authors need to stay out of reviewers spaces, reviewers should hate more | Molly X Chang book drama

[@Shadowwing1994]

The issue is author's taking reviews personally. Their writing and ideas aren't them, it's a product they produced and people pay money for it and so readers have every right to express their opinions. Reviews are not "constructive criticism", that's something authors should get from their editor and NOT readers.

[@fushiforever]

This is so true about editors and others involved in the process (betas, sensitivity readers, etc.). I would love to know the demographics of these people in particular because maybe there's author diversity these days, but what about editors?

[@rgaijin]

Exactly yep. Once a book is out into the world it is no longer the author's but now the audience's. And as much as authors can't take criticism of their baby they should just not go looking at what's being said and leave it at that. Hard to do but should be done.

[@hanasheik]

Even a "thank you" from an author on a 4- or 5-star review would be weird. Because then I'm thinking they're reading ALL my reviews of their books, good and/or bad, and I'd feel uncomfortable writing my honest thoughts. Full transparency I'm an author, but that's only made me want to respect the healthy divide between author and reader spaces. The boundaries exist for a reason. We want authors and readers to respect each other even when critique is happening.

[@fushiforever]

It makes me nervous too (I've had them interact with my positive reviews before) but it's because of people that freak out about negative reviews. Theoretically though authors can read/respond to reviews if they're able be chill about what they might see. That takes a certain kind of person though (one author I know who responded to me felt like that type-they were an editor before becoming an author so I wonder if that gives them a better relationship with criticism).

[@jills9758]

What's wild to me is that Molly X Chang seems to have already sold another trilogy while this one is is barely off the ground. I'm definitely not an expert in traditional publishing but I found that very bizarre--especially considering the amount of negative reviews her debut is getting. It would make more sense if it was a critical hit or had huge sales like Fourth Wing but I don't think that's the case...? I feel like most of the time I hear about authors having to prove themselves a little before more books are promised but idk.

[@cerebrumexcrement]

i dont think they care because they definitely made money despite the drama. this book is everywhere.

[@asdfghjklasdfghjkl321]

​@@cerebrumexcrementIt's everywhere cause no one is buying it 😋🤭

[@cakt1991]

This situation gave me so much Deja vu, because it was like a more mainstream version of what happened a few years ago in the romance community. A historical romance author (and she wasn’t even a debut!) had written an interracial romance between an (East) Indian princess and an English duke, and there was a passage in the original ARC about him longing to return to his plantation, on top of some questionable things about the princess’ identity. The author (initially) didn’t say anything, but some other BIPOC authors decided to step in and accuse white reviewers of racism, when there were also some POC (including South Asian) reviewers who called it out…it just so happened that a white reviewer with a commitment to allyship was the one who published a review on Medium who got the most clicks. The author in question did end up revising the book and I actually liked it, but months later, she decided to open her mouth and misconstrue the situation in an interview. And another of the defensive authors also ended up in further hot water as she was President during the hot mess that was the Romance Writers of America’s Vivian Awards, where a book glorifying Native American g*nocide won one of the categories 🙄

[@andeeharry]

A couple of times people came to me saying that thier book isn't working, so I looked at it, found a ton of problems with it. When I told them, they got angry at me, calling me a ''cyber bully'' or bullying them for telling them the truth. Then double down and tell me other people like it..despite what they said before lol. I get blocked. It happened 5 times so far.

[@garconerproduction3046]

reminds me of the time in highschool english class when my teacher assigned us to edit other students work. the girl behind me got furious when I fixed all her spelling mistakes. just doing my assignment girl. do you want to get a bad mark for handing in something full of spelling mistakes?

[@Kasamira]

I genuinely don’t think some authors understand that reviews are not concrit. They are written with other READERS in mind. What’s useful from an authorial perspective is a whole other ballgame. If they need feedback then that’s what editors, beta readers, and friends are for This isn’t AO3, it’s not a “don’t like don’t read” situation. Reviews need to be honest

[@carriemoscoe3159]

You are right! For fanfiction authors, they are doing it as a hobby from the love in their hearts. For an author who chooses to monetize off of their work, they earned the right to be inspected about their art. Plus professional critics HAVE to read things they don’t like all the time and it is their job to discuss what they didn’t like about it and what didn’t work for them!

[@andeeharry]

Reviews are for customers, not authors. It is a golden rule, and it is a shame that it is being missed. They know that people arent going to like something and waging war against the reader, just shows thier personality. It will make others to stay away from them. It is well known to stay away from them, but it is a shame this is going on.

[@natesamadhi33]

Side-note, but thats why i cant stand when authors give THEMSELVES 5-star reviews on Goodreads. I feel like that shouldn't be allowed

[@andeeharry]

@@natesamadhi33 It isn't allowed. It goes against the guidelines and if they get caught they will be banned

[@natesamadhi33]

@@andeeharry if that's the case, then its a mystery to me how Alex Aster gave her Lightlark book a 5-star review & her review has still been up since 2022. Goodreads must only enforce it on authors who aren't popular

[@andeeharry]

@@natesamadhi33 I heard of her yes, she been critised over it a few times and she is lucky. The companies do things at random, other people been banned...i guess it is only a matter of time maybe.

[@robinmitchells]

I am for sure not afraid to let loose a rant about books I don’t like, to the point that I’m sure the only reason I haven’t attracted any review-obsessed authors is because I use storygraph, not goodreads. The day those kind of authors discover that app it’s over for me 😅

[@danaslitlist1]

We have this conversation sooooo often in the book community and whenever an author invades the spaces in this way, it never pans out well for them! And you’re so right! I’ve seen such a shift in the book community of readers and reviewers being scared of “being negative” or “hurting an authors feelings” because they don’t want the author to potentially see their review and it’s exhausting and heartbreaking. Reviews should be honest, they don’t need be to constructive or positive and reviewers should be able to share their thoughts and opinions without that fear. I take my role as hater very seriously 😌 and my friends enjoy it

[@JessieWinterspring]

I wouldn't call it hate. Hating the write way is more of an honest opinions instead. Toxic positivity is one of the things that annoys me. And I agree with reader should be able to say what they want. I wish I could, but being an author... it's frown upon. If a reader leave a negative review on my book, I don't let it get to me or even engage with positive ones (except on instagram) If an author can't take criticism, they're not ready to be an author.

[@garconerproduction3046]

sometimes you actually get punished for `staying out of grown folks business`. my parents separated when I was 15. a year later, my mom is yelling at me `for being too selfish to ask why they were getting divorced, unlike `your sister who was caring enough to ask what happened`. so here I was being a good girl by minding my own business and doing the `children are to be seen and not heard` thing. my sister was butting in to things that were none of her business and my mom should have told her off for butting into grown folks business, not told her that my dad had cheated on her. and yet I`m the one who got reprimanded for being a `bad, selfish daughter.

[@nancyjay790]

In some situations, there is no "right" way to behave. Whether because your mom unconsciously connected more with your sister (or consciously), or just felt raw and emotional, it's hard. I feel sorry for you. I know the feeling in my own experiences of whatever I did or didn't do was wrong, but I also apologise because this is your situation. All the best. Hope your mom tries to understand your POV at some point.

[@PosiWritesStories]

As a writer working on my first novel, I agree with this whole video and absolutely love your presentation! I'd like to have the mindset that anyone who is reviewing my work earnestly in the future deserves a thanks for engaging with it regardless of what their conclusion is, and that "thanks" will be the extent of my involvement in review spaces. Authors must understand boundaries.

[@PrinceOfTheSound]

Reviews are made for both sides authors and audiences. Audiences to see if the book is worth their time and authors to see what they need to improve on. Some authors (as an author) can’t tell what they’ve done wrong bc of their love for the book so reviews can help.

[@shelleys.corner]

Agreed.

[@DawnOfDragonz]

I think, just going with you said, there's also an important distinction to be made between wanting to be kind vs wanting to be SEEN as kind. So much of today's world is just wrapped up in the performance you put on in your online space. I think you can be honest and critical and kind at the same time, though it's def a balancing act. But wanting to be perceived a certain way is going to throw off your whole reviewer game since yes, honesty should be foremost in your reviews.

[@cerebrumexcrement]

im in a few readers groups on fb. one thing that annoys me is when authors show a screenshot of a negative review on their book to get pity buys.

[@theorem7965]

I agree authors shouldnt directly engage with reviewers. The problem, though, isn't really being within reviewers spaces, it's more about not having the level of emotional maturity to be able to take criticism without having a mental breakdown and, apparently, most of these authors seem to be very much not prepared to take criticism at all, even outside reviewers spaces. It's understandable but, at the same time, they should read the room yknow? If you cant take it, don't look for it. You have your beta readers already, dont ego search. Get it together. lol

[@Mah_Sh_ell]

It’s called constructive criticism… Authors need to have rough skin… and they also need to embrace negative as much as the positives, especially if it’s a serious 👉🏽 that can help them in the next book iinto that serious and or hire better BETA-READERS 🥰 love your tea… Bae-beee! Totally agree with you… 📚

[@Pondemonium89]

Love your energy and all your points are so valid ❤ bring back the haters 😂 for real 😂❤ Also, I remember that 4 star author,,, if yikes was a person 😂😂

[@shelleys.corner]

Aw thanks 🤣💓 and yes a whole mess that author was

[@rgaijin]

Yeah, as a writer too I agree. An author's book is their baby and that's why they cannot take criticism of it. But reviews are not for them but for the reader so authors should stay away from reviews and let what's being said be said because it's not for them. Also, the biggest example of trash dumpster fires being continually written that I've learned about recently is the pawn and puppet series. Gosh darnit that is just ugh (putting it extremely lightly). "I thought it slapped, actually it did not I needed a slap." 🤣🤣🤣 yeah that author of that series needs to think like that tbh.

[@valeriasreadings]

That's why I love Cindy's channel so much🎉 I appreciate honesty.

[@Readatrix]

A book with an immaculate 5 stars is a book that's only been read by family and friends. Pick the best book you've ever read, any classic you can think about, the book they made the movie out of that won all the awards, and that book doesn't have a perfect 5. I have no sympathy for an author taking their issue with a review (especially a 3 or 4 star one) public. Someone is always suggesting reviewers need to be kinder to authors, which means become unpaid labor and lie to readers. And then there are the authors in review spaces. And readers who don't want to hurt feelings, or be threatened, or have been convinced that they're not smart enough or capable enough or qualified to review. Which mean that most review averages are inflated. Which means no one should lose sleep over a critical review that in a small way might move the scale toward being balanced.

[@AyceMcGee]

I'm okay with authors saying thanks or giving a thumbs up, like, etc. if the reviewer tags them in the review. Imo that's giving the author permission to enter your personal reviewer space. But it's the author's obligation to not extend their welcome and only comment more if there was a legit non-argumentative question asked that they can answer ex: about the world-building or dialogue.

[@AyceMcGee]

@Sammy-fmhky 100% feel the same way. I've had an author comment on tweets between me and a few other readers and it was weird. They weren't tagged, and neither was the book title. She didn't follow us so it's not like it would've popped up on her timeline. Even though it wasn't a negative exchange it was still odd. The time for author x fan interactions is at signings, conventions, q&a, etc. - not in reader spaces.

[@NateReadsDiversely]

8:32 Even if you said something disparaging about the author, that's still covered under free speech.

[@venihiam1591]

As a writer and reader my rule of thumb would be to stay out of spaces where my work is veing reviewed but like if i read a book and wanted to review it then thats fine. Just not engaging with reviews of my own books is all. Cus asking authors to completely vacate a space when they also read and review books is kinda extreme in my opinion. 😅 But ya author's should be able to be in reviewer spaces as long as they don't bring up their book or go into spaces where their book is being discussed and reviewed.

[@shelleys.corner]

I understand what you're saying and agree to some extent. I know writers are also readers who have their own opinions on works other than theirs, but writers have influence that goes beyond themselves. If a popular author were to ever post a somewhat negative review for a book in a similar genre to theirs, the conversation won't just be about the book itself, but whether the writer's review was biased, whether the review was done in good faith, whether it's honest etc. The same goes for a positive review for an author whose their friend. When authors write blurbs on books, it's known that it was requested, and so there may be a level of bias, and they do that within their space as an author. But the minute they come into a reader's space as a reviewer, there's already a level of distrust that will be had because of their position as author. Imagine both writers are signed to the same publisher/have the same agent. There will just be too many potential scandals to come from it. I definitely sympathise with writers, but to preserve the integrity of readers' spaces, they really can not mix heavily.

[@venihiam1591]

@@shelleys.corner I guess I just look at reviewing your friends books as kinda weird. Like if your going to review your friends books then you should just give them your feedback privately with their permission of course. Since not everyone is open to hearing criticism from others all the time. I'd say that on the bias side I honestly don't have any way to fix that. So I understand that reviewer and author spaces should stay separate to maintain their integrity.

[@Sararose48]

A lot of authors I’ve noticed feel like a bad review is a bad review of them as a person and that’s not the case. If I call a book trash I’m not calling the author trash

[@Dunybrook]

Very often I find that I enjoy books that others whom I respect hate or vice versa so I tend to ignore reviews and just read what I'm curious about and only look at reviews after I've read something that i want to understand better.

[@erinasarutobi2206]

Oh trust me, if I really hated a book, I'd be writing a whole ass rant, authors be damned cuz I wasted my time for this and everyone has to know how much I didn't like it and why I thought it was bad 💀 I'm sorry that I'm not sorry authors but I spent time on the book (not much as you but I still have the right) obviously I'm not writing the reviews out of pure hate but at what I actually thought was bad in it which what would have caused me to hate it

[@makeart-notwar-6732]

and pull up to that author's house and read your reviews out loud thru a megaphone at 3 am. cause that author wasted your precious time, you're gonna waste their sleep

[@kimberlyyyyyiy]

girllll i love your videos but please consider buying a microphone (or a better one). for one your voice is so much lower than ads and in some parts the volume goes down a bit so I have to change the volume quite a few times. But if its just me then i am sorry😂❤

[@deminitivedemon1981]

I disagree slightly. You shouldn't interact, I'm behind you 100% on this. IF I ever get published, I fear (I've heard this is true) that my agent and publisher will blow smoke up my ass. I am worried about getting honest feedback. Sometimes you need to delve into the criticism that isn't given to you by people who are willing to just tell you what you want to hear. But if you can't handle it, you shouldn't. A reader might have a completely different point of view that no one has been able to explain to you. Just, I don't think the subject is as cut and dry as some people think.

[@danaslitlist1]

I think you as the author shouldn’t be in those spaces, that should be the work of editors or a team. But my reviews and most other readers’ reviews, aren’t for the author to learn and grow. They’re for other readers.

[@deminitivedemon1981]

@@danaslitlist1 It doesn't mean there isn't an opportunity for the author to get non-curated feedback. My larger point is that it can be used as a way to get more real reader feedback. While it isn't addressed to the author, you can get some great takeaways. Again, never interact with them, but if your agent is saying the book is beloved by all and you're sitting at a 2 star rating from most people, there could be a massive disconnect. It could mean the book sold well, but your craft is horrible. It could also reveal that people like your writing style but want more meat to the story. Maybe it's that I'm a little untrusting of people told what I want to hear and getting stuck into an echo chamber. Something I think would be super easy to do if people are feeding my ego.

[@makeart-notwar-6732]

@@deminitivedemon1981 READING REVIEWS IS A BIG NONO FOR AN AUTHOR LIKE YOU, WHICH PART OF IT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND????????

[@deminitivedemon1981]

@@makeart-notwar-6732 I think absolutes like this creates zealotry and it isn't something that is good for the reading/writing hobby in general. It's why I put caveats, like don't interact and if you can't handle it then don't do it. Not everyone is so thin skinned they are going to suddenly start attacking reviewers. While I will agree far too many author have done that, it's more than likely a small minority. I'm just saying entirely filtered reviews will only inflate egos of writers who are average into writing long series they think are the best and need very little editing. Will I be one of those who can't handle it? I don't know until I get reviews.

[@ChristineReadss]

You almost scared me at the end I thought u we're about to say "make reading great again" 😭😭😭

[@shelleys.corner]

Looool I was playing too much 😂😂

[@a.erde432]

I so agree with the notion about 5 star ratings! I see five stars very similar to the grading system with an A+. An A+ is not an actual thing (at least in the German grading system), the best you can get is an A, full marks, all points, Yipee! And that’s 4 stars when it comes to books. A+ is more like you exceeded the expectation limits of the school system, and of the teacher, your essay was so advanced, and well written it could’ve been a professional essay for Harvard, or some shit, and your teacher wanted you to know that.

[@ohsnapitsmaja]

This is insane. I’m not sure if you reviewed over this video before publishing because you have some obvious contradictions and your argument… makes no sense. It’s giving “bullying is good because it makes you stronger.” Not saying you advocate for bullying, but you’re the one who doesn’t seem to have an understanding of how craft improvement and writing works, despite claiming that you ‘know how authors feel’. With a condescending smirk, nonetheless. Hate is NOT how anyone improves. You seem so keen on delivering that as one of the primary motivators for ‘bringing back hate’--to call out ‘trash’ works and actually get an author to improve and ensure that she doesn’t get complacent. I’m paraphrasing, but the whole: “What if all the author sees is positive reviews on her work and she starts to think that her work is a piece of art”--because god forbid a writer feels proud of what she put out. If people want to approach giving their opinions about a work that don’t resort to aggression, theatrics, and resentment, what’s wrong with that? How is that political correctness? Why do you assume that they are actively thinking about perserving feelings? What if they just have a deep respect for the craft and find is repulsive to conduct reviews in the same manner you did in previous videos? That line proves that your whole “reviews are for readers only” is thinly veiled-you want and target authors in hopes of ‘humbling them’ and to ‘get a semi decent second book’. If a book triggers you so much to make a rant review as long as you have, I think you’re the one that needs therapy.

[@shelleys.corner]

1. You clearly don't understand satire if you couldn't tell my 'bring back hate' claim was exaggerated. You can't be online. 2. If a book is trash, I will say it is trash. If it is good, the same rule applies. 3. If someone can't handle critique, they shouldn't put their work out. 4. If a reviewer can't express their honest opinions, they can't be trusted. 5. This channel loves and is made for people who love theatrics. This will continue 😌✌🏾

[@Evelyn_Okay]

Use your books to build yourself a throne bc you deserve one

[@human_collector0]

I don't want to be perceived by the creator. I recently experienced being talked to by a creator and I really did not like it. I'm just an observer from afar. I do not want to be acknowledged and added to the work.

[@LadyJ95]

I think I watched your review on the book and was like.. good j won’t read it.. but then illumicrate sent the book in their most recent box that I got and now I have to read it 😭

[@sourcandyspite]

i am a hater in my core, thank you for allowing me to be free

[@Heothbremel]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@shelleys.corner]

🥰💗

[@garconerproduction3046]

as a person who has posted one book online, some reviewers can literally be rude to the author by directly addressing their review to you and telling you what to do. one guy starts out by assuming my sex by calling me sir when I`m a female who was using a male non de plume. then insults me by going `maybe you should start with short stories`. I personally despise writing short stories so no, I`m not going to write them. unless their was some short story contest I wanted to enter. so it goes both ways, reviewers shouldnt be bullying writers either. it reminded me of the time I wrote an essay for highschool english class that I was really proud of, I think I got a b, and we had to let other students edit are papers. one idiot writes `too long and boring`. another guy reads the note out loud and he`s like `your such an idiot`. because seriously, it was a well researched high mark essay, there`s no such thing as `too long and boring` when your writing an essay about south africa and the aparteid issue.

[@Kasamira]

Ummm if you’re using a self described “MALE nom de plume” I don’t think it’s out of line for someone to address you as “sir”. Like if someone gives me a business card and it reads “William Henry Nichols” I’m certainly not going to start an email to them with “ma’am” It seems like your pen name is working exactly the way a pen name is meant to?

[@makeart-notwar-6732]

readers have the full right to talk shit about you and your books. if that hurts your feelings, then just don't read them. it's as simple as that

[@garconerproduction3046]

@@makeart-notwar-6732 no, you dont have a right to harass a woman by going `this is terrible sir. maybe you should start by writing short stories`. just like I dont have a right to say, `make art not war, you sound like a horrible person. you are forcing writers to read rude comments when you comment directly to them.

[@asdfghjklasdfghjkl321]

Or how about authors write good books to begin with so that reviewers have nothing to hate about? (Also, publishing is so wacky these days, like please select better books to be published which in my opinion is why there's a lot of hate these days, because the quality is lacking 😭🫤)