Illustration by A G Duffy

Dear Agony Editor,

I’m a book blogger. Recently, a writer emailed me to complain about a negative review I posted for his book. Specifically, he said that since he is a local author, my review was damaging to his potential book sales. I went back to the review I’d written, as it had been a few months since I posted it, and found it a fair and reasonable assessment, as with all the reviews I post. I don’t think I owe this author anything, but I also feel that I should respond. What’s the best way to approach this?

Signed,

Blogged

Dear Blogged,

In my opinion, the best way to approach this situation is not to approach it at all. 

You’re under absolutely no obligation to respond to this author, especially given his argument that he’s local. What does that even mean – that local authors should only receive positive reviews? Or that his book should be assessed differently than international books? I understand that negative, or even less-than-enthusiastic, reviews can hurt. Having that review live in perpetuity online can only add to the sting. 

But authors also need to understand that when they put a book into the world, they have no control over how someone responds to that book. (I’d even suggest that authors shouldn’t be reading reviews of their work if it leads to them contacting reviewers, but here we are.) 

What would your response be? What reply other than, “You’re right. How inconsiderate of me, I’ll immediately rewrite it and repost it,” is going to satisfy this writer?

Here’s what I think: He had his say. For him, it was no doubt therapeutic to call you out and share his thoughts. I’d leave it at that. Chances are, nothing you’ll say will bring the conversation to a close. And, considering the nature of his complaint, I have a feeling he’ll insist on the last word. 

I don’t think it’s worth your time to engage with this author. So long as you continue to stand by your review and you feel you were fair in your assessment, you’ve fulfilled your obligation. Sometimes, in an industry built upon language, choosing silence can be the most effective response.