How to Handle Book Review Trolls
April 02, 2025Categories: Author Advice, 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.
Engaging with Review Trolls Constructively
Hey folks! I'm excited to hang out with you today on another episode of Feedback Frontier. Today, we're tackling a problem many authors face but often hesitate to talk about—how to engage with review trolls constructively. So, tighten your seatbelts and relax with your favorite cup of something warm because we're diving right in.
First things first, let's acknowledge what a troll is in the context of book reviews. These are the folks who leave comments that can be negative, confrontational, and often, unfortunately, devoid of constructive feedback. You might see them on book review blogs, book review sites, or even in your book’s review section on Amazon or Goodreads.
One of the first instincts might be to ignore them—just scroll past and act like they don't exist. While that's an option, it often leaves you wondering, "What if there's something more to this?" So, let's talk about how to handle these types of reviewers in a way that's potentially beneficial to your career as an author.
- Separate the Wheat from the Chaff: Not every negative review is trolling. Some critics genuinely didn't enjoy your book, and that's perfectly okay. When you see a negative review, read it thoroughly. Is there something actionable there? If yes, make a note and thank them for their time. If not, consider moving on.
- Be the Bigger Person: Direct engagement with trolls can be a slippery slope. It's tempting to defend your work, but sometimes doing so validates their behavior. Instead, use a polite and straightforward response like, "Thank you for your feedback," and move on. Sometimes silence is the best armor.
- Use Trolls as Springboards: Occasionally, trolls inadvertently highlight underlying issues in your book. Perhaps their exaggeration is a magnifying glass on a real problem. Identify if there’s an honest morsel in their critique and use it for your next project.
- Consult Feedback Frontier: If you need guidance, talk to some professionals in the field. Services like Feedback Frontier can provide unbiased, professional critiques that are far more useful than a troll's ramblings. Consider reaching out for a detailed analysis and constructive feedback.
Now, let’s talk about why you should engage at all; it’s all about transparency and trust. An author’s reputation can significantly affect how their work is perceived. When handled intelligently, even trolls can become an opportunity for more exposure and authentic interaction with your audience.
"Get Your Book Reviewed Today" offers opportunities to receive meaningful reviews from credible sources. Check it out at
Feedback Frontier for more insights and how it works.
So, the next time you encounter a review troll, remember there’s always a constructive and professional way to handle them. Don't let them cast a shadow on your hard work. Engage smartly and watch how it transforms the conversation.
That's all for today’s episode on Feedback Frontier. I hope you found this information helpful and maybe even a little entertaining. Stay tuned for more insights next time. Take care, and happy writing!
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