Since I am a writer and I have books published on Amazon I long ago made a positive decision to NOT critique other authors’ work. I do read reviews of other work, because I am a devoted “reader” and I am always looking for good books. But I never comment or review other works. I don’t think that is ethical although it may be “legal” as far as Amazon is concerned.
How do I know that this is done, and has been done to my own work? It’s simple. Just check “See my other reviews” on some of your work. Often you will find that the reviewer who has panned your book—is also published on Amazon. This, I think, is dirty pool.
It is also one of the dirty little secrets of human nature. You know the drill. “If I make someone else look bad it will make me look better.”
That has never worked out in the end. There really is such a thing as providential retribution. I know, because every “bad” thing I have done in my life has rebounded on me eventually, although it may take years. My mom used to tell me that bad deeds DO get punished. I, of course, didn’t believe her because I was a teen and much smarter than mom. But she was right.
She also told me, “If you can’t say something good about somebody, don’t say anything.” And that also was good advice that I have tried to follow. It’s not always easy, but it does pay off in the end. It’s odd that the things my mom urged me to do, which at the time seemed so “uncool,” have all proven how intelligent she really was.
So here is some advice from me for other writers. Do not let bad reviews make you angry or depressed. Check what that reviewer has said about other writers and what books that person has reviewed. If it is another author, just know that they are unethical. If they are an admirer of another genre, forget about it, nothing you write will please them. And know this: There are some people who are just bitter at the world, for God knows what reason, and they vent their bitterness on everybody. You are just unlucky enough to get one of those sad individuals reviewing your work. You are the best judge of your writing. If you have practiced your skill, you know when something you write is good or bad. Have faith in your own judgment. The readers, who GET what you are trying to SAY in your work, are the ones you want to keep writing for. Forget the others. Worrying about them is a waste of your good time.
johnbeckmanbooks 