How to Handle Bad Reviews Like a Pro

Edward Peppitt Author

Dreading criticism? Discover how to deal with reviews — good, bad, or brutal — and keep your writing momentum.

Publishing a book takes guts. You’re putting something personal out there—your words, your ideas, your story.

And that’s when the questions creep in:

What if people hate it? What if the reviews are cruel? What if I make a fool of myself?

It’s a fear that stops a lot of writers before they’ve even begun.

Why the fear feels so strong

• You feel exposed. Publishing can feel like standing on a stage with your diary wide open.
• Bad reviews exist. Every book gets them. Even classics have one-star reviews that say “hated it.”
• Comparison sneaks in. It’s easy to imagine your book next to the polished bestsellers and assume it won’t measure up.

None of this makes the fear silly—it makes it human. Criticism stings. Rejection hurts. But neither is the end of the story.

What helps

1. Reframe reviews

A one-star review doesn’t mean you’re a one-star writer. It means that reader wasn’t your reader. Look up your favourite books—every single one of them has people who didn’t like it.

2. Control the controllable

You can’t change what readers think, but you can make your book the best it can be. Work with an editor. Get it proofread. Invest in a strong cover. Knowing you’ve done the work gives you a sturdier footing.

3. Lean on safe readers

Before you go public, share drafts with people you trust—beta readers, a critique group, a friend who “gets” your writing. Supportive feedback makes you tougher when the wider world weighs in.

4. Remember your audience

Not everyone is your reader. And that’s good. If your book speaks directly to the right people, they’ll stick with you. The rest? They were never the point.

Moving forward

If fear of criticism is keeping your book in the drawer, remind yourself: rejection and critique are part of every writer’s path. They don’t prove you’re failing—they prove you’re doing the work.

Some readers won’t connect. Others will. That’s the deal.

Your next steps

If this sounds like you, here are three ways I can help:

1. Request a free paperback copy of my book – packed with practical advice on self-publishing.
2. Register for my free webinar – discover the 5 mistakes most new authors make and how to avoid them.
3. Book a place on my self-publishing course – and get step-by-step support to take your book from draft to readers.

Categories: : Self-Publishing Articles, Support for Authors