Handling Negative Reviews: 3 Strategies for Authors to Cope and Thrive
BookPublishing.io
Handling Negative Reviews: 3 Strategies for Authors to Cope and Thrive
Navigating the choppy waters of negative reviews can make or break an author's career. This article taps into the wisdom of industry experts to outline effective strategies that help authors cope with criticism and use it to their advantage. Uncover the expert-backed approaches that transform negative feedback into a tool for growth and success in the literary world.
- Networking Transforms Publishing Careers
- Relationships Matter More Than Manuscripts
- Build Genuine Connections Before Pitching
Networking Transforms Publishing Careers
Networking is one of the most important aspects of building a successful career in publishing-whether you're an indie author or traditionally published. As a young adult fantasy author and indie author consultant, I've learned that networking isn't just about making connections; it's about building relationships that can genuinely support your journey.
For me, connecting with other authors has been transformative. We share tips, brainstorm marketing ideas, and support each other through the ups and downs. It's a reminder that other authors aren't competition-they're part of your community. The same goes for readers, bloggers, and influencers. These connections can turn into champions for your book, but only if you approach them authentically. Interact, engage, and make them feel seen and valued.
One thing I always tell my clients is to network with intention. Figure out where your audience and collaborators are-maybe it's on Instagram or TikTok, or in niche Facebook groups. Show up consistently, join conversations, and don't be afraid to reach out. A kind message or thoughtful comment can go a long way.
The key is to see networking as more than just an opportunity to promote yourself. It's about contributing to a community, offering value, and creating connections that will last beyond your book launch. When you build authentic relationships, opportunities will naturally follow. Networking might feel daunting at first, but it's absolutely worth the effort.
Relationships Matter More Than Manuscripts
One key thing I've learned about the importance of networking in the book publishing industry is that relationships are everything. It's not just about having a great manuscript—it's about connecting with the right people who can help bring your work to the right audience. Whether it's publishers, agents, fellow authors, or industry professionals, building a network allows you to gain insights, access opportunities, and expand your reach in ways that wouldn't be possible alone.
For authors new to the field, my advice would be: don't underestimate the power of networking. Attend industry events, engage on social media platforms, and build meaningful connections with those in the industry. Collaborate with others, share your work, and be open to learning from those who've walked the path before you. Networking is not just about gaining opportunities—it's about building a supportive community that helps you grow and succeed.
Build Genuine Connections Before Pitching
Here's the biggest thing I learned real quick: pitching your book to publishers is a lot like pitching content to clients - if you're just another faceless submission in their inbox, good luck. After bombing my first few attempts at getting traction, I switched strategies completely. Instead of cold-pitching my manuscript, I spent six months building relationships with industry folks through Twitter and LinkedIn, sharing insights about my niche, and actually engaging with their content.
I started treating my author platform like I treat client content strategies - focus on building genuine connections first, pitch second. Started a newsletter specifically about my book's topic, built an engaged community around it, and when I finally did pitch publishers, I wasn't just selling a manuscript - I was bringing a ready-made audience with me. For new authors, my advice is dead simple: start building those relationships now, not when you're ready to pitch.
Create content that showcases your expertise, engage with other authors in your genre, and for god's sake, don't make every interaction about your book. The best networking happens when you're not networking at all.
Quick example: met my eventual publisher through a random Twitter thread where I was sharing insights about my topic. No pitch, no ask, just valuable conversation. Three months later, they reached out to me about submission opportunities. That's how it works - be helpful first, pitch later.
