Self-Publishing: What To Do With Reviews

Reviews are great no matter what kind of review they are. A review means that you connected with your reader on some level and they feel the need to tell other readers about their experience, whether good, bad, or ugly. I think any writer should be grateful for any review they receive.

But there have been too many examples of writers getting too personally involved with readers. I've pulled this example out before and I'll do it again: take a look at the comments section of Big Al's review of Jacqueline Howett's The Greek Seaman. This is a prime example of how not to behave. Anne Rice and Nora Roberts are both guilty of unprofessional behavior, and look at how long they've been involved in the publishing industry. It can happen to anyone.

Being conscious of your professional image is important, most especially to self-published authors. That consciousness extends to what we should do with reviews.

Positive Reviews
Bask in that warm glow of approval. In your marketing, point other readers in the direction of one or two of those reviews. Be grateful for your readers.

Critical Reviews (Positive or Negative)
Process the information. Determine the validity of the points. Make changes or ignore as necessary (remember, you're the writer; you have to feel good about your own work). Be grateful for your readers.

Negative Reviews
Remember that everyone has a different opinion and, unless the reviewer actually does attack you personally, a negative review isn't a personal attack. Determine if the review has any points you can use; if so, great, if not, ignore. Be grateful for your readers.

I don't think authors should engage with their readers without a direct invitation. Our work should stand for itself and we need to understand that once it's out there, it's open to criticism and that readers are entitled to their opinions and their privacy. Our readers deserve respect and they deserve their space in which to hold their discussions with other readers and leave their reviews for other readers free from author interference.

I also don't think that authors should discuss reviews publicly. Privately, have at it, say whatever you want--that's your private life. But I think a good policy is to just back off and let the work, the readers, and the reviews speak for themselves.