The best advice I got as a newly published author
By Brian Clegg
When I wrote my first popular science book, Light Years, I got some lovely reviews – and one or two stinkers. I asked my editor if I should respond to the negative remarks. She said ‘Definitely not – unless the review contains something that’s factually untrue, you only do yourself damage by attempting to put straight what is, in the end, an opinion.’
This is an attitude I’ve stuck with through thick and thin. Since then I have also reviewed many hundreds of books. I have only twice had an author or publisher kick back against a negative review. One was of an adult colouring book (a genre, I confess, I detest – I ought to stress I didn’t ask for a review copy, I was sent it unsolicited), where the author felt that, as an author myself, I was letting the side down – we’ve all got to earn a living. I did, as a result, remove my review from Amazon.
The other has just happened – and the response was not just a moan. Either an author or the publisher put in a DMCA request to have the review taken down, which the host for my reviews did. There was in theory an opportunity to counter claim, but the links provided by the host for this process (a well-known search engine company beginning with G) only pointed to a page for reporting an issue, not for countering a claim, so it didn’t prove possible. If I’m honest, I can’t be bothered to fight to restore a review of a book from four years ago I didn’t particularly like.
The complaint itself was entirely specious. The review only contained one quote: ‘Electric vehicles are cheaper. Autonomous vehicles are too…’ – and it’s perfectly acceptable to use short quotations for illustrations in a review. Clearly that wasn’t the reason – it was just that someone didn’t like the review. Shame on them. That’s not playing the game.
I have emailed the publisher to point out that this isn’t a great thing to do – I’ll let you know if they respond.
These articles will always be free – but if you’d like to support my online work, consider buying a virtual coffee:
See all Brian's online articles or subscribe to a weekly email free here
Now Appearing is the blog of science writer Brian Clegg (www.brianclegg.net), author of Inflight Science, Before the Big Bang and The God Effect.
Source: http://brianclegg.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-best-advice-i-got-as-newly.html
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Online: | |
| Visits: | 1,649,204,496 |
| Stories: | 8,274,713 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
