A Publisher's Conversation with Authors: When Truth Costs You Community: Navigating Political Backlash as an Author
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 a continuation of last week: bad reviews. In this case, the situation is politically biased reviews. Bias that leads to unfair and inaccurate reviews.
The assumption is that you wrote the book with care. You cited sources, weighed perspectives, and spoke from conviction. But instead of dialogue, you were met with silence—or worse, disavowal.
For authors whose work touches the fault lines of politics and faith, backlash can feel personal. Especially when it comes from friends, family, or colleagues who once stood beside you.
So, what do you do when your research-based truth costs you community?
🧭 1. Reaffirm Your Integrity
Start by grounding yourself in the purpose behind your work:
- What truth were you trying to illuminate?
- What harm were you trying to prevent?
- What values guided your writing?
Remind yourself: integrity isn’t always rewarded immediately—but it’s never wasted.
🧱 2. Separate Critique from Rejection
Not all criticism is rejection. But when disavowal comes from someone close—like a pastor, mentor, members of your congregation, or friend—it can feel like exile.
Try to distinguish:
- Is this about your book—or their discomfort?
- Are they reacting to your ideas—or to how others might perceive them?
Understanding the source of rejection can help you respond with clarity, not defensiveness.
🗣️ 3. Invite Conversation, Not Confrontation
If the relationship matters, consider reaching out:
“I understand my book raised concerns. I’d welcome a conversation about what felt difficult or challenging.”
You may not change their mind—but you might open a door.
🛡️ 4. Protect Your Peace
Not every relationship can be salvaged. And not every critic deserves a seat at your table.
- Limit exposure to toxic commentary.
- Lean on trusted allies who understand your intent.
- Create boundaries that preserve your emotional and creative energy.
Your voice is too valuable to be drowned out by hostility.
🏆 5. Let the Work Speak
If your book has won awards, touched lives, or sparked meaningful dialogue—let that be your answer.
- Share reader testimonials.
- Highlight endorsements from scholars or thought leaders.
- Use your platform to amplify the book’s impact, not the controversy.
Truth has a way of finding its audience—even when gatekeepers try to shut the door.
Bottom line: Political bias may silence some voices—but it cannot erase the truth they carry.
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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