It happens.
You receive an email alerting you to a new review of your book or graphic novel. With anticipation—and maybe a touch of anxiety—you visit the site, hoping for praise. But instead, you’re greeted with no profile photo, a generic username, and a scathing critique.
A bad review.
You read it, and anger rises. Who would say something so dismissive about your work? Have they even written anything themselves? Their grammar is questionable, their tone condescending. Your fingers itch to respond. You start drafting a sharp rebuttal—1,000 words dismantling their review, their qualifications, even their motives. It’s witty, pointed, and brutally satisfying.
But then… your finger hovers over the “submit” button.
What Will You Gain?
That moment of satisfaction? It’s fleeting. What comes after could do real damage.
Publicly responding to a bad review—especially in anger—can backfire. Readers don’t just judge your work; they also judge you. If your response comes off as hostile, bitter, or condescending, they may choose not to read your book at all. Worse, they might join in defence of the reviewer, framing your comment as an attack on free expression.
The reviewer has done their part: they read your book and shared their opinion. Whether you agree or not, responding with venom makes it look like you can’t take criticism. And once the internet grabs hold of it, your reaction may outlive the review itself.
A Real-World Fallout
There are authors who have lashed out at reviewers online—and the response was swift and brutal. Not only did the reviewer stand by their critique, but others jumped to their defence. Review platforms were flooded with one-star ratings—not necessarily because of the book, but because of the author’s behaviour.
The damage wasn’t to the reviewer. It was to the author’s reputation.
Choose the Higher Ground
So what should you do instead?
- Don’t respond emotionally. Let the review sit for a day or two. Gain perspective.
- Consider the value. Even harsh reviews can highlight areas to improve.
- If you respond, do so with grace. A simple “Thank you for taking the time to read my work” shows maturity and respect.
- Or say nothing at all. Silence is a response too—and sometimes the wisest one.
By taking the high road, you demonstrate professionalism and emotional resilience. Readers notice that. A well-mannered author is more likely to earn new readers than one who lashes out.
Final Word
Not every reader will love your work—and that’s okay. Art is subjective. A bad review doesn’t define your worth as a writer. What does? Your response to it.
So next time criticism comes your way, take a breath. Take the lesson. And most importantly, take the opportunity to show who you really are.