I decided to write this post because I recently noticed several authors reviewing my fellow authors. These weren’t good reviews either. It got me thinking.

I know not everyone will agree with me on this subject, but that’s fine. I’m allowed my opinion. 🙂

I think authors who review other authors, especially in a negative way, are playing a dangerous game. Of course authors have every right to review whoever they want. But if you want to remain friendly, giving your peers three stars and below on books they poured their heart and soul into might not be the best strategy. Especially if you actually KNOW the other author. Authors are humans. Our feelings get hurt as easily as anyone else, which is why I find it so odd that an author would two star a peer. They should know first hand how much negative reviews sting.

When I was younger, I probably wouldn’t have understood why reviewing peers could potentially be a bad thing. I’d have probably assumed that the books were separate from the author. I’d have been wrong. I don’t think I’ve ever met any author who didn’t care if they got a bad review. I’ve also never met a chef who liked bad reviews. Or a teacher or doctor or basically anyone. It’s human nature to feel offended or hurt when someone puts down the thing they created.

What do you think? Do you think authors shouldn’t care that other authors put down their work? Do you think authors should just suck it up? To me, if you do feel that, you’re asking the impossible. But you too are allowed your opinion. 🙂

S.C.

www.scwynne.com