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Amazon isn’t just a mega online marketplace; it’s the world’s most extensive digital library with stories of every genre you can find.

There are thousands of books on the same topic there, and it can be hard to make yours stand out. 

That’s where Amazon’s keywords for books come in. 

The use of the right keywords can help customers find the best book based on their needs. Or help your potential readers with aligning tastes find your book. 

Now, let’s start by asking… 

What exactly are Amazon keywords for books?

When readers type these words or phrases into the search bar, your book can appear in their search results.

Amazon book keywords are phrases or words you choose when publishing your book on Amazon. Essentially, keywords are the search terms that readers type into Amazon when looking for a book to read. Almost all search engines use keywords. As such, choosing the right ones can be highly influential, impacting how and where your book appears in Amazon’s search results.

It’s just like how Google search works. 

Keywords can be about the genre, theme, characters, or any relevant aspect of the book.

There are also a….

Criteria for good Amazon keywords for books

When choosing the keywords for your book, you want to ensure they’re top-notch.. 

Good keywords need to be relevant to your book and its content.

Here’s what you need to know about them:

Relevance

Your keywords need to be relevant to your book. No point in attracting mystery lovers if you’re selling a romance novel.

Specificity

General keywords have a high competition rate. Instead of “Romance,” go for something like “Romance novel set in Victorian England.”

Popularity 

The trick is to find keywords that are popular but not too competitive. This is where keyword research tools come in handy.

Long Tail

Long tail keywords are longer, more specific keyword phrases. They might get fewer hits, but they can boost your rankings and attract the right audience.

And after research, what makes this effective

You may also start with…

Discovering the best Amazon keywords for books

Get them right, and you’ll be rewarded; get them wrong, and well, let’s say your masterpiece could get lost in the void. It’s important to get your keyword research done and make the most out of this optimization aspect. Here are a few helpful tips: 

Examples of keywords for fiction and non-fiction books

Creating keywords for fiction books is like piecing together a mini-synopsis. 

Elements like the setting, character types, plot points, and themes can all be used as keywords. 

For example, if you’ve written a sci-fi novel about a time-traveling astronaut, potential keywords could be “time travel,” “astronaut,” “sci-fi adventure,” or “space exploration.”

For non-fiction books, your keywords should outline the primary subject matter and benefits to the reader. 

For example, if your book is about vegan cooking for beginners, possible keywords could include “vegan recipes,” “beginner’s vegan cookbook,” “plant-based diet,” or “healthy eating.”

Now you also need to know about…

Amazon’s advice on keywords to avoid

As with everything, there are also keywords to avoid. 

Amazon, being a fair and just platform, provides some guidance on what not to do with your keywords. 

Here are a few things to remember:

1. Don’t use subjective claims like “best” or “most amazing.” These don’t help your ranking and can come off as spam.
   
2. Avoid using terms that are offensive or violate Amazon’s content guidelines.
   
3. Stay away from brief statements like “new,” “on sale,” or “limited-time offer.”
   

Now it’s also essential to…

Use Amazon and Google for keyword research

Let’s start with the basics: Amazon and Google search.

Yes, these are your two tools when it comes to keyword research. 

It’s the perfect place to start for your Amazon keywords for books. 

They’re free, accessible, and they can provide you with some pretty keen insights.

So, how does it work? 

Simple. Let’s say you’ve written an epic fantasy novel. You just type “fantasy book” or “epic fantasy” into the Amazon search bar, and voila! 

For Google, you see a drop-down list of suggestions and popular search terms that real-life readers are typing.

Like a sneak peek into the reader’s mind, Google operates in much the same way. 

The “autocomplete” feature in its search bar gives you a glimpse into what people are searching for. 

But there is…

One more tool you might consider

Here’s another tool designed specifically for Amazon KDP keyword research – Publisher Rocket. 

Publisher Rocket lets you discover what Amazon users are typing into their search bar, how many people are searching for these keywords, and how much money books using these keywords are making.

Publisher Rocket gives you access to real-time data from Amazon’s search engine, which can be convenient. 

Plus, it gives you information on book categories and competition.

However, it isn’t free. 

Plus, you need a basic understanding of keywords and SEO to make the most of it. 

If cost is a consideration for you, here are some…

Free and advanced alternatives for keyword research

There are other alternatives for keyword research, both free and progressive.

Free tools like Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic, and Keyword Surfer are great starting points. 

They can help you find long-tail keywords, understand search volume, and even see what questions people are asking about your topic.

On the advanced side, tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs provide detailed keyword analytics, site audits, and backlink analysis. 

While they come with a cost, they offer an in-depth understanding of your keyword landscape, giving you an edge in the highly competitive book market.

Now that you get the tools listed.

It’s time for you to…

Build your list of keyword ideas

Here are steps to brainstorm keyword ideas for your books to keep things simple.

Step 1: Explore your literary level

Remember to take a virtual stroll through the pages of your competitors. 

Identify what keywords they’re using in their titles and book descriptions, and evaluate how effective they seem to be. 

Take notes, analyze patterns, and gather ideas – all this detective work will be worth it!

Step 2: Keep your eyes on Google trends

Google Trends is another fantastic tool for Amazon keywords for books. It provides insights into the popularity of a keyword over time. 

This data can be invaluable in predicting up-and-coming trends in your book’s genre, helping you stay one step ahead.

Step 3: Delving deep into your book’s setting

Start your keyword brainstorming with your book’s setting. If your book is set in a city, specific neighborhoods or landmarks could be great keywords. 

On the other hand, if your book is set in a remote, idyllic countryside, consider using words that bring out the tranquility and natural beauty of your setting. 

And remember the period. If your book is set in a particular era, keywords related to that time can help readers find your book more easily.

Let’s say you’re writing a historical romance in Victorian England, ‘Victorian,’ ‘England,’ ’19th Century’, and ‘Historical Romance’ could be great keyword contenders.

Step 4: Character-driven keywords

Your characters offer a rich source of keyword ideas. Think about their occupations, hobbies, quirks, and backstories. 

Describe them in as many ways as possible. Are they solid and independent, quirky and enigmatic, haunted by their past, or are they young wizards learning magic?

A character who’s a pastry chef in a small town could generate keywords like “pastry chef,” “small-town life,” or “baking mysteries.” A character with a strong sense of humor might suggest keywords like “funny,” “comic relief,” or “witty protagonist.”

For a detective story, words like ‘detective, ‘mystery,’ ‘investigation,’ and ‘noir ‘make sense.

Step 5: Plot themes and tonal keywords

Your book’s plot themes are a crucial element in keyword selection. If your story is about overcoming adversity, then keywords like “resilience,” “perseverance,” and “overcoming obstacles” are your friends. 

For a tale of unrequited love, you could use “heartbreak,” “lost love,” or “unfulfilled desire” as keywords.

Your book might revolve around themes like love, betrayal, redemption, friendship, or bravery. Each of these themes is a gold mine for keywords. 

Additionally, pay attention to the mood of your book. 

Step 6: Curate your top contenders

After you’ve completed your research, it’s time to narrow down the list. 

You’ll want to select seven keywords most relevant to your book with substantial search volumes and reasonably low competition. 

This winning combination of factors will boost your book’s visibility and potential for sales.

Step 7: Continuous monitoring and updating

Keyword research isn’t a one-time task – it’s an ongoing process. 

Keep an eye on your selected keywords’ performance, and feel free to switch them out if they’re not delivering the desired results. 

Stay flexible and ready to adapt as market trends shift.

Amazon also gives…

Recommendations for effective keywords

When leveraging the power of keywords, Amazon has some valuable recommendations.

Amazon suggests using phrases rather than individual words to target your potential audience better. It encourages us to be specific and relevant. 

Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity. Include elements like character roles (e.g., ‘single mom,’ ‘alien warrior’), plot themes (e.g., ‘second chances,’ ‘alien invasion’), and specific settings (e.g., ‘post-apocalyptic earth,’ ‘Chicago in the 1920s’).

So, keep your keywords varied and relevant to your book.

Also, remember some…

Best practices for KDP keywords

First one, remember the…

Dos and don’ts when selecting keywords

Use phrases that accurately describe your book’s content, style, and genre. Consider what potential readers might punch into the Amazon search bar when looking for a book like yours.

On the flip side, don’t even think about “keyword stuffing” when you try to cram as many keywords as possible into your description or title. It’s like trying to feed your reader a keyword sandwich. 

It doesn’t taste good, and Amazon doesn’t like it. 

But Amazon also likes the…

Use of long-tail keywords

Instead of ‘romance,’ go for ‘second chance small town romance,’ for example. These phrases pin down what your book is about and help it surface for the right readers. 

They’re also less competitive, meaning your book has a better shot at shining in its own niche.

It’s also important to

Monitor the book chart performance

Long-tail keywords are typically three- or four-word phrases specific to your book. 

These keywords may get less search traffic, but they often attract more quality prospects – people who are likelier to buy because they’re exactly the audience you’re looking for.

You’ve got to keep an eye on your book’s performance in the charts, too. 

Changes in your chart performance could indicate that your keywords need a tweak. 

If you notice a drop, try switching things up a bit – but remember, don’t overdo it. 

This brings us to our next point…

The untold secrets of kindle keywords

You might have no idea about…

How Amazon checks and ignores specific keywords

When it comes to Amazon keywords for books, it has particular tastes. 

It relishes in some keywords, gorging on them to help it decide which books should be presented first to hungry readers. 

But, just like that food critic, it also turns its nose up at specific keywords, practically ignoring them.

Some keywords, you see, are classified as “stop words.” 

These are the words Amazon’s system doesn’t give a hoot about. 

Words like “the,” “and,” “a,” “an,” or “in” are the usual suspects in this category. 

You might be thinking, “So what if Amazon doesn’t pay attention to ‘the’ or ‘and’?” 

Amazon has a watchful eye on that, and your book might end up in the backseat rather than the spotlight.

Anyway, here are…

Ways keywords boost your book’s Visibility on Amazon

A few cleverly chosen keywords can catapult your text into the limelight, making it more visible to readers interested in your writing.

Think of keywords as the road signs that guide readers to your book. 

If you’ve written a romance novel set in medieval times, “medieval romance novel” would be an excellent keyword. 

Now, your book appears in the search results whenever someone on Amazon is hunting for a good old romantic tale with knights and ladies.

Amazon’s system uses your keywords to place your book in specific categories. 

For example, using “science fiction” and “time travel” as your keywords would likely land your text in the “Science Fiction & Fantasy > Time Travel” category. This placement gives your book more visibility among readers interested in this genre.

Now, don’t get me wrong.

Keywords alone won’t make your book a bestseller overnight. But they do play a significant part in making your book discoverable, increasing its visibility, and ultimately, increasing your chances of making a sale.

Besides, the only important thing for us is to…

Navigate what works

What works for a horror novel might flop for a cooking book. 

That’s why you gotta keep your fingers on the pulse of your target audience. Learn their lingo, understand their interests, and dig into their minds. Find the right keywords for Amazon, and you might sell more books. 

 And then, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the Amazon keyword game. 

Think of it this way: you invite readers into your world, so keep it classy. 

Keep refining, testing, and tweaking till you hit the sweet spot. 

Remember, the goal is not to win a game of hide and seek; you want your book to be found, read, and loved!

Back in my day, we had to walk uphill both ways to ask around the neighborhood for writing advice. Now there are tons of blogs about writing all over the internet, and inexperienced writers are so spoiled for choices that they may have difficulty finding which ones to read or follow. And it’s not always about finding tips; sometimes, we read author blogs because we enjoy their content and get up-to-date scoops about their work. There are also exclusive blog offers like giveaways and other free stuff to consider. So let’s talk about the best blogs from novelists and authors, and I’ll toss in a few important considerations when starting your own blog to sweeten the deal.  

But first, what is an author’s blog? 

An author blog is a website or online platform where the author can post articles and other content about their books, writing process, career history, and other related topics. The blog itself can be part of an author’s website or exist on a separate platform altogether. Most blogs provide writing advice (because writers love giving advice, present company included), but their other content can range from diverse topics, such as discussions about the publishing industry, to what they had for lunch last Tuesday. 

Do I need an author blog?

Why, yes, fellow writer, you do. It doesn’t matter if you’re a self-published or traditionally published author; blogs are an important part of branding. It’s also essential to book marketing, as the blog can help gather information for mailing lists and newsletters. Aside from that, writing blogs can help reach new readers, which can be invaluable when building your readership. 

You might be thinking your blog is meant to be an extension of marketing. That’s true to a certain extent, but making it a complete promotional site from beginning to end will make it look like you’re trying to shove your books down your audience’s collective throats. Don’t make the mistake of keeping your personality out of your blog. It should be a labor of love and a way to get your voice heard, where you get to talk about what you’re interested in, what keeps you occupied most of the day, and what motivates you to put pen to paper and share your thoughts to the wider world. Make it as if you’re speaking to your readers as friends, not as just potential customers. By all means, post book news, craft an outlining manifesto, tell others how to improve their writing craft, and glorify the virtues of the written word. But remember to do so in your own style.  

Blogs from bestselling authors and novelists

We’ve established that authors like giving advice, and aspiring writers like getting advice, right? Good. Now, if you’re going to get guidance on writing, you might as well take it from the very best. And to be clear, we’re not looking at just the quality of writing advice on display here. Blogs need to engage their readers. With those in mind, good fortune has allowed me to hand-pick a list of the best blogs I know, and now I present them to you in all their shiny, wordy glory. May they serve you well in your journey to becoming a published writer. 

Jane Friedman’s Blog

With over 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, Jane Friedman has seen the industry’s transformation, from the days of print media all the way back to the 1990s up to the digital juggernaut we know today. She has valuable insider knowledge of how all of it works and has been giving the best writing advice to help authors since 2008. Friedman is a trusted name in the publishing world, and her blog comprehensively covers the process of writing, including submission to literary agents and other submission services, finding an editor, deciphering writer contracts, marketing your work, and ways to self-publish your work. She also talks about the nuts and bolts of the craft, like how to turn your Microsoft Word Document into an EPUB, and other soft topics, like finding encouragement during periods of unproductivity, cultivating writing talent at a young age, and suggests podcasts for writers. 

Notable works

• The Business of Being a Writer (Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing) (2018)
• Author In Progress: A No-Holds-Barred Guide to What It Really Takes to Get Published (2016)
• Publishing 101: A First-Time Author’s Guide to Getting Published, Marketing and Promoting Your Book, and Building a Successful Career (2014)
  
  
  

Neil Gaiman’s Journal

Renowned British novelist and screenwriter Neil Gaiman is one of the most well-known science fiction and fantasy authors today. He first broke through the industry in 1989 with the release of his comic book series The Sandman under DC Comics. The series received critical acclaim upon its release and is one of the first graphic novels to appear on The New York Times Bestseller list, and it frequently ranks among “Best Books” lists all over the Internet. Since then, Gaiman has consistently released beloved works such as Coralline, American Gods, and Good Omens (written with the late Sir Terry Pratchett, another popular author in the fantasy genre), all of which have been adapted as films and TV series. He is also known for blending genres and his masterful use of allusions in his works. His 2013 multi-awarded fantasy horror novel The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a personal favorite of mine — and the reason for several of my sleepless nights. 

His blog goes back to early 2001, and there he talks about everything from writing tips to unboxing the most expensive books he’s ever purchased. He also often features fan mail on his blogs, and he answers their questions with a startling level of detail and sincerity. He knows he’s speaking from a place of authority and is always more than happy to give solid advice to his fans. 

Notable works

• The Sandman (1989)
• The Graveyard Book (2008)
• The View from the Cheap Seats: Selected Nonfiction (2017)
  
   

The Creative Penn by Joanna Penn

“I’ll teach you how to write, publish and market your book — and make a living with your writing.” 

This is the introduction to Joanna Penn’s blog, The Creative Penn, and, based on her content, she’s making good on her promise. Her site is packed with information, and she talks about the usual stuff (how to write nonfiction books, tips on self-publishing and marketing, and how to navigate Amazon as an author) in her older blog posts, but her more recent work discusses such pinpoint topics like how to reach Christian audiences with your book, how to handle and write about mental health, how to take advantage of SEO, and how authors can utilize AI to help with their writing. What makes her special is her approach to writing: she sees it as both an art form and a business, and she gives advice coming from both places

Notable works

• How To Write Non-Fiction: Turn Your Knowledge Into Words (2018)
• Successful Self-Publishing: How to Self-publish and market your book (2015)
• Your Author Business Plan Companion Workbook: Take Your Author Career To The Next Level (2020)
  

Terrible Minds by Chuck Wendig

Chuck Wendig is another author I’m familiar with. He writes science fiction and fantasy but dabbles in crime and mystery. He is also a freelance writer and blogger, and his minimalist blog site TerribleMinds.com is one of the funniest and most engaging writing blogs I have ever seen. He’s known for making listicles and has published a collection containing most of the advice he gives on his site. He does the usual coverage of publishing and marketing, of course, but his blog shines best when he’s talking about the creative aspects of the industry. The way he gives you tips on how to improve your writing will have the dual benefit of improving your work and making you laugh all throughout. For example, here’s an item from one of his blog posts, A Very Good List of Writing Advice:

“3. Also Run Screaming Past Your Self-Doubt. Your self-doubt is a jerk. It’ll jog alongside you, trying to convince you to just stop and lay down and give up. You can’t give up. Keep running. Run faster than your self-doubt. Steal a car. Steal an actual car. Drive fast past it. Then reverse and back over it. Hear the crunch of its bones. That’s what it gets for sassing you.”

Notable works 

• Blackbirds (2012)
• The Kick-Ass Writer: 1001 Ways to Write Great Fiction, Get Published, and Earn Your Audience (2013)
• Gentle Writing Advice: How to Be a Writer Without Destroying Yourself (2023)
  
  
  

Helping Writers Become Authors by K.M. Weiland

Katie Weiland is known as an author and writing mentor. Her site, Helping Writers Become Authors, has been the go-to blog for many writers, and her in-depth discussions about the ticking parts of novel writing have helped countless others in their journey to becoming published authors. The resources page on her blog is divided into categories corresponding to each step of the writing process, from outlining your book, creating your story structure, writing character arcs, and more. She also likes to break down movies and books into their constituent story beats. Then she examines each part as an independent section and how it stands as a whole. You’ll find lots of free content here that can be useful whether you’re a fiction or nonfiction writer. I personally love her take on the most common writing mistakes, and I highly suggest you give it a look when you have the time. 

Notable works

• Writing Archetypal Character Arcs: The Hero’s Journey and Beyond (2023)
• Outlining Your Novel: Map Your Way to Success (2011)
• Storming: A Dieselpunk Adventure (2015)
  

Holly Lisle

With over 30 years of writing experience and more than forty published books across multiple genres, it would be an understatement to say that Holly Lisle is an expert in all things writing. Scrolling through her list of works took me a while, and it took even longer to skim over the numerous tips, articles, essays, and workshops on her blog. She covers topics from plotting, outlining, and worldbuilding. Then finds the time to write about scams in the writing industry, query agents, and find the right writer’s group for you. Her blog is a gold mine of information, even if the design looks a bit bare (I’d take content over presentation any day.) Consider giving her blog a visit if you have the time. 

 Notable works

• Holly Lisle’s Create A Plot Clinic (2010)
• It Came From Beneath the Slush Pile: 20 Kinds of Stupid: An Anthology of Idiot Heroes and Ridiculous Heroines (2016)
• Strange Arrivals: Ten Tiny, Twisty Fantasy Tales (2013)
  

Bonus blogs

Unfortunately, I can’t list the writer blogs I have read over the years here. Otherwise, we’d be at it all night, and you certainly have more important things to do, like writing your book. That said, I would be remiss not to mention, albeit in passing, some of the other blogs by and for writers. 

• Writers Write
• Writer’s Digest
• Not a Blog by George R. R. Martin, the person behind A Song of Ice and Fire
• Whatever Scalzi by John Scalzi
• Seth’s Blog by Seth Godin
• Reedsy Blog
• Goodreads Blogs, where J.K. Rowling and Stephen King post content
• Leaders Press Blog – Yep, we have articles about every step of the writing and publishing process. We can also take it one step further and help you get your book idea published. Click here if you want to know more.
  

How to make your own author or writer blog

Now that you’ve seen my list of best author blogs, how about we start talking about starting one for yourself, hmm? 

As mentioned earlier, blogs are an important part of marketing strategy; ideally, every author needs one. It allows you to create a network and community of readers, enhance your author branding, and take advantage of digital media all in one go. Depending on how you play your cards, your blog can have a big impact on your sales, get more traction, and help you build your audience base. If you’re a self-published author, it can even help attract the attention of a publisher.  

Step 1: Pick a good name for your blog

Before you start blogging, you need to find the right name or title for your blog. Having an interesting one helps you get more attention. The ideal blog name should reflect you or your genre, or, if you prefer, you can just put your name there and add ‘blog’ or ‘journal’ like Neil Gaiman did. GRRM did something cute with his Not a Blog title, but, to be fair, he doesn’t really need any more publicity. 

Step 2: Choose a platform

Once you’ve got your blog name sorted out, it’s now time to choose your website or platform. (Remember that you can have an author website and a separate blog.) Blogging on social media websites like an influencer is not unheard of, but I have a soft spot for classic blog sites. They allow more creative choices, especially if you have a background in coding. Websites like WordPress, Squarespace, and Weebly are some of the more famous blog sites you can choose from.

Step 3: Come up with content

So you have your shiny new blog up. Congratulations! Now it’s time to make sure to put up some content. It’s a good idea to align your blog posts with your books, genre, or author brand, and we shall talk about it momentarily. But as we discussed, whatever content you throw up there needs to feel personal. Talk about your next book, sure, but then keep things fresh with new content and topics while staying focused on getting more readers and sales. 

Step 4: Time to optimize

Not only do blog sites let you personalize everything to your heart’s content, but they are also great tools to grab the attention of both readers and search engines. Every writer should ideally become aware of SEO practices and how they affect their search ranking (even if they require serious time commitment). They are great ways to leverage writing skills to help with marketing books. Proper application of these practices can translate to a substantive effect on your efforts for promotion, even if you’re only working on putting out a debut novel. 

Step 5: Align your blog with your other marketing aspects

One of the most important aspects of book branding and marketing is consistency across the board. You want to ensure your message, tone, and delivery align with your process and goals. It’s okay to post personal stuff occasionally, but if you check the blogs I listed up top, you’ll see that all their personal posts are still somehow connected to their prior, current, and upcoming works, their writing process, the genres they write in, or the media releases for their works. 

And if you’re a self-published author, your work is cut out for you since you’ll be doing most of it. You’ll need to maintain your social media presence, all while handling marketing campaigns, distributions, and listings. If you need a hand with any of these, or, better yet, if you want an industry leader with a proven track record to take them off your hands, then take a look at our pricing and services to see what fits your needs.  

And so the blog ends

If you want to reach more audiences for the genre you’re writing in, or if you’re exploring ways to market your book, author blogs are the way to go. Treat it like it’s your personal kingdom. But remember that once you’re committed, you need to maximize your blog for its potential in marketing and promoting your work. 

At the intersection of art and technology lies content creation, a unique field of hard work, creativity, and precision. With it comes risks from hackers and other online threats who wish to exploit data for their nefarious purposes. That is why it is essential to be proactive about protecting all digital activities with a powerful VPN. Working closely with customers and their valuable information requires immense responsibility – something which any writer takes seriously. As a result, expectations are high – but never too high.

What Are Virtual Private Networks?

As the online landscape continues to expand, ensuring online security has become a major concern for the virtual workspace. With the rise of security issues like Firesheep and Wi-Fi spoofing, prioritizing safeguarding your online activity is now more important than ever. Utilizing a VPN offers an effective solution.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) comprises private servers that enable users to access the internet through a secure and encrypted tunnel. In simpler terms, a VPN is a technology that allows individuals to establish a protected network connection while using a public network or other environments.

What Do VPNs Do?

In basic terms, a VPN provides an encrypted server and conceals the user’s IP address from corporations, government agencies, and potential hackers. It safeguards user identity even when connected to public or shared Wi-Fi, ensuring that data remains private and protected from any prying eyes on the internet.

A VPN bypasses the user’s personal ISP by directing the internet connection to a hosted server. With servers located worldwide, individuals can virtually “relocate” and access the internet from nearly any location. Encryption offers an additional layer of security, which is particularly beneficial for businesses.

How VPNs Empower Writers Worldwide?

It’s important to note that while utilizing a VPN can help safeguard your location and data, it does not completely hide all aspects of your online presence. For instance, when engaged in activities such as taking a Facebook quiz or liking an Instagram post, the respective apps can still utilize your actions to personalize advertisements and content within their platforms. While they might not know your browsing location, they can still gather insights about your activities on their apps.

Likewise, even with a VPN, if your computer has cookies enabled, companies can monitor and track your browsing activity both on their websites and afterward. It’s crucial to understand that relying solely on a VPN does not entirely conceal your complete data. Only combining additional measures will help achieve maximum confidentiality.

#1 Bypass Website Blocks

Many writers have the amazing opportunity to work from anywhere in the world. They can travel to different countries and continue working. However, certain websites and services may be inaccessible in some countries due to geo-restrictions.

There are various reasons why these restrictions exist, including government censorship, copyright laws, security concerns, and individual preferences related to monetization strategies. The inability to access specific resources or services due to geo-restrictions can significantly hinder productivity. However, if you download VeePN, then you can forget about such restrictions. If the site is unavailable, all you need to do is sign in to VPN for Edge or another platform and change your VPN server.

#2 Cost-Effectiveness

VPNs provide a cost-effective solution for achieving internet security. VPNs offer a more budget-friendly option and a seamless onboarding process compared to other tools like firewalls, Smart DNS, and access control.

With a starting price of around $10.00 monthly, individuals can acquire an efficient VPN to boost productivity. This affordable monthly expense minimally impacts one’s budget, particularly when considering the importance of online security and improved productivity.

#3 Secure

Writers often work as freelancers, which allows them not to be in the office all the time. They often work in various public settings, including airports, libraries, shared workspaces, hotels, or local coffee shops. In these situations, relying on public Wi-Fi becomes necessary due to slower mobile connections.

However, it is important to note that public Wi-Fi networks are often vulnerable and attract cybercriminals targeting unprotected devices. To ensure secure usage of public networks and avoid concerns over cyber threats, it is recommended to utilize a VPN. With the help of a VPN, freelancers can confidently utilize public networks and complete their work in a timely manner. This is especially important in activities that require access to confidential information, like data management, stock trading, personal loans, and other related projects.

#4 Increased Internet

One of the remarkable benefits of using a VPN is the automatic increase in internet speed, thanks to the additional bandwidth provided. Writers usually work remotely, either from their homes or coffee shops, relying on a private network provided by a local internet service provider (ISP).

During times of network congestion or at their discretion, ISPs frequently limit the available bandwidth for their users. This practice leads to a slow internet connection, which can significantly affect the efficiency and productivity of freelancers.

When individuals utilize a VPN, they can rest assured that they will enjoy additional bandwidth. VPN clients opt for high-speed servers that surpass the bandwidth cap and speed restrictions imposed by internet service providers (ISPs). This boost in internet connection speed facilitates the completion of tasks in a shorter timeframe, ultimately enhancing productivity.

#5 Manage Connections

Employers frequently seek the assistance of freelance writers to handle tasks remotely. This typically occurs when they face an excessive workload or require specialized expertise for certain assignments.

While outsourcing presents the benefit of securing specific talents for improved outcomes, it also introduces security challenges. Cybercriminals discover fresh opportunities to launch attacks through this practice. For instance, they can intercept unencrypted connections, pilfer passwords, and sensitive information shared between the employer and freelancer.

With a VPN, businesses can efficiently manage remote freelancers while ensuring top-notch security. Businesses can centralize and simplify remote access management by enabling freelancers to access vital resources over the public internet as if they were connected to a secure private network. In summary, cloud-based VPNs offer a unique solution for effectively managing remote freelancers. Freelancers can quickly install the software on their devices and begin working with minimal cybersecurity risks.

#6 Localize Your Search

When living the digital nomad lifestyle and creating content or working for clients in different countries, one must prioritize targeted work and research. For example, if someone is based in Lisbon and their client is in Singapore, it is vital to consider the distinct preferences of people in these locations. In such cases, utilizing a VPN to uncover the interests of individuals in Singapore can provide immense assistance.

#7 Safe And Secure Collaboration

As their content creation journey progresses, users may find themselves collaborating with individuals worldwide. Using a VPN, they can create a secure environment for sharing files and communicating with team members, irrespective of their locations. This becomes especially important when dealing with sensitive information or intellectual property.

Moreover, utilizing a VPN can boost the speed and performance of file transfers, particularly when dealing with sizable media files. This effective method saves users time and streamlines their collaboration process, allowing them to concentrate on creating exceptional content.

#8 Boost Your SEO Efforts

Many writers understand the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) in driving website or blog traffic. A VPN can be useful in enhancing SEO efforts by allowing individuals to assess content rankings in different regions and countries.

By connecting to a VPN server in another location, users can access localized search engine results, which enables a comprehensive evaluation of content performance across multiple markets. Valuable insights gained from this analysis can be applied to refine SEO strategies and expand audience reach. This approach has been proven effective for many writers and content creators.

#9 Circumvent Internet Censorship

In certain countries, content creators face a notable obstacle in the form of internet censorship. They heavily rely on a variety of resources for research and inspiration. By utilizing a VPN, individuals can circumvent these restrictions by connecting to servers located in different countries, thereby concealing their actual whereabouts. This approach grants users the ability to unlock blocked websites and services, providing them with a wide array of tools to produce exceptional and high-quality content. Additionally, overcoming internet censorship facilitates the broader dissemination of content, expanding its reach to a larger audience.

#10 Data Privacy From Your ISP

When connected to a home Wi-Fi network, users can experience a more secure online environment compared to public connections. It is essential to note, however, that data remains vulnerable.

Internet service providers (ISPs) such as Comcast, Spectrum, Verizon, and other monthly payment companies possess the capability to access all Internet data. ISPs can track browsing activities, including the time, location, and method of browsing.

Users should note that their data may be collected and sold to advertisers, even when utilizing the “private” browsing function. If a data breach occurs, the unauthorized disclosure of this data can pose substantial risks. To address this concern, individuals are advised to consider using a VPN service that can disguise their IP address from their Internet Service Provider (ISP).

#11 Data Privacy From Your Government

Numerous Internet Service Providers (ISPs), applications, and Internet data hubs assert that they abstain from selling users’ browsing data to governments. However, it frequently comes under their possession, even within the United States.

Since 2013, when Edward Snowden first revealed that Verizon was selling internet and phone data of users to the NSA, the American people have become more aware of the different methods used by the government to monitor and obtain their data. Following the Snowden disclosures and the resulting public outcry, several legislations were passed to limit government surveillance.

However, in January of this year, the Defense Intelligence Agency reportedly bypassed a law requiring warrants for obtaining user data from phone companies. Instead, they paid third-party data brokers for the same data, as reported by the New York Times. Individuals concerned about potential government overreach may consider investing in a VPN as a means of safeguarding their data.

#12 Adaptable to Numerous Smart Devices

Many individuals often try a VPN for the first time on a laptop provided by their company. However, it’s worth noting that VPN services can also secure other smart devices, including phones, tablets, and desktop computers. Each VPN provider may offer unique protection plans with varying capabilities to safeguard different devices. Nevertheless, several providers offer comprehensive plans designed to ensure safety across multiple devices.

#13 Data Privacy From the Apps and Services

ISPs are not the sole potential liability present in one’s home. Several beloved apps and internet services, notably Facebook, have faced scrutiny for handling user data. Using a VPN helps prevent apps and websites from associating your activities with your computer’s IP address. Additionally, it can restrict the collection of your location data and browsing history.

#14 Take Care of Your Reputation

One of the initial aspects users tend to prioritize when getting acquainted with a company is safeguarding customer data. It plays a significant role in determining the company’s professionalism and reliability. With this in mind, it is advisable for users to diligently explore various software options to make an informed decision. Users can discover a reliable solution that will endure in the long run by investing time and effort into understanding the specifics.

#15 Access to unavailable movies and shows

Users can also enhance their streaming experience by utilizing a VPN. By employing a VPN, individuals can bypass geographical restrictions imposed by paid subscription streaming services, granting them unrestricted access to a wide range of content, regardless of their location. Writers can draw inspiration and information from films around the world. This huge data source can be blocked or restricted by default just because of your location. Additionally, a VPN can alleviate buffering issues caused by overloaded bandwidth, resulting in a smoother viewing experience.

Conclusion

Currently, there is a growing trend of numerous discoveries across various industries. One of the key driving factors behind this is the advancement of high technologies and their profound impact. Content creation has also transformed, transitioning from a hobby to a means of earning income for many individuals. In this regard, it becomes crucial to establish the utmost convenience for work and content distribution.

The most crucial aspect of the latter involves safeguarding data and valuable materials. One can address this concern effectively and gain necessary options by setting up a VPN. Notably, the functionality continually advances, enabling quicker and simpler task execution. For several reasons, the aforementioned exemplify the importance of this privacy tool. Nevertheless, it is essential to consider all the components and useful recommendations while selecting a specific application for setup.

You’re almost there! We understand how exciting it is to finally “finish” writing a book you’ve always dreamed of publishing. The sense of accomplishment must be indescribable after putting your thoughts and ideas into actual readable material. But there is also this tremendous sense of anticipation when it comes to finalizing your work before it goes to print. But before your book hits your chosen platform and printing press, you will want to polish your work with the help of an extra pair of eyes to see what you may have missed, mistakes in your copy, or developmental flaws in the story you are trying to share. 

In this case, the next step for you will be to find the right editor for your book who can enhance your work to its fullest potential. We’re here to help you find the best book editor for the job. 

What does a book editor do?

Whether you meet a full-time editor at a traditional publishing house or freelance editors who work with self-published authors without publishing house backing, they are all professionals who play a very important role in the book publishing industry. 

Typically, a book editor first reviews a story by going through the draft page-by-page, line-by-line, and word-by-word to review elements like spelling, grammar, sentence structure, accuracy (fact-checking for non-fiction), and developmental content to make sure your book is ready to progress to the next level of being accommodated for design and publishing.

Do you really need an editor? 

The short answer to this is no. 

You can always edit and proofread your own work. Some writers with editing experience prefer this arrangement, as they can keep complete creative and technical control of their work. But not all writers have editing experience, and if you want your work to have a better chance of being looked at and considered by a literary agent or publishing house or appreciated by readers and book reviewers from your self-publishing platform, getting a professional editor can be hugely beneficial.

In the same way that you would want a gorgeous but slightly loose outfit altered by a good tailor to fit you perfectly, hiring an editor to work on your final draft will turn it into the polished and ready-to-read manuscript you want. Sure, the initial form is already something you can appreciate, but having someone professional come in and help you perfect things to unlock their fullest potential pays off.

However, signing up with the first editor your see is not advisable. You need to take time to figure out your requirements and preferences. So before you start with your search, consider the following things:

Figure out what you need for your book

You might know about your little weaknesses or insecurities with your work (that’s normal!). There is nothing wrong with pursuing the best version of your book and yourself as a published writer, even if it means employing the help of strangers. Besides, what would be the whole point of selling/distributing a book if not to offer the best book that you can?

Before hunting for your book editor, gather information like your personal requirements and needs when it comes to editing your book. 

What kind of editing do you need?

Establish what kind of editing assistance you need. Is it only proofreading (after the final draft) that you need? Perhaps you need copyediting to ensure the correction of typo errors like punctuation, spelling, and grammar? 

Do you need something more substantial from your editor, like developmental editing, where if you hire a book editor, you will expect them to look at the big picture, helping with structure and content? If this is the case, you might even want to consider hiring them early on in the writing process, as they can help you, chapter by chapter, to maintain a great flow to your storytelling as you continue to write the book. 

Suppose you decide to go the traditional publishing route. In that case, developmental editing will be a necessary step in your process as an author, which your agent can help you out with (by connecting you with competent editors) before they can pitch your book to publishers.

Make a list of places where you can look for a book editor

There are many places and methods to find a book editor. You can go the traditional route of networking with the help of your agent (if you have one), especially if you plan to publish your book the traditional way.

You can start your networking and research efforts online if you are self-published. Consider social media groups and pages where you can meet other writers in the same genre as you who can share their experiences of working with their editors.

You can also find several websites through a simple Google search that offer a great deal of information through forums and articles, discussing shady editors to avoid and recommending fantastic editors with a growing list of satisfied author clientele. 

Some legitimate and professional websites, like Reedsy, are dedicated to pooling experienced and vetted book editors, designers, and marketers for writers who may need their services.

You can also list a number of your favorite writers. You can reach out to them to express your admiration and later ask them if they edit their own works or enjoy a particular book editing service. Who knows, you might get lucky and be able to hire one of your favorite authors to be your own book editor.

There are also freelance and career platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn, where you can find book editors by the hundreds who are ready to provide their services. Approach these websites cautiously, as there are no vetting processes made before freelance book editors on these sites are allowed to sell their editing services. But do not underestimate these platforms because many talented book editors who prefer to work independently also populate these channels.

Another great opportunity to find a book editor is to attend book conferences and events that are centered on your genre. More often than not, book editors with experience working with writers like you will attend these events to network and meet more writers with whom they can discuss their services.

Start searching and reaching out to promising editors with your needs in mind

Once you have a good idea of the places to look at when searching for your book editor, it’s a good time to look at what these individual professionals can offer you for your budget and requirements.

To help you narrow down your options, here are some guiding questions for you when trying to find a book editor:

How much do I want to spend?

Writing can take a lot out of you aside from energy and thought. Depending on your vision, you will find yourself setting aside a budget for various things. This could include payments for an editor, an illustrator, a photographer, and a marketer.

This is why you need to be able to set a budget before searching for your editor. You can look up going rates for book editors to set a reasonable budget that can afford a good editor without breaking the bank. 

Make sure you also know the different rate standards you want to offer. Some editors prefer a per-word rate, others use an hourly rate, and some charge by the page. Based on your budget and your manuscript, be ready to have the right figures that will correspond with these different bases of rates.

What are their credentials?

Editing literary pieces requires more than a healthy knowledge of spelling and grammar. Even apps like Grammarly can do that for you. You would want to find a book editor who studied and trained to read through countless books, identify which demands correction and revision and why, and present you with a better and polished version of your creative work.

Don’t be embarrassed to ask editors for their credentials. Where did they study? What course of study did they take and finish back in college or grad school? Have they worked with publishing houses before? What genre of literature do they specialize in?

How many clients have they worked with?

Speaking of credentials, nothing could vouch for an editor better than their work and previous clients’ testimonials.

Request links to websites of writers who an editor you are thinking of hiring have already worked with. Ask how many clients they have worked with so far and if they can show you recent testimonials of their past clients. If you aren’t sure, you can even reach out to their past clients with a quick list of questions about their satisfaction with the editor’s work.

Testimonials could also give you an idea of their work ethic and relationship-building habits with their clients. For example, an editor who communicates a lot with their clients through constant updates can be great for most clients, but to a few who are extremely busy and are not a fan of micromanagement, that can be a nuisance.

What is their feedback style?

When you start inquiring with an editor, how fast do they reply? Do they respond pleasantly, or are they too curt for your taste? When you ask them about their feedback style during editing, do they take pride in being brutally honest with their past clients? Is that something you can work with? When you show them a couple of pages from your manuscript, do they express interest in working on your book, or are they showing some hesitation? 

Finding an editor is like finding a plumber or a carpenter for your home renovation. You need someone you can trust a little more intimately than others; you will entrust YOUR book to the one you pick. You need to find a book editor whose editing skills, personality, and communication style meet your writing needs. They will not necessarily be your next best friend, but wouldn’t it be great if you work with someone who makes the journey to being published more enriching and rewarding?

What is their expertise and editing process?

It is crucial that you ask an editor which genres they enjoy editing. You want to find an editor who will enjoy editing your book and can communicate references and concepts specific to your genre. As for book titles they have worked on, see if you like the outcome of their editing work. 

You also need to ask the editors you shortlist the turnaround time they see with your manuscript and how many passes the manuscript will go through in their hands within that time. If you are particular about style guides, ask them too which they prefer to use when editing. You might want to hire someone who doesn’t rush through your work and edit hastily but also doesn’t take forever to turn your manuscript back in.

Create a short brief about your book with your top choices

Once you have narrowed down your choices to 3-5 editors based on your budget, their credentials, editing experience, and expertise, you can then create and share a short brief about your book. This may include information about yourself as a writer, the book’s synopsis, objectives, and a chapter from your book. A brief will give the editors an idea of what you want to convey and achieve through your book, what kind of editing you need, and provide them a sense of your writing style.

Get their thoughts on your book and see who understands your style the best, who communicates their ideas and opinions with clarity, honesty, and respect, who offers a timeline and process that is the most reassuring to you, and who corresponds with you most pleasantly and professionally.

Final thoughts

Finding the right book editor will require much effort and time researching and comparing. Budget, credentials, expertise, communication styles, work process, and time requirements are good bases to use in looking for the editor who will be perfect for you and your book.

Do not hire the first editor you encounter or someone who is “good enough.” How your book is edited will affect the impact and message your book delivers to your audience. In more ways than one, the book editor you choose will be one of your partners in accomplishing (or failing) your published book dreams.

Nothing is certain except for death and taxes — and negative book reviews for authors. 

There is no such thing as a perfect 5-star book. No matter how objectively good you think your work is, someone, somewhere out there, will read it, pull a face, and think, “This ain’t for me.” More likely than not, they’ll take to the Internet, social media, message boards, and reviews sites and express their displeasure with a severity ranging from mild dismay to incandescent fury. Sometimes they can even impact your book’s marketing and sales.

But to be perfectly honest, insulating yourself completely from bad book reviews is an inadvisable course of action, no matter how much it hurts your feelings. I’ve had my share of negative comments about my work, but I’m still here, writing and sharing my dubious wisdom with the lot of you, and I fully expect to receive more criticism in the future. It’s just something we have to live with. 

So let’s discuss why negative book reviews come to you and how to use them to your advantage. 

Why are negative reviews even necessary?

Wouldn’t it be great to live in a world where people like your book all the time and shower you with praise and adoration from the streets to online forums? 

Well… no. 

I hate to break it to you, but any review of your book, whether positive or negative, is a necessary part of the publishing process. This is a great way to gauge audience perception and acceptance of your writing skills, topic, and message. It’s also a way to identify weaknesses, but we’ll discuss that later. 

And besides, seeing a perfect 5-star book with no negative reviews can raise suspicion. I mean, come on, you would be hard-pressed to find a universally accepted statement in a world as divided as ours, much less a whole book. Listings with perfect scores don’t look authentic or credible. 

Negative reviews also help with reader guidance, so they know which works to avoid depending on their preferences. This is also the reason why independent reviewers are gaining popularity on social media and YouTube. Users look for book reviewers with similar tastes to get the lowdown on recent releases or old classics. 

Why do negative comments about your book hurt?

There are a few reasons why negative reviews hurt. I’d like to touch upon them for a bit because understanding why I feel a certain way helps me cope with the feelings. This may or may not work for you, so I wouldn’t hold it against you if you skip this part and jump to the juicy bits below. 

Your work is you 

It’s hard to disassociate ourselves from our work because every book is made by pulling out and carefully transferring pieces of our soul onto the page, not to mention the time, effort, blood, sweat, and emotions you’ve devoted in your journey to completing your work. Not everyone can write a hundred pages and risk alienation for their opinions. Negative reviews can hurt because it feels like they’re not critiquing your work — they’re criticizing you. 

Ego, self-esteem, and validation

Writers can sometimes be a proud group. After all, not everyone can write a book, craft prose that can tug at heartstrings, present arguments that can break even the hardest of wills, or keep people engrossed with such a simple article about negative book reviews. Getting dissenting opinions about your work can negatively affect a writer’s self-perception, uncover insecurity, challenge praise and validation for previous books, create disappointment and discouragement and make them start to wonder if writing is even worth it. 

Sky-high (and unreasonable) expectations

You wouldn’t release a book if you fully expect it to fail, would you? Some take it a step too far and think that their work would be universally praised and become the darling of the literary world. This is a recipe for disaster because there are eight billion people worldwide, and they won’t like the same things. Always remember to set expectations because you cannot please everyone. 

It can feel like public humiliation

Positive and scathing criticism is usually posted online in places like Goodreads or Amazon, where millions of readers congregate. So, understandably, some authors may feel like the community as a whole is judging them, especially if they see other people agree with the bad review. This is a logical fallacy, but that doesn’t mean you can stop people from thinking exactly that. Having it all happen publicly can amplify emotions, just like anything else, and create an unflattering image of your work. 

It can have an impact on sales

Many authors like to write for the art, but most of us are here for business, so sales numbers are an important consideration. Sometimes people take negative to three-star reviews more seriously than glowing reviews, convincing them to pass up on buying your book. This can hurt sales (and you.) In this case, there’s honestly little you can do. 

Types of negative reviews

Not all reviews are created equal. Some of them can be very useful in terms of growing as an author. A few can help you make better marketing and promotional decisions. Other yet can assist with developing and conveying your ideas. And some of them are just plain mean. Here are the three types of reviews you need to consider. 

Negative reviews that focus on your work

Books are subjective, but they have a certain quality level required to be considered a decent read. Prose, tone, atmosphere, and your writer’s voice are very distinct elements that are, more often than not, prominently displayed in your writing. Some people may not like how you present your ideas, how your words flow, or how you structure your plot or book. Some may not like your writing style, diction, and tone. That is fine, as these types of things tend to be subjective (unless you are omitting periods or committing what is tantamount to war crimes against basic grammar by saying, “The lunch was had by me.”) Despite that, you need to give these reviews careful consideration, especially if they came from an established reader or fan of your work and genre. They often come as constructive criticism. 

How do you handle this?

This is a great practice in objectivity. Time to take off your author pants and put on your reader’s glasses. Examine what’s being said and determine if it applies to the situation. For example, a valid critical review may say something along the lines of, “I feel like the author is clobbering me with the themes, it’s delivered so heavy-handedly.” This is your cue to check if your work is forcibly pushing your themes toward your audience instead of weaving them into the story in subtle, believable ways. If true, then you have something to work on. Hooray! 

Negative reviews that focus on your subject matter

A lot of people look at a book’s technical and systemic aspects when they review them, which is a great help for authors as they can identify their weaknesses and work on improving them. Not everyone does that because there’s such a thing as a reviewer’s opinion. Some readers can also drop a negative book review just because you chose to talk about a certain subject or topic that they do not like. Those things are called triggers, and they can be many things for many people. Including talks about war or abuse in your book can turn off some readers. This is unavoidable if you choose to discuss them or if you feel like they’re necessary to your story. 

How do you handle this?

This is something that usually happens when you talk about controversial topics. Again, if you feel like they’re necessary for the story or overall discussion, then by all means, keep them in the book. However, be prepared to explain why they’re necessary. Giving your reasons to critical but receptive audiences may help you turn them into positive reviews. However, it’s practically assured that a few of them won’t change their minds about you and your work.  

Negative reviews that focus on other things… or nothing at all

Let’s face it: some people like to whine about everything, and others like to use reviews to drop their opinion despite their irrelevance to the product or book in question. Amazon reviews, for example, are great tools to gauge why people didn’t like the book, but they can also be filled with absolutely irrelevant comments. You might see negative reviews for your book because “the delivery took too long” or “the mailer was not polite.”

Here are two of the most egregious examples of these types of negative reviews I’ve seen: one reviewer, a man, left a 1-star review for a book because it rained after the delivery personnel dropped it off their porch. Two, the reviewer complained about the entire boxed set of Harry Potter, giving it the lowest score because her son only read through them once. 

Then there are the vague statements such as “don’t like it” or “not my style.” There’s practically nothing to gain from these. To be fair, they’re not taking up much space, but those one-star reviews without concrete reasons still hurt your overall score. 

How do you handle this?

I usually throw my hands in the air, let out a long-suffering sigh, and then drive out to get a well-deserved cup of coffee when I see things like this. You’ll run into this sooner or later, so just know there is nothing you can do about it except for maybe reporting some of them as a fake or irrelevant reviews, whenever appropriate. 

Oh, and if you’re worried about your book’s publication, distribution, and delivery getting criticized, why not let Leaders Press take the reins and ensure that everything is in top, industry-standard condition? Check out our services if you’re interested.

How to deal with negative book reviews

Now that’s out of the way, consider these tips for dealing with negative reviews. 

Stay calm and… stay calm

Humans tend to become defensive when called out about something. This goes doubly so for authors, and it’s tempting to marshal your linguistic prowess to lay ruin upon those who dare criticize your work, all while screaming, “Fear me! I am an author, creator and destroyer of worlds. Fear me!”  

By all means, type out your response to the negative reviewer if you feel like you must, but don’t hit send. Instead, stand up and chill for a few hours. Walk your dog, lift iron, wash the dishes, then return to your response, read it, and hit delete. Sometimes, catharsis is all you need. Besides responding harshly to negative feedback can often lead to… unsavory confrontations. 

It’s not personal (most of the time) 

A writer should know when to take negative reviews personally (which is almost always never) and when to lay back with an objective mindset. Don’t let their words get to you; it’s a review, not a factual statement about you. Some reviewers have been known to use ad hominem attacks, but remember to filter through the sewage to find their point — if they’re making any. Speaking of which —

Try to find the silver lining

Not all negative reviews are bad. Sure, that one star on your book rating may sting like a stubbed pinky toe, and you might be tempted not to read the multiple paragraphs the person wrote. However, you might be missing out on important information and necessary context about the negative review. Again, not all negative reviews are created equal, and some of them may have vital callouts for your writing issues. Being aware of your pitfalls will help you improve and develop your skills in the future. 

Take the negative ones with the positive ones

Why focus exclusively on those sullen one-star comments when you have a few shiny five-star reviews on hand? It can be exhausting to read through all the dissenters and doubters. That’s why I suggest you jump in with the supporters and your good reviews once in a while. If you have the time, you can also compare positive and negative reviews about similar aspects of your book. This helps see both sides and determine why their opinions differ completely. Oh, and wouldn’t those glowing reviews look nice on your cover as blurbs? 

Focus on the next book

It’s okay to get negative assessments. Just take what you’ve learned, identify your book’s problems, and write some more. Use both negatives and positives as fuel and motivation for your next work. You can’t please everyone, so why even try? 

How to write negative book reviews

Now that we’ve discussed taking criticism, it’s time to dish out some of your own. 

Okay, that came out wrong. I’m not talking about you taking revenge on some poor, hapless fellow writer for a negative review you got. Instead, I want to show you how to go about writing reviews that are diplomatic and straight to the point. 

Hold off on the ad hominem

Look, we’ve all had that urge to tell an author that they write like they’ve never even seen a book before, but hold off on the nastiness. The point of writing a negative review is not to attack the author but to challenge their work. Decent, well-respected reviews don’t just mouth off about the writer but use their talents to make a compelling case as to why they don’t like the work. This should be your goal.

Be concise and precise

As I mentioned earlier, it’s frustrating to get one-sentence reviews like “didn’t like it, one star.” If you’re writing a negative review for someone, explain why you don’t like the work, provide examples to further drive your point, and open a discussion that gives the author a chance to explain their creative choices. You can also provide samples of things that worked for you to compare and contrast with what the author tried to do. 

Don’t be a negative Nancy

Sometimes reviewers can get drunk on their power and just start shooting off about everything they dislike. They can come off as pompous, without an ounce of self-consciousness, and pan everything they get their hands on. Don’t be that person. Offer negative responses when appropriate, and praise what is praiseworthy whether you agree or not with the subject matter.

Time for an ending review

You made it to the end of the article. Congratulations! I won’t patronize you by giving you a five-star rating as a reader. But I will take this opportunity to remind you of the golden rule: treat others how you want to be treated. Getting and giving reviews operate under the same principle. Having said that, cultivating tough skin, a resistant spine, and a kind heart can go a long way in writing.