Bad Reviews... Let’s Face It—Even Hemingway Punched Out a Critic

Bad Reviews Suck—But Here’s How to Make Them Suck Less

Ah, reviews. The double-edged sword of the writing world. Let's get one thing straight:

Any author who tells you they're not looking at their reviews is lying…

We're all curious about what readers think of our literary babies, whether it's the high praise that makes us feel like the next J.K. Rowling or the scathing critique that has us questioning our career choices. But fret not, fellow writers, for I bring you a survival guide to handling negative reviews and criticism like a true literary champion!

Embrace the Curiosity (But Don't Obsess)

Yes, we all peek at our reviews. It’s human nature to want feedback, and in the digital age, it’s almost impossible to resist the temptation of a quick scroll through Goodreads or Amazon. But here’s the trick: while it’s okay to be curious, don’t let it consume you. Constantly refreshing the page to see if that one-star review has magically disappeared won’t do you any good. Remember, your value as a writer isn’t defined by a single review.

The Hemingway Approach: Punching Critics (Just Kidding!)

Let’s take a leaf out of Ernest Hemingway’s book. The man was so passionate about his craft that he once punched a critic for a bad review. While I don’t recommend physical violence, channel that fiery spirit into your writing instead. Use the negative energy to fuel your next project. Hemingway might have thrown a punch, but you can throw down some killer prose.

And Hemingway wasn’t the only one with a dramatic response to criticism. Take Norman Mailer, for example. He headbutted Gore Vidal before an appearance on The Dick Cavett Show because Vidal had written a negative review of one of his books. Mailer’s antics didn’t stop there; he also got into a physical altercation with another critic at a party.

And who could forget Anne Rice? When faced with critical reviews on Amazon, Rice went on an epic rant in the comments section, defending her work and lambasting her critics. It was a masterclass in how not to respond to negative feedback, but it was certainly entertaining!

Separate the Wheat from the Chaff

Not all negative reviews are created equal. Some are downright nasty, attacking you personally rather than critiquing your work. These are the reviews to ignore. Rest easy knowing that discerning readers can recognize a reviewer’s inherently negative personality. These reviews reveal more about the reviewer than about your writing.

Sometimes reviews can be unfair or just plain not your fault. I received a one-star review once because Amazon shipped the reader the wrong book. 

However, a thoughtful, well-articulated critique, even if it's critical, can be a goldmine of constructive feedback. For instance, a review pointing out plot holes or character inconsistencies can help you identify areas for improvement. Think of it as free editorial advice. Sure, it might sting a bit, but ultimately, it can make you a better writer. As the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger—or in this case, a more refined author.

Join the Club of Greats

Every author, from the newbie self-publisher to the literary giants, has faced negative reviews. J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, and even the great Mark Twain have all had their fair share of criticism. You're in good company. Remember, a review is just one person's opinion. What one reader hates, another might love. Keep writing for your audience and yourself, not for the critics.

Standing Out Means Making an Impact

Seth Godin wisely pointed out that “Criticism comes to those who stand out.” If you’re receiving critiques, it’s because you’re not just blending into the background—you’re making waves and getting noticed. This attention, both positive and negative, is a clear sign that your work is impactful and resonating with readers. Embrace this as a badge of honor.

The more you stand out, the more you will encounter diverse opinions. Use this feedback as a measure of your growing influence and let it fuel your creative fire. Remember, the only way to avoid criticism is to be invisible, and that’s not why you became an author. Keep standing out and let your voice be heard!

Turn Lemons into Lemonade

Use negative reviews as an opportunity to engage with your readers. If you receive a constructive critique, thank the reviewer for their feedback. This shows you’re willing to grow and learn. Plus, it might just win over a critic and turn them into a fan. And who doesn’t love a good redemption arc?

From a beta reader, I once had such a stinging review that was so beautifully articulated and vitriolic that I used it for dialogue. In the final version of the book, I had the reviewer’s venomous gem spew from the mouth of one of my main characters. That was truly lemons into lemonade.

Focus on the Positive

For every negative review, there’s likely a positive one that sings your praises. Don’t let a few rotten apples spoil the entire bunch. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement is crucial for maintaining your motivation and confidence. I use it as fuel to keep me writing. Just knowing some people out there are actually reading and enjoying my work makes me want to do more.

When Will Amazon Remove a Negative Review on Your Book?

If you're hoping to make that negative review disappear, there's some good news. Amazon may remove a negative review of your book if it violates their guidelines. This includes reviews with inappropriate content, harassment, hate speech, spam, or off-topic remarks. Reviews that come from competitors, are paid for, or identified as fake will also be taken down. If a review includes personal information or is part of a manipulation scheme, Amazon will remove it.

To report a negative review that you believe violates Amazon’s policies, navigate to the review on your book’s product page, click "Report abuse," and provide detailed reasons why the review should be removed. Amazon will then review your report, and if the review is found to breach their guidelines, it will be taken down. Maintaining the integrity of reviews ensures that potential readers get honest and unbiased feedback about your book.

Final Thoughts: Keep Writing

At the end of the day, the best way to handle negative reviews and criticism is to keep writing. The more you write, the better you’ll get, and the less those negative reviews will affect you. Every writer faces criticism, but it’s those who persevere and continue to create who truly succeed.

So, fellow authors, the next time you receive a less-than-glowing review, remember this: even Hemingway had his critics, and he turned out just fine. Embrace the feedback, use it to grow, and keep on writing. Your next masterpiece is just around the corner!

Happy writing, and may the reviews be ever in your favor!

P.S. If you enjoyed this post, share it with your fellow authors and subscribe for more tips and tricks on navigating the wild world of writing. Let’s make this go viral! 🚀

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