A Publisher's Conversation with Authors: Overcoming the Effect of a Negative Review (without Losing Your Soul)
It is Tuesday. Monday's madness is over, and Wednesday will take us over the hump, so Tuesday it is--for some serious discussion with authors. Tuesday talks mean to address authors in waiting and self-published authors who would like to go a more traditional route or who would at least like to take their steps with a publisher by their side.
This week, the topic is one that all authors struggle with: bad reviews. Every author knows the sting of a bad review. Whether it’s a one-star jab or a lengthy critique that misses the point entirely, negative feedback can feel personal—especially when your book reflects your deepest convictions or creative labor. But here’s the truth: bad reviews are inevitable. What matters is how you respond.
🌟 1. Drown Out the Noise with Good Reviews
The most effective antidote to a sour review? A flood of positive ones. Encourage your readers—especially those who’ve expressed appreciation privately—to leave public reviews. Make it easy: include links in your newsletter, social media posts, or even at the end of your book.
- Tip: Consider a soft outreach campaign to book clubs, bloggers, or influencers aligned with your book’s themes.
- Bonus: Verified reviews from trusted platforms (Amazon, Goodreads, etc.) carry more weight than anonymous rants.
🛡️ 2. Recognize Foul Play—and Rise Above It
Sometimes, a review isn’t just negative—it’s hostile. Take, for example, the amateur reviewer “Proud Pagan,” who gave one of our Christian titles a one-star rating laced with hate. In cases like this, it’s tempting to retaliate. Don’t.
Instead:
- Report abuse if the review violates platform guidelines.
- Document the incident in case patterns emerge.
- Respond only if necessary, and always with grace. A calm, factual reply (or none at all) speaks volumes.
Remember: readers can spot bias. A hateful review often says more about the reviewer than the book.
🧠3. Learn What You Can—Then Let It Go
Not all negative reviews are malicious. Some offer constructive criticism. If multiple readers mention pacing issues or character development gaps, consider it valuable feedback.
But if a review is vague, cruel, or clearly misinformed? Don’t let it live rent-free in your head.
- Ask yourself: Is this feedback actionable?
- If not: Move on. Your energy is better spent writing your next book.
💬 4. Build a Supportive Reader Community
Your readers are your best defense. Cultivate a loyal audience who understands your mission and values. Engage with them through newsletters, social media, or live events.
- Create space for dialogue. Let readers share what your book meant to them.
- Celebrate their feedback. Feature positive reviews in your marketing.
A strong community can help buffer the impact of negativity—and amplify your message.
✍️ 5. Keep Writing. Keep Publishing.
The best revenge? A brilliant next book.
Don’t let one review derail your momentum. Every author—from J.K. Rowling to Toni Morrison—has faced criticism. What sets them apart is persistence.
- Use the sting as fuel.
- Channel your emotions into your next project.
- Trust your voice.
Bottom line: Bad reviews don't define your worth; keep writing, connecting, and believing in the power of your story.
The Tuesday talks reflect real discussions between the management of MSI Press LLC and our own authors or those would-be authors who come through our doors but don't make the cut--yet. If you have a topic that you would like addressed, leave the question in the comment section. Chances are, in our 22 years of publishing first-time and experiences authors, we have had a conversation with one of our authors that we can share with you.
See more Publisher Conversations with Authors HERE.
Learn more about publishing from an acquisitions editor -- how to get your book proposal accepted, why proposals are turned down/accepted, and how to find the right publisher for your book. On special sale for $5 while inventory lasts at MSI Press webstore. Also available as an e-book and an audiobook.
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Want an author-signed copy of this book? Purchase the book at 25% discount (use coupon code FF25) and concurrently send a written request to orders@msipress.com.Julia Aziz, signing her book, Lessons of Labor, at an event at Book People in Austin, Texas.
Want to communicate with one of our authors? You can! Find their contact information on our Authors' Pages.Steven Greenebaum, author of award-winning books, An Afternoon's Discussion and One Family: Indivisible, talking to a reader at Barnes & Noble in Gilroy, California.MSI Press is ranked among the top publishers in California.
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