- Joined
- Jul 19, 2013
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- 206
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- Lakewood, OH
- Website
- www.donniemarsh.com
If I'm posting this in the wrong forum, feel free to move it.
I have a somewhat famous, major-house-published acquaintance. I wouldn't call her a friend, but she touches base enough that I'm comfortable asking her questions. I contacted her a few months back to ask if I may quote her and we've been emailing since.
Well she's read my book due out in a little over a week and she said I'm going to get ripped apart in reviews, much like she has. It seems people like to make things personal, to attack the author, rather than honestly critique the book. I guess it's their right: they paid money for your book.
So, to those that have been published in any medium, major or self, how do you go about reviews of your work? Asking if you read them seems rhetorical. My plan is to avoid reading anything under three stars until I've had a chance to grasp the reality that people are willing to slam me with two- and one-star reviews. I don't know how well I'll be able to stick to that plan. But I'm also not into this to get my feelings hurt.
Any suggestions? Maybe have someone I trust forward reviews? Don't get me wrong; I do appreciate criticism and I understand not everyone that pays for the book is going to call it The Next Best Memoir. I imagine like everyone that sees their work in print will be eager to pay attention to reviews, sales rankings et cetera. But I'm looking for suggestions on the process, coping with the good and the bad.
Thanks!
I have a somewhat famous, major-house-published acquaintance. I wouldn't call her a friend, but she touches base enough that I'm comfortable asking her questions. I contacted her a few months back to ask if I may quote her and we've been emailing since.
Well she's read my book due out in a little over a week and she said I'm going to get ripped apart in reviews, much like she has. It seems people like to make things personal, to attack the author, rather than honestly critique the book. I guess it's their right: they paid money for your book.
So, to those that have been published in any medium, major or self, how do you go about reviews of your work? Asking if you read them seems rhetorical. My plan is to avoid reading anything under three stars until I've had a chance to grasp the reality that people are willing to slam me with two- and one-star reviews. I don't know how well I'll be able to stick to that plan. But I'm also not into this to get my feelings hurt.
Any suggestions? Maybe have someone I trust forward reviews? Don't get me wrong; I do appreciate criticism and I understand not everyone that pays for the book is going to call it The Next Best Memoir. I imagine like everyone that sees their work in print will be eager to pay attention to reviews, sales rankings et cetera. But I'm looking for suggestions on the process, coping with the good and the bad.
Thanks!