How To Handle Negative Reviews As A Writer (Without Losing Your Mind)

A Writer’s Guide to Handling Bad Reviews

If you write a piece of fiction that gets enough reviews, it will, sadly, be criticised. It is just the way things are. If you write a lot, you can try to build an immunity to this criticism, but it isn’t easy. Most people, myself included, can feel stung by a barbed or unpleasant review, leaving your confidence somewhat dented. However, there are a few things you can do to lessen the hurt a little and give you the strength to keep on scribing.

I have left my personal favourite until the end.

What is the intent of the criticism?

The first thing to do is take a step back and see if the person is trying to help. They may be genuinely attempting to offer some decent advice. Whether they are correct or you utterly disagree is less important. It might be wise to pause and reflect on it a bit because sometimes they may be right. Perhaps there are too many clichés, information dumps, or unsympathetic characters. It’s difficult to be objective in these matters.

Having an editor and/or reader gro…