The Best Bad Review
How funny that the common stereotype of an artistic person is that of a quiet, sensitive soul.
In reality, an artist better be a tough, thick-skinned warrior to persevere in a world where reviews are brandished with razor-sharp tongues and venom-infused keyboards.
To be an artist, whether it be music, painting, or writing, means putting your creative talents into the crosshairs and waiting to be eviscerated. It’s not a matter of IF you’ll be gutted by someone, but how often.
The reasons for why people write vicious reviews is another article for another time. Today, however, I want to let artists know that sometimes a bad review is a good thing, disguised.
When you publish a book, you know you’ll get some wonderful 5-star reviews, a smattering of 3s and 4s, and the obligatory 1-star humble pie.
The Danger
Reviews can be dangerous, too, subconsciously pushing you off your path. One review, from someone who will never be a fan of your work no matter what you do, might influence you to pivot in some odd direction that ultimately destroys the relationship you’ve established with those who do enjoy your work.
If you must glance at them, however, the key is to look past the stars and analyze the words. There are essentially three take-aways you can derive from this approach.
One, the review offers reasonable, intelligent feedback. I’m not saying this is common, but it does happen. Some reviewers provide solid intel that might truly improve your next piece.
(Side note: I find a lot of these reviews lurking in the 3- and 4-star pools. They’re not gushing, nor trashing; they’re offering astute insight.)Two, within one or two sentences they reveal their ignorance. Any star rating they dole out is worthless since they don’t know what they’re talking about. They’re simply addicted to the power of leaving a review, especially the bad ones. It’s intoxicating to some.
And three—the most important one of all—is the review that validates what you’re trying to accomplish with your creative effort.
I recently received a two-star review for one of my thriller novels. Normally that would be disheartening, even though the overall rating for the book is solid and positive.
But, remember, it’s the words of the review, and in this case I almost cheered.
The reviewer was mostly put off by the snarky attitude of the book’s protagonist, the spy named Eric Swan:
“. . . the plot was interesting and had potential, but the author is so consumed with constant witty banter and ‘smart’ snarky retorts.”
Yes! Precisely!
The entire marketing of the Swan series plays up the fact that this is not Jack Reacher, Mitch Rapp, nor Jason Bourne. Those are fantastic characters in terrific thrillers, created by incredible writers.
But I wanted something different. I wanted a smart-alecky, snarky spy who wasn’t dark and serious. I wanted action with some laughs. Christ, one of the tag-lines of the series comes from an early review, which basically called Swan a marriage of James Bond and Deadpool.
So, right up front, the marketing says “This character is witty and snarky.”
And the 2-star review said, “consumed with witty banter and ‘smart’ snarky retorts.”
In other words, they just confirmed, with an unflattering review, that my book delivered EXACTLY what I’d promised: A snarky alternative to all the other spies out there.
The Lesson
It’s a lesson for every aspiring writer. Yes, you’ll get some good reviews and some bad. You may cringe—I mean, people are essentially slicing and dicing your spirit—but you can’t let them ever derail you from your mission.
And, as you now see, some of the ‘bad’ reviews are actually terrific. Without meaning to, they could validate everything you wanted to do in the first place. Is your book for them? No, and that’s okay.
Look, there’s not a book in history without its share of thumbs down. To Kill a Mockingbird has nearly one thousand 1-star reviews. Think about that.
Actor, comedian, and writer Steve Martin (a terrific writer, by the way) was told early on, “You’re never gonna make it.”
His attitude about that pronouncement? He said, quote, “Now I’ve got my badge of honor. Part of the job is to get a terrible review from someone who doesn’t understand you.”
So well said. What one person dislikes in your work is often the secret sauce you’re using to attract other buyers. Those who ‘understand you.’
So chin up, my sensitive, artistic friend. A bad review is sometimes the best thing you can get. Go forth with thick skin and create!
If this was a five-star post in your mind—or helped you feel better about the whole crappy review system—perhaps buy Dom a tea or a beer right here. He’ll rate you high.
