It’s too easy to publish a book these days. I know that for sure because I’ve seen far too many that should never have been published. I have also seen authors defending their work in the face of valid criticism and have had to deal with several such authors myself. I have suggested to several that they unpublish their book, fix it up, and then republish it, but I know of none that has done so. (The fact that I think it is worth fixing up is a very good sign.)
Some, rather than thank me for the time I took to give them detailed feedback, preferred to abuse me but, thankfully, two took my suggestions to heart. They published revised editions that solved the initial problems to the extent that they then earned a place on the Awesome Indies list. Those authors showed the right attitude. They are the ones that will grow in this climate, the ones that the indie movement is made for.
Those who get defensive, argumentative or bitter when faced with criticism, however, and who refuse to consider or appreciate well-meant suggestions should not be in this business. If you publish a book without due study, preparation and feedback from qualified/professional people, then you risk unknowingly publishing something that is substandard. When that happens, don’t complain to or about the people who point that out to those who might buy your book. The threat of bad reviews should be a moderating influence for potential authors and rightly so.
When you publish a book, anyone can read it and write their opinion in a review. Every single reader has that right, and no matter what you think of their opinion and no matter how damaging their opinion might be to your sales, negative reviews are the risk you take when you publish. That’s the rules of the publishing game, and if you don’t like the rules, don’t play the game.
I agree with you. Writing does not necessarily coincide with being ready to publish. If you are not ready to hear a critique of your work then you definitely aren’t ready to put it out there for strangers to say whatever they are going to say. Also, writing does not always mean sharing. Putting words together does not make a readable book. There is so much to learn and some people may not have the ability. I have checked out books on the look inside section at amazon and I have come across the most unreadable books. The thing that really irritates me is that they are taking ideas that could actually make some potentially great books and just they are just throwing them away b/c of lack of talent or just having no idea they cannot write and don’t have an ability to make the story work. As I wrote earlier, writing is not just putting words together in a group. You need a great deal more depth then that to put a story that others are going to want to read. It is too bad people who can’t write or need some constructive criticism aren’t willing to be open to the help and b/c you try to be helpful you receive their wrath. There are people who have no idea what goes into what it is to write. They think it is simple and easy but it takes getting into your soul and heart and also being able to let go of some of your sanity to go over the line to be creative. I’m not saying to necessarily lose it but you need to be willing to open up inside to find what makes the words work. jk
So true. And opening up to criticism is not easy for anyone. Opening your heart and soul is difficult for a lot of people too, but without that a book is hollow.