Guest Post from Ken Myers on Negative Reviews

How to Handle a Negative Review

There is a quote that every writer can relate to, it was said by a popular American sportswriter Walter Wellesley ‘Red’ Smith, “There’s nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein.” As writers we pour out our everything when we sit down to write. And when someone says they don’t like what we have done, it can be pretty hard to handle. So take a deep breath and learn how to handle the less than stellar review:

Don’t take it personally: First things first, never take a negative review personally. The reviewer doesn’t know your good personality and all the things that make you, you. So remember when reading a negative review, it is not a reflection of you who are.

Opinions: Working in the creative industry can be fun but it comes with its lows too, the main one being everyone is entitled to their own opinions. What you think is fantastic could be a flop for someone else and vice versa. Don’t forget that creativity is objective to each individual. 

Acknowledge it professionally: You may disagree with the review but as mentioned before, to each their own. When a negative comment is written, acknowledge and respond in a positive and professional manner. A simple reply such as ‘I appreciate your view, thank you.’ Etc.

Don’t focus on it: It’s easy to dwell on the bad and not the good. For some reason that one comment out of a dozen positive ones really sticks out in your brain. Take it as a grain a salt and move on. Don’t focus on the comment.

Learn from it: Take into consideration what the reviewer is saying. Sometimes the negative can really enhance and build our talents by forcing us to see from a different view point. Look at your negative review as a learning experience for your writing.

Remember that negative review does not define your writing and doesn’t mean you are a bad writer. It just means that someone didn’t prefer your style. Don’t take it personally and learn from it. Criticism can really help a person’s growth.

Author Byline:

Ken Myers as an Expert Advisor on multiple household help issues to many Organizations and groups, and is a mentor for other “Mom-preneurs” seeking guidance.  He is a regular contributor of “www.gonannies.com/”.  You can get in touch with him at kmyers.ceo@gmail.com.