Negative feedback isn’t the end—it might just be your creative breakthrough. I know this seems counterintuitive, but stay with me.
Last week, I shared with you the experience of Lisa and how she was unable to keep her cool when hit with a negative book review. If you missed it, you can read it here.
This week, I want to flip the lens and explore something I’ve learned firsthand: negative reviews, while never fun, can actually make you a stronger writer and a savvier book marketer. I know—deep breaths. It’s not easy to hear what didn’t land with someone, but tucked inside those critiques is gold, especially when it comes from your target audience. With a bit of curiosity, even tough feedback can point you toward clarity, connection, and growth.
So, how exactly can negative feedback help you level up? Let’s dig in to some of those possible negative critiques and what they may mean:
1. “The book felt repetitive.”
Translation: Your reader might be asking you to trust them more. They’ve got it! This could be a nudge to tighten things up and remove some of the extra padding. Streamlining can help your key points shine brighter and keep the pace moving smoothly.
2. “I couldn’t connect with the narrator.”
Translation: Whether you’re writing nonfiction or fiction, readers want to feel something. This could be your invitation to open up, share more personal stories, or show more of the human side behind the ideas. Connection builds trust—and keeps readers turning pages.
3. “The book was hard to follow.”
Translation: Maybe your structure needs a little TLC. Readers aren’t saying you’re confusing; they’re asking for more guideposts. Clearer transitions or breaking things down a bit more could help them walk through your ideas without getting lost.
4. “The tone felt condescending.”
Translation: This might be a signal to step down from the podium and pull up a chair. Readers appreciate when we meet them where they are, as a partner or fellow traveler, rather than as a distant expert. A little warmth and humility can go a long way.
5. “I lost interest halfway through.”
Translation: The middle might need a little more energy or variety. This could be a sign to revisit the flow—maybe add a surprising story, shift gears, or deepen the stakes to keep readers engaged all the way to the final page.
So, is it always fun to hear this stuff? No, it’s not. But it is useful. And when we approach feedback with curiosity instead of defensiveness, it can open doors to stronger writing and sharper messaging. It’s all about finding the opportunity inside the discomfort—and I’ve found there’s usually plenty of it hiding there.
Bottom Line
Feedback—whether glowing or grim—is valuable insight. The latter really is where the learning takes place. When you receive critical comments, they just may be shining a light on something you couldn’t see from your side of the page. And when you take them seriously (without taking them personally), you’ll sharpen your message, improve your storytelling, and step up your publicity and marketing game. Growth is rarely comfortable, but without question it is where the magic happens.
Oh, and thanks to my friend and former client, Becki Saltzman, who wrote to me following last week’s Savvy Sunday News to say that negative feedback helped her in many ways during her author career. It was the inspiration for this week’s post. Thanks, Becki!
To your success!
Joanne
P.S. You’re a Survivor!
P.P.S. The truth is, just like we grow from reader feedback, we also grow every time we step into the media spotlight. If you want to feel more confident and polished when promoting your book—whether it’s interviews, podcasts, or live appearances—I’d love to help you get there.
Join me for The Media Training Course, sponsored by the Nonfiction Authors Association beginning April 8th. I’ll share tools to help you show up as your best self, deliver your message clearly, and make every interview count.
Click here to learn more and save your seat.
#badreviews
#survivor
#bookmarketing
#bookpublicity
If you’d like to receive juicy publicity secrets directly on a regular basis, join the Savvy Sunday Community at the bottom of this page.
