We've all had them...reviews that we don't like. It's a fact of life, there will be people who don't particularly care for your work. Just as there are those who will love it. You can't predict who will be a lover and who will be a hater.
So what do you do? You've written this book you love and think is the beans. Being an author is hard. You have to release your baby to someone else for them to rip apart. Then once you've put it back together, you have to send it to someone else for more ripping - enter the editor. Now, if you've got an editor worth his or her salt, then you should be fine. If you've got a strong story...same thing.
No one author will produce a perfect work. Think about it. The laws of averages are against you and me. So? Now you've sent that work to the editor and he/she's accepted it. There's the next round of edits (as many as four or five if necessary) and the *gasp* release day.
That's when the fun begins. You've worked hard, listened to your editor, kept your writing voice intact...what will the readers think? Will they like? Hate? So-so?
The last thing an author wants to do is produce something that's crap. We don't set out to produce something that's sub-par. Shocking, I know. But what the reader/reviewer has to keep in mind, and the author for that matter, there are occasional blunders. The author tries something that maybe isn't as strong, the author has a plot hole no one saw...stuff like that. It happens.
Now, the book's out and it's being reviewed. You can, hide in a hole, disappear from cyberspace (always a fun one), grin and bear it, or get angry.
Hiding and disappearing isn't bad. Why? You probably know the review is out there and if it's constructive (like my multiple reviews for Tangled Up), you are certainly learning from it. You might even be forming an idea to work with it and strengthen it. If it's not so nice...honestly...grin and bear it. It will more than likely hurt (no one wants to be trashed or have their work trashed), but look at it this way: every author gets their work trashed. From JK Rowling going to umpteen publishers, to Stephen King writing short stories because he couldn't sell the longer work, people won't like everything you write.
For example, I loved Bag Of Bones. Goodness, I had dreams/nightmares about the book. I swore it was real and I'd lived it. Now, I went on Amazon. For the 600 or so 5 star reviews, there was at least 300 that rated it 3 or lower. Are we reading the same book? Yup. But it's that thing...personal opinion.
Stephen King could easily go on a rampage and say everyone should love his book. Or even expect all those poorer reviews/ratings be taken down. He could--he's got clout. Me? Not so much. And if he did get angry, what good does it do? Really? None. Why? Because you end up looking like a diva and people are leery to work with you. It doesn't help you and in many cases it will hurt. Going on a public place, like your blog, to rip the reviewer a new one will get you into more trouble. Your readers see it and it doesn't do you any good.
So honestly, grinning and bearing it is the best idea. As Desiree Holt says, "Don't whine, don't complain, and don't grouse and you'll be fine." She's right.
Showing posts with label Tips for Readers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tips for Readers. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
What the Wednesday? If You Can't Say Something Nice....
Ok, I want to preface this post with this notice: just because I'm talking about reviews, doesn't mean I'm crabbing about getting a bad one. Actually, I haven't read any of my reviews lately because, well, I've been too busy to. Sad, but true.
That said, this post is about the old adage, if you can't say something nice, don't say it at all.
When you're writing a review, there's something to consider. Are you bashing the book, because there are books you just won't like, or are you bashing the author?
It sounds sort of...silly in some ways to ask that question. Sure there will be books you won't like. We all have them. Some books you get to the end and want to cream the character because she demonstrated some serious too stupid to live attributes. Some, you want to pummel the hero because he was almost too hard nosed. Then there are the ones that don't have HEAs or HFNs. Those drive me berserk. I don't expect everyone to get married and tie things in a neat little bow, but doggone it, I want them to at least be together at the end.
Now, that point made, something reviewers can fall into is trashing the author in a review. Let's say, you don't like a book because there's a sexual situation you don't like. The responsible reviewer would say something along the lines of 'the book contains elements which I had a hard time dealing with, but I realize some people do enjoy this act and for those who do, this book is for them' or something like that.
A reviewer who doesn't care for the author might put something like 'this book stunk because the author wrote about unsafe sex. I don't know about you, but just because people do it, doesn't mean the author should include it. I think she should know better than to have characters in this day and age having unprotected sex. Doesn't she know there are diseases out there?'
While the point is made, it's not so much that the reviewer doesn't like the book, but more the choice the author made. Just because the character didn't use a rubber one time, does that truly kill the book? Think about it. The person isn't saying something constructive about the story. They are expressing a personal view and in turn, bashing the author. And really, just because you don't like it, doesn't mean someone else won't eat it up. Some don't mind if the characters go bare, play with food, or use monstrous toys. Yanno?
So my line of reasoning goes... are you writing more about the author and her/his choices or the actual book? My advice? You're in a public domain. Your opinions are yours and protected by the First Amendment. But, look at it this way, just because you are in that public domain, doesn't really give you the right to rip another person apart. Would you want it done to you? Probably not.
As an author, we don't really want bad reviews. We're all of the opinion--yes, it's true--that our work is fantastic and we want you to think that, too. We'd love glowing reviews, but if that's not possible, we'd like intelligently written reviews that say this is what I liked, this is what didn't work for me in the book. Not bashing the author for a character going bare during sex, not because it was in the wrong format, not because you thought the book was overpriced. We realize there will be critics and expect them, but we don't want publicly run through the wringer because the reviewer has a bone to pick. Save that for email or better yet, if you can't say something nice, pass and go to a book you can say something nice about.
Does that make sense? I'm not trying to whine, complain or act pissy. But from having spent a lot of time reading, lots of time writing reviews and lots of time writing...I've been knocked down, kicked, and learned from my scars and souvenirs. If I can share a little of that with you. By all means, I will.
Next week I thought I'd mention pricing. Yup, pricing. Who really sets those prices? Tune in next well. Well, actually you should tune in everyday, but that's up to you.
C-ya!
That said, this post is about the old adage, if you can't say something nice, don't say it at all.
When you're writing a review, there's something to consider. Are you bashing the book, because there are books you just won't like, or are you bashing the author?
It sounds sort of...silly in some ways to ask that question. Sure there will be books you won't like. We all have them. Some books you get to the end and want to cream the character because she demonstrated some serious too stupid to live attributes. Some, you want to pummel the hero because he was almost too hard nosed. Then there are the ones that don't have HEAs or HFNs. Those drive me berserk. I don't expect everyone to get married and tie things in a neat little bow, but doggone it, I want them to at least be together at the end.
Now, that point made, something reviewers can fall into is trashing the author in a review. Let's say, you don't like a book because there's a sexual situation you don't like. The responsible reviewer would say something along the lines of 'the book contains elements which I had a hard time dealing with, but I realize some people do enjoy this act and for those who do, this book is for them' or something like that.
A reviewer who doesn't care for the author might put something like 'this book stunk because the author wrote about unsafe sex. I don't know about you, but just because people do it, doesn't mean the author should include it. I think she should know better than to have characters in this day and age having unprotected sex. Doesn't she know there are diseases out there?'
While the point is made, it's not so much that the reviewer doesn't like the book, but more the choice the author made. Just because the character didn't use a rubber one time, does that truly kill the book? Think about it. The person isn't saying something constructive about the story. They are expressing a personal view and in turn, bashing the author. And really, just because you don't like it, doesn't mean someone else won't eat it up. Some don't mind if the characters go bare, play with food, or use monstrous toys. Yanno?
So my line of reasoning goes... are you writing more about the author and her/his choices or the actual book? My advice? You're in a public domain. Your opinions are yours and protected by the First Amendment. But, look at it this way, just because you are in that public domain, doesn't really give you the right to rip another person apart. Would you want it done to you? Probably not.
As an author, we don't really want bad reviews. We're all of the opinion--yes, it's true--that our work is fantastic and we want you to think that, too. We'd love glowing reviews, but if that's not possible, we'd like intelligently written reviews that say this is what I liked, this is what didn't work for me in the book. Not bashing the author for a character going bare during sex, not because it was in the wrong format, not because you thought the book was overpriced. We realize there will be critics and expect them, but we don't want publicly run through the wringer because the reviewer has a bone to pick. Save that for email or better yet, if you can't say something nice, pass and go to a book you can say something nice about.
Does that make sense? I'm not trying to whine, complain or act pissy. But from having spent a lot of time reading, lots of time writing reviews and lots of time writing...I've been knocked down, kicked, and learned from my scars and souvenirs. If I can share a little of that with you. By all means, I will.
Next week I thought I'd mention pricing. Yup, pricing. Who really sets those prices? Tune in next well. Well, actually you should tune in everyday, but that's up to you.
C-ya!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
What the? Wednesday... Don't Blame Me!
I've got lots of friends, writers and non, and I was given a gigantic piece of advice. Don't whine on the blog. I'd like to think I don't. I'd like to think when I get frustrated and soap box that I'm...just voicing an opinion. Yanno?
Now I just talked to a friend who read my yesterday post. She loved the cover, didn't comment. She actually emailed me instead. Ok, so here's her issue, and I find lots of authors with this problem or this set of problems.
Authors take a lot of heat. A Lot. Her issue was a review. I haven't had any new reviews that I know of, so I can honestly say this isn't me talking about me in hypothetical. Her problem wasn't that the reviewer didn't like the book. Nope. Wasn't a spelling issue, editing issue, or even a gross cover. The person rated her a one star of five because the book wasn't on the format the person wanted.
I'm sorry?
Actually, I'm not. You see, writers have some control over what happens with their work. Some houses want the author to change the name of the work if it's too close to another published title in their arsenal, some even request the author change her name. Most are pretty okay with your name being your name. Authors get input on covers, but they don't always get the last say. Sometimes, you're stuck with what you've got. We usually don't get to say when the book will be released. It's the nature of the beast.
Sure we get say on the editing. A good editor will take the work and shape into something fantastic without changing the author's voice. There's also push/pull, give and take in editing.
What we cannot control is what format the book is on. Most publishers are great about making sure a book is on Nook, Kindle, the Sony version, pdf, HTML, etc. They want to make everyone happy and sell as many books as possible. I could be wrong, but I know with Kindle (I'm not sure about Nook) there is a conversion program that can be done, and most everyone can read pdf.
But to rate the book poorly for the simple reason that you couldn't get it on the format you wanted (this was a NY book, so really, it should've been in whatever format the bookstore sold but whatever), seems a little petty.
I've done reviews in my time. I still do. I like to tell the author what I liked/disliked/wanted more of in their work. I've written fan letters. But what seems to be lost here is what the point of a review is for.
Ok, this is my opinion so take it or leave it, get angry and tell me or not.
If you're going to review a work, don't give a huge synopsis--that's what reading the blurb is for.
Don't give spoilers, but if you must, MENTION that. Don't just plunk them in. Authors get snippy when a plot point that's supposed to be a surprise gets let out of the bag.
Tell what you LOVED about the book. Everyone loves praise. Authors just eat it up. Conversely, tell what you thought could've been improved--if there was anything--but do it in a positive fashion. I mean, if you said, the book was trash, well, how can an author improve on that? Toss the book in the garbage? Really? Probably not. But if you said, I liked the book because the hero has real stamina and he looks like Brad Pitt, but what pulled me from the scene was when he called the heroine by the wrong name. I realize editing mistakes happen because we're human, but a second or third look would've helped. See? That gets the point across without sounding mean and gives the author food for thought.
You can by all means say this book wasn't in the right format for me. But rate the book based on the work not the format. Chances are, the publisher goofed and is in the midst of fixing it.
What it all boils down to is this, if you're going to write a review, by all means do so. Make it intelligible. Get the point across. But give the author credit for things that are beyond their control. We grow from constructive criticism and wither from snark.
Just a thought. And since I know I'm going to make someone mad, feel free to comment. I'm open to changing my mind. Let me know.
Now I just talked to a friend who read my yesterday post. She loved the cover, didn't comment. She actually emailed me instead. Ok, so here's her issue, and I find lots of authors with this problem or this set of problems.
Authors take a lot of heat. A Lot. Her issue was a review. I haven't had any new reviews that I know of, so I can honestly say this isn't me talking about me in hypothetical. Her problem wasn't that the reviewer didn't like the book. Nope. Wasn't a spelling issue, editing issue, or even a gross cover. The person rated her a one star of five because the book wasn't on the format the person wanted.
I'm sorry?
Actually, I'm not. You see, writers have some control over what happens with their work. Some houses want the author to change the name of the work if it's too close to another published title in their arsenal, some even request the author change her name. Most are pretty okay with your name being your name. Authors get input on covers, but they don't always get the last say. Sometimes, you're stuck with what you've got. We usually don't get to say when the book will be released. It's the nature of the beast.
Sure we get say on the editing. A good editor will take the work and shape into something fantastic without changing the author's voice. There's also push/pull, give and take in editing.
What we cannot control is what format the book is on. Most publishers are great about making sure a book is on Nook, Kindle, the Sony version, pdf, HTML, etc. They want to make everyone happy and sell as many books as possible. I could be wrong, but I know with Kindle (I'm not sure about Nook) there is a conversion program that can be done, and most everyone can read pdf.
But to rate the book poorly for the simple reason that you couldn't get it on the format you wanted (this was a NY book, so really, it should've been in whatever format the bookstore sold but whatever), seems a little petty.
I've done reviews in my time. I still do. I like to tell the author what I liked/disliked/wanted more of in their work. I've written fan letters. But what seems to be lost here is what the point of a review is for.
Ok, this is my opinion so take it or leave it, get angry and tell me or not.
If you're going to review a work, don't give a huge synopsis--that's what reading the blurb is for.
Don't give spoilers, but if you must, MENTION that. Don't just plunk them in. Authors get snippy when a plot point that's supposed to be a surprise gets let out of the bag.
Tell what you LOVED about the book. Everyone loves praise. Authors just eat it up. Conversely, tell what you thought could've been improved--if there was anything--but do it in a positive fashion. I mean, if you said, the book was trash, well, how can an author improve on that? Toss the book in the garbage? Really? Probably not. But if you said, I liked the book because the hero has real stamina and he looks like Brad Pitt, but what pulled me from the scene was when he called the heroine by the wrong name. I realize editing mistakes happen because we're human, but a second or third look would've helped. See? That gets the point across without sounding mean and gives the author food for thought.
You can by all means say this book wasn't in the right format for me. But rate the book based on the work not the format. Chances are, the publisher goofed and is in the midst of fixing it.
What it all boils down to is this, if you're going to write a review, by all means do so. Make it intelligible. Get the point across. But give the author credit for things that are beyond their control. We grow from constructive criticism and wither from snark.
Just a thought. And since I know I'm going to make someone mad, feel free to comment. I'm open to changing my mind. Let me know.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
What the? Wednesday...You've Met Your Favorite Author...What Do You Say?
I just went to an author get together earlier this month and I saw a lot of readers wandering gobsmacked. I mean, yeah, their favorite authors are all there and in living color.
Now, imagine this...you've walked up to your favorite author, book in hand, ready to get the holy grail, an autograph. But there's one big problem.
Stage fright!!!
OMG, what the heck do I say to this person who is right up there on the coolest of the cool level? Yes, I've been there and I've been tongue-tied. So what do you say?
How about hi? Some authors can be really stand-offish...just like some people can be. But on the whole, authors are normal people. They like to have people compliment their work. Who doesn't? And if you just say, hi, how are you, loved _______...they'll probably be thrilled. Actually, I can just about guarantee it.
You see, when authors put books out, we know the editors like them enough to have contracted the book. Still, it's nice to have validation from a reader that the book was liked, interesting, and read more than once.
So just be yourself, tell the author you're happy to meet them, that you liked the book, can't wait to read more of their work, or something like that.
As a word of caution: Running up to them, screaming, and saying something along the lines of, "OMG it's _____" might scare them into running the other way.
On a side note: I've started the prequel to Tangled Up, since you asked for it. I'm also working on Gypsy's story. I know, been saying that one for a while. I got a little behind. It happens...a lot...sadly.
Ttyl!!!
Now, imagine this...you've walked up to your favorite author, book in hand, ready to get the holy grail, an autograph. But there's one big problem.
Stage fright!!!
OMG, what the heck do I say to this person who is right up there on the coolest of the cool level? Yes, I've been there and I've been tongue-tied. So what do you say?
How about hi? Some authors can be really stand-offish...just like some people can be. But on the whole, authors are normal people. They like to have people compliment their work. Who doesn't? And if you just say, hi, how are you, loved _______...they'll probably be thrilled. Actually, I can just about guarantee it.
You see, when authors put books out, we know the editors like them enough to have contracted the book. Still, it's nice to have validation from a reader that the book was liked, interesting, and read more than once.
So just be yourself, tell the author you're happy to meet them, that you liked the book, can't wait to read more of their work, or something like that.
As a word of caution: Running up to them, screaming, and saying something along the lines of, "OMG it's _____" might scare them into running the other way.
On a side note: I've started the prequel to Tangled Up, since you asked for it. I'm also working on Gypsy's story. I know, been saying that one for a while. I got a little behind. It happens...a lot...sadly.
Ttyl!!!
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