The Pulp Writer Show, Episode 163: Handling Bad Reviews & Criticism
In this week’s episode, we offer some tips and tricks for writers dealing with bad reviews. We also look at how Facebook and Amazon ads performed in July 2023.
As always, you can listen to the show on Libsyn, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Amazon Music.
-JM
Loved this episode and you are 100% correct — don’t respond, do not engage. Some people are just spoiling for an argument.
Sometimes I’ve read a review and thought, “You know, fair point.” And sometimes I’ve felt “Well, that guy totally missed the point.” But most of all, don’t let negative reviews get under your skin — what you write is not going to appeal to everyone.
We live in this amazing paradox — there are more books than ever and readers have access to ALL THE BOOKS, EVER via online services … so why waste your time reading something you don’t like and then taking the time and effort to complain about it? Sounds like some people need a hobby.
Not every author’s works are going to appeal to every single reader. That’s okay, there’s tons of other great stuff out there.
The important thing is that your work will appeal to some readers and those are the folks you should cherish, that’s what matters (and pays the bills).
Very true – in the digital age with infinite content, it’s important to learn to choose what to engage with.