Support for Indie Authors discussion

I have had some fantastic reviews for my book over the years but also a few that are more lukewarm/negative. I am very happy to receive critical reviews of course - you can't please everyone!

But I've just had a very negative review from someone who admits in their review they only 'skim read' my book. This doesn't seem particularly fair - I just wondered what others thought? Thanks, Paul.

Well if they are only skimming why are they doing s review? I read a lot and I now tend not to do a review at all if I don't like the book. I do agree a bad review from someone who is not fully absorbed in the book is unfair. What was his/her justification?
Lena

Hi Lena.

She said she "skim-read looking for dialogue, characterisation or a moral centre" but didn't find any of those three qualities.

The review is out of step with the other's I've received (I've got a 4.07 rating from 157 reviews/scores) and I like to think I am usually quite open and accepting when it comes to the more negative reviews.

But the 'skim-read' comment just threw me.

P

Hi Paul,
You shouldn't feel too bad. I recently had a woman give me a
so-so review because she said the characters were too sleezy.
But, hey, what about the writing. Another said I've never read
anything like this before.

But isn't that the point.
I really don't enter contests because I never know the quality of the judges.

We put ot out there and we take the hits.

Best luck, Wally

Thanks Wally. P.

I had someone leave a less than positive review (3 star) stating that it was because it sounded like a twenty-something was talking. It was a story about a twenty-year old that was told in first-person... Shouldn't I get a 5-star for achieving exactly what it was supposed to? LOL

Wally's right- we put ourselves out there and people do what they're gonna do with it. :(

Take solace, Paul, in the 4+ average rating you have. Best wishes all.

p.s. totally agree that leaving a review on something you skimmed is not cool

Who knows why people write what they do? Who knows what their real agenda is? Who cares? I certainly don't as an author. A review like that isn't going to hurt you. Anyone with a brain (you know, like the kind of reader you actually want) is going to know a bad review from someone who admits they didn't really read the book is worthless.

Don't waste time or emotional energy on it. Ignore it.

First thought, we're not here to promote our work. I'm removing your link.

Second thought, we're not here to discuss negative reviews. But, I'll address it and then lock the thread.

Some "skim read" your book? So what? At least they gave it a try. Often times, a glance is all that is needed to determine if one wants to read a book or not. It's not always necessary to read a full book to decide if you like it or not.

Negative reviews are nothing but an opinion. It does not mean your book is terrible. It does not mean you suck as a writer.

Best to move on, keep writing, and let this person have their opinion. It's not worth fretting over.