Combating Review Trolls on Book Review Sites

March 12, 2025Categories: Author Resources and Tips, Podcast Episode

Mastering Book Reviews with Owen Hawthorne
Uncover the strategies to get your book noticed by the right audience. Join us as we delve into insider tips for submitting to book review sites and blogs, and explore free review services that can boost your book's visibility. With expert advice and real-life success stories, our podcast aims to equip authors with the tools needed to successfully navigate the world of book reviews. Don't miss out on learning how to make the most of your book review submissions.

Counteracting Review Trolls Online

Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of our podcast where we guide authors through the often murky waters of online reviews. Today, we're tackling an issue that many authors face but few talk about openly—counteracting those pesky review trolls online.

Now, as someone who's navigated the waters of book review sites and tried to get a book reviewed, I've seen firsthand how a single negative or outright malicious review can bog down the ratings, which hurts authors' chances before potential readers even have a chance to judge their work on its merit. So let's chat about how you can manage these situations effectively and even turn them around.

First off, it's crucial to distinguish between constructive criticism and trolling. Constructive feedback can be a gold mine for your growth as a writer. On the other hand, trolls thrive on sowing discord. They are usually less interested in providing constructive feedback and more about creating uproar. Their words are often inflammatory with no real substance. Recognizing this is half the battle.

So what can you do about these trolls? Well, step one is do not engage emotionally. I know it's easier said than done, especially when your work is your baby, but responding emotionally can inflate the situation. Instead, engage with them, if you must, in a calm and professional manner. This often takes the wind out of their sails.

Secondly, report the troll. Most book review sites have mechanisms to deal with users who breach community guidelines. Use them! If a review is fraudulent or harmful, bring it to the attention of site administrators. Sites like Amazon, Goodreads, and others do take these flagging reports seriously.

For those of you looking for solutions outside the realm of just responding to trolls, consider building a robust presence on book review blogs and other platforms that offer book review submission services. Platforms like Feedback Frontier are fantastic because they focus on generating honest, credible reviews, and they have a vested interest in maintaining professionalism. That way, even if a troll strikes, you have a foundation of strong, authentic reviews to counterbalance the negativity.

Also, let's talk for a minute about strengthening your community. An engaged, supportive reader base can be a fantastic buffer against trolls. Respond actively to your fans, encourage community discussions, and foster a welcoming forum for feedback—both the good and the bad. When fellow readers jump to your defense, it sends a strong message to any potential trolls.

Lastly, let's remember that negative reviews—even the trollish ones—can still engage your book with the almighty algorithm gods. They keep your book relevant by keeping people talking. Crazy, right? Not that we advocate for negative reviews, but if you find a silver lining, that's it. Remember, not all publicity is bad, especially in this business.

So, if you're an author facing the challenge of online review trolls, hang in there and arm yourself with these strategies. Looking to bulk up your book's reputation? Get Your Book Reviewed Today and gain the upper hand over those pesky trolls.

Alright folks, that's all I have for you today. Go forth and conquer the review battlefield with these tips in your toolkit. Thanks for tuning in, and I'll catch you next time!

Keywords: Combatting Review Trolls Online

$50 Book Reviews to Enhance Your Book's Visibility

Boost Your Book's Credibility and Attract More Readers with Professional Reviews.

Post Tags: