Part of this was posted on March 31, 2011. It was in response to a young woman from England self-pubbing her work and then responding to a review that she requested with all sort of colorful language and innuendos. I decided to revisit her Amazon site to find that she has put out two other books which, of course, had mostly ones for review and the colorful comments that she left for all of the reviewers. She learned nothing from her earlier tirade with the initial reviewer almost 4 years ago.
It’s is truly sad, like someone who doesn’t want to do his or her homework, then screams and hollers when the teacher gives them an E!
Don’t be burning bridges, folks. If you want a chance to one day get it right and have a good novel, be sure there are still people willing to review it. Folks who you haven’t visited on their site and tried to annihilate their reputations. So, here’s the original post(with a couple additions) that was on Hartline’s blog 3/31/3011.
Soooooo, how does it make you feel when someone gives your book a poor review? Or, if you're unpubbed, if your crit partners let you have it? I'm sure many of you have already read about the British self-pubbed author who was:
Let's say. . . . . .
Less than happy about a review she received. She launched into a rant the likes of which a two-year-old toddler would have been proud, or maybe even embarrassed. Depending on the toddler.
For those of you who might have missed it, here's the URL: http://booksandpals.blogspot.com/2011/03/greek-seaman-jacqueline-howett.html(most of the author’s comments have since been removed).
Be prepared, however, it's full of slightly (ahem) colorful language. Knowing that agents and editors might tune in to the continuing saga (not sure I've EVER seen that many responses to a blog) would you really want to be remembered as the author who had the internet meltdown? Granted, she might be suffering from menopausal issues (I hope there's a logical reason) but then again, she might not.
Folks, don't burn any bridges in this industry. It isn't worth it.
IF you respond to a bad review at all, simply thank the person for taking the time to read your work, whether a reviewer or a crit partner, and move on. I hope no one within reading distance of this post EVER responds in like.
Good luck, happy writing, may all your reviews be AMAZING and HONEST (and not posted by YOU under an assumed name)!
Wow. Perfect example of what never to do. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteYou bet! I reached the point in the blog post where I almost felt sorry for the author. Then I downloaded a sample of the book in question (which I believe has also been removed from amazon) and I understood the reviewer's stand on int.
ReplyDeleteWell said!
ReplyDeleteI decided to pass on the opportunity to go to the actual site, but I still get your principle: Authors, don't look like a jerk in the eyes of the public! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, it's so easy to burn bridges in the industry that will make you so sorry in the end.
ReplyDeleteYES! you said it best in 12 easy words. The site isn't so bad now that she took down her comments...mostly, but it was quite--quite---interesting. I have had meltdowns in my life, but this was the meltdown to end all meltdowns. Wowsah! Thanks for the succinct advice, Rick.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I experienced "bad-mouthing" on a social media site from a (multi-published) author over my editing (done for the publisher of her book!) of her ms! She used my name (and the publishers') and said all sorts of bad things. I was amazed!. A friend sent me the link from the social media site, and I forwarded it to my supervisors at the publisher and to this woman's agent. The agent apologized by email to me and the editors said this woman was "burning bridges" just as you've said. Christian publishing is too small a world for temper tantrums.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Linda. Burning bridges is unwise, for sure. The publishing industry is small, the Christian publishing industry even smaller. One never knows where an editor or agent, etc., will be "soon" or whom he/she knows now or will know in the future.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the Christian publishing world goes, I think we need to take it a step further and look at our actions as Christians. Yes, our feelings may be hurt, but that doesn't give us the right to act unchristian. We're supposed to be an example to the world, so on top of *not* burning bridges, we should always try to be charitable--even when it hurts.
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ReplyDeleteI had a rather strange circumstance where a change in the historic portion of a book of mine was changed without anyone's permission all the way down the line. Because I'm a fanatic for historic accuracy, I asked my absolutely fantastic editor what I should say if anyone ask. And you know that those folks who are as fanatic as I am would, and she said to tell them the truth. But it still made me feel funny saying it. Like I was picking on that person who had done. it. So it's a really fine line to know what to do sometimes. Still and all, attacking someone for their opinion makes it a hard row to hoe!
ReplyDeleteSo far, everyone I've worked with on a project has been just plain awesome. I know that's not always the case, but I have felt very blessed. I hope I remembered to tell them all along the way.
ReplyDeleteOhh, I fear what comments will appear when my book comes out. :) I'll go hide under a rock. Ha. I just can't believe how this woman reacted. Yes, we are examples to the world, plus not everyone will agree with us or like our writing. That is true in every turn in our lives. We all pass people who study us, as if we are a painting, and decide if they like our illustration of a Christ-like life.
ReplyDeleteReally nice way to put it, Karen. Great analogy. AND we have to realize that diff folks like diff things. We can't please everyone.
ReplyDelete