Never Respond to a Bad Book Review

A WORDSLINGER PODCAST

In this episode of the Wordslinger Podcast, I'm sharing some of my own experiences with bad book reviews, internet trolls, review bombing, and public criticism. Including a few stories that are so ridiculous you almost have to laugh.

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EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to Wordslinger: Internet trolls and negative comments01:48 Why every writer will face negative criticism02:56 The ridiculous book review that got everything wrong04:44 Why some people just want to tear creators down06:06 Rapid-Fire Newsflash with Dale Roberts06:14 KDP permafree pricing problems and what authors should know06:47 Could YouTube launch an audiobook service in 2027?07:13 Barnes & Noble Press and Apple Books holiday publishing deadlines07:44 Voices by INaudio adds Curios for audiobook distribution08:57 Dealing with bad reviews and one-star ratings10:02 Why I sometimes promote my worst reviews10:47 Should authors even read their reviews?11:19 Review bombing, online mobs, and personal attacks15:30 Why you should never respond to a negative review17:41 Lessons from handling public relations controversies19:18 When should you apologize publicly?21:23 The golden rule for responding to book reviews22:29 Why ignoring trolls is usually your best option24:24 Learning to handle criticism without getting defensive26:26 When an apology really is appropriate29:25 Final advice for authors dealing with bad reviews30:22 Closing thoughts and supporting the writing community

THIS WEEK'S RAPID-FIRE NEWSFLASH WITH DALE ROBERTS

06:14 — Is KDP Ending Permafree Books?Some authors have reported problems with permanently free ebooks reverting to paid pricing. Dale shares what KDP has said about the issue and what authors can do.https://youtu.be/Hg_PZt3JdQc?si=h_NrEoIw26o7qJkY

06:47 — YouTube Might Offer Audiobooks in 2027YouTube is reportedly exploring the possibility of adding audiobooks to its platform, potentially through YouTube Premium. Could this mean a new opportunity for indie authors?

Good e-Reader:https://goodereader.com/blog/audiobooks/youtube-might-offer-audiobooks-in-2027

9to5Google:https://9to5google.com/2026/10/15/youtube-may-add-audiobooks-to-app/

07:13 — Holiday Publishing Deadlines for Barnes & Noble Press and Apple BooksPlanning a holiday book release? Allow extra time for print orders, ebook uploads, and publishing updates.

Barnes & Noble Press:https://help-press.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/5359210768667-Receiving-My-Print-Book

Apple Books for Authors:https://authors.apple.com

07:44 — Voices by INaudio Adds Curios as a Distribution PartnerA new audiobook retail partnership gives autho