How Do You Handle a Negative Book Review?
You did it! You published your book, it’s up for sale, and you are finally able to sit back and soak up this well-earned moment of achievement. That is… until you get a notification.
A review just came in!
You open it with excitement, only to have your stomach drop.
It’s something you hoped would never come—a negative book review.
Maybe you begin to spiral. Maybe you want to delete it and pretend you never saw it. Maybe you start to question why you began writing in the first place. It might hurt because deep down, it feels true. It also might hurt because it feels so completely off base.
Regardless, the hurt is valid.
It is heartbreaking to receive criticism on something you poured so much of yourself into.
But before I dive into what to do about it, let’s make a few things clear:
- It is just ONE person’s opinion. Truly. You won’t please everyone in this life, so let it roll off your shoulders.
- A negative review doesn’t mean your book is bad. It just means your book didn’t resonate with one person.
- Criticism doesn’t cancel out praise. One negative review does not erase or stand superior to the positive feedback you have already received.
Receiving a negative book review is never going to be fun, but it also does not have to define who you are as an author. Instead, it is important that you learn how to face it, grow from it, and move forward.
How To Handle Negative Reviews of Your Children’s Book
You’ve received a negative book review. You read it, reread it, and now you struggle to get it out of your head. What do you do now? Here are five ways to learn from it and grow:
1. Learn How To Manage Your Emotional Response
It’s normal to feel hurt over a negative book review. In fact, it means you’re human. Your work is so personal and important to you that negative feedback often feels deeply personal, like someone is critiquing you, not just your book.
First things first: feel it.
I mean it—let yourself experience the emotions. Cry. Journal about it. Vent to a trusted friend.
But whatever you do, do not stay there.
After the initial sting fades, ask yourself: Why did this review hurt so much? Sometimes criticism hurts so much because it strikes a nerve with an insecurity we may have. It doesn’t mean it’s true—it might just mean it’s time to look inward.
When you’re ready, remind yourself:
I am a good writer. My book makes a difference.
Then, turn the page.
2. If You Choose to Respond, Stay Respectful & Professional
You are never obligated to respond to a negative review, but if you feel led, focus on replying with a thoughtful and gracious comment.
But first things first, ensure you have fully processed your feelings. You want to respond with clarity and grace—not heightened emotions.
If you do choose to respond, keep it short, kind, and most importantly, genuine. You don’t need to sound like a robot typing a PR statement. Try something like this:
- “Thanks for reading and for offering your feedback. I’m always striving to improve, and I value every opportunity to learn.”
- “I’m thankful for your time and review. Every reader sees something different, and I take each perspective as part of the learning process.”
- “Writing is such a personal journey, and so is reading. I appreciate your honesty and your time.”
How you handle criticism says more about you than the negative review does. You don’t need to defend yourself or argue a point. You have the opportunity to defuse the negativity and future “comment war” by responding with grace, professionalism, and confidence.
Take the high road—your readers and supporters will be proud to stand behind an author who does.
3. Look To See if There Is Constructive Feedback That Might Be Helpful
Once you have moved on from the hurt or disappointment of the negative review, take a deep breath and revisit the review with a more objective lens. Ask yourself: Is there anything in here that could help me grow as a writer?
Not all criticism is meant to hurt—sometimes, buried beneath the bluntness (or bad delivery) is feedback that could be helpful for your next book. Maybe they made a good point that can now help you realize, “This is actually really helpful and I didn’t think of this before.” If so, acknowledge it and grow from it.
Now, not every review will be constructive. Some are just… mean. If that’s the case, toss it aside.
Take what serves you. Leave the rest. Keep writing.
4. Focus On Those Who Do Connect With Your Book
Make sure to spend the same amount of time on the positive reviews as the negative ones. When you receive a negative review, it can be all-consuming. But it’s important that we not let one opinion overshadow all of the positive impact of our stories.
Make it a habit to revisit your positive reviews. Reread the messages that are heartfelt and written with kind words. Those are the voices that deserve your attention. Negative reviews don’t get to hold more weight than the truth you already know:
Your book matters, and your words reached someone.
5. Calm Your Nervous System
You might find yourself wrestling with a review—rereading it, overanalyzing every word, not being able to let it go from your brain. If so, your nervous system may be dysregulated, causing more anxiety that’s hard to let go of.
When this happens, the best thing you can do is step away and find a way to ground yourself. Try deep breathing, meditation, a walk outside, or gentle movement like yoga. Even something as small as closing your eyes and saying, “I’m okay. This doesn’t define me,” can help with your stress response.
6. Look At the Reviews of Your Favourite Book
Search for one of your favourite books. One that has stuck with you. One that you tell others, “This book made me fall in love with reading.” Then, jump to the reviews.
Chances are, you’ll find at least one (possibly several) negative reviews. But wait… How? That book is brilliant! It’s incredible! It’s your favourite!
Exactly.
Even best-sellers and award-winning books have critics. But at the end of the day, art is subjective. Let this be a reminder that your book doesn't have to please everyone.
Let that free you.
7. Learn To Protect Your Peace
It's important to protect your creativity and your mental health. If you get a negative book review, read it first, and then if you decide it’s not good for you, you don’t have to read any more. It’s not worth the anxiety or discouragement. Set your boundary and then stick to it. Remember, your job isn’t to absorb every opinion. Your job is to be a writer.
One Opinion Doesn’t Define Your Book
Writing a book is a vulnerable thing. We put so much time, creativity, energy—and often our savings—into something we hope will connect with young readers. Once we give that book to the world, we also open ourselves up to receiving opinions on that story.
So, when a negative review shows up, it can hurt.
But here’s what I want you to remember: Publishing a children’s book is an incredible accomplishment.
One person’s opinion doesn’t get the final say about your story or your worth.
If criticism shows up, use it as fuel, not a reason to give up.
From Dream to Draft: Your 4-Day Story Starter for Children’s Picture Books
Ready to go from idea to first draft? Starting July 9th, join me and Sharon Jennings for four strategic bootcamp sessions where you will:
✅ Pick your story idea
✅ Outline your picture book✅ Write your full first draft
✅ Learn three professional editing strategies to level up your manuscript