive review, I won’t.

    If it’s a genre that turns me off, I won’t review.

    I truly believe writers should support writers. When I want to give a negative review, instead, I see if that author is open to an email review and why I couldn’t go onto Amazon to review.

    By the way, Goodreads always always posts negative reviews. I think there is a monetary issue involved.

    Shrug it off. Let your MS sit in a drawer (figuratively speaking) and consider reading it for yourself again. You’ll get those good reviews plugging away at your next novel.

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    1. Hey hey Cindy. Thanks for the reply. To be honest, aside from the one reviewer that didn’t get the stories, the others are easier to ignore. I don’t class ‘because it’s not the same’ as a valid criticism. I have written up to about 11 books of the Fears now, most sitting on my PC. Every single one past the 5th changes heh.

      Good look with your manuscript! Sounds like you are really putting it out there!

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