How to Post a Negative Review
by Tamela Hancock Murray
Posting a negative review is not the same as trashing a book. Sometimes you really are doing a service to let prospective readers know the book in question may not be right for them. Here are a few tips:
Be sure you rarely post a negative review. If you make a habit of posting bad reviews, you’ll be known as a grump who hates everything and your words will lose their power.
Approach from a position of authority. Why should prospective readers value your opinion? Examples might be that you are the president of an historical society, a professor, or hold some other position that shows readers when you say a book contains inaccuracies, you probably know what you are talking about.
Address problems with the book itself, not your perceptions of the author’s shortcomings as a person. The author may be dead wrong, but approaching the book dispassionately will gain you more respect in the reading community than simply blasting the author.
If the review is based primarily on a difference of opinion, say so. The best negative reviews I’ve seen are those that say something such as, “Liberals will find much to appreciate in this book, though those coming from an Orthodox viewpoint will find much with which to disagree.”
Check emotions at the door. Don’t write a review because you are angry with the author or the book’s viewpoint. If you are unable to write a balanced review, it’s best to remain quiet. If the book really does deserve bad reviews, plenty of others will be happy to say so. The fate of this one book does rest on your shoulders alone.
Your turn:
Have you ever written a bad review? Did you regret doing so?
Do you think most one-star reviews are well deserved, or not?
in Book Review,Tamela with 23 Comments
Reading Renee 
What about when you come across a character or situation that is against your values? I have written negative reviews, or have made a negative comment in an otherwise positive review, when a character cheats on his or her spouse. I cant stand to read that in a romance or erotic story. There is nothing romantic or sexy about breaking vows. Add another point against it if that character says ” I love my husband/wife but…” No you don’t. You won’t go fooling around with others if you truly loved him or her.
First Lance I LOVE YOU thanks for saying that! I think if it is against your values then YES say it. I have seen reviews with the most negative things like this :
“” I read this book based on a recommendation from a friend. Okay, she asked me to read it. I have five words for her-I’m Going To Kill You!-The story wasn’t totally awful as long as you keep reminding yourself it was written by someone who never passed high school level English. Poor grammar, poor spelling, need I go on?””
Is that necessary? Does this ignorant person know the author’s education level? Then lastly, does she realize she took an ARC from someone and just admitted to piracy? She needs an education. Her review was on Amazon and posted before the book was out, and not a verified purchase. I am so against things like this. I just don’t like to see it in any form. Say all you like about format, plots, characters and do it with class. Always remember it may be your daughter writing a story. I know if one of my kids wrote and I saw a review like this I would be upset. Furthermore would you write that review to your friend or neighbor’s book? Probably not then it is classless.
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