What the f*** has the indie author industry morphed into thanks to TikTok and social media???
I simply cannot stand what's happening.
My history as an indie author may not be as long others, but I can say with confidence I’ve been around for as long as CreateSpace has been bought out by KDP (which I am still undecided on with whether that was a good thing or not). But NEVER in my life did I see it becoming this clown show, and I’m so disappointed in what it’s becoming.
What’s happening with TikTok and the #indieauthor industry
I’ve seen this happening here and there on TikTok (not so much Instagram) and I used to skip past it because it was so outrageous I figured if someone wanted to tank their author career before it even started, then that’s on them.
But then I kept seeing it. OVER AND OVER.
What exactly is “it” you ask?
Indie authors (NOT EVEN TRADITIONAL AUTHORS) believing they’re entitled to more than however many stars a reviewer sees fit.
Exhibit a) This author I will not name, because it’s pointless and it’s been so long that maybe (I pray) they learned from their mistake (that’s putting it mildly, it’s more of a colossal F*** up).
An author was publishing a fiction/memoir based on her own life experience, and had sent out ARCs to book reviewers. So free books in exchange for honest reviews.
Side note(s): I’m really starting to think indie authors, at least newer ones, think that just because they send out free books and pay the shipping, they’re entitled to a 5 star review.
As an author in the indie industry who has published three books this way and has been here for 7+ years, I am telling you you are not entitled to a damn thing. You aren’t even entitled to a review if a person reads your book on their own accord. You aren’t entitled to a DISHONEST review. The key word here is HONEST. You are asking for an HONEST review in exchange for sending an ARC copy, and if you cannot handle the honesty of a reader’s review, get the hell out of this industry.
Continuing Exhibit a) This author proceeded to read her reviews for the ARC copies she sent, then refer to a reviewer who gave her 4 stars as “this bitch.” To be clear her exact words were “I had a perfect 5 star average until this bitch came along.”
First of all, why are you reading your reviews as an author? If you get hurt feelings don’t do that. You’re not a reader here, you’re an author. Second, WHY WOULD YOU COMPLAIN OVER 4 STARS? That is so good. My own grandmother told me she never gives 5 stars unless the book is something she truly found to be amazing. If anyone came at my grandma like that, it wouldn’t end well.
She went on to critique the review, complaining that the reader called the ending “predictable.” She said that shouldn’t matter, it’s based on her own life.
This reaction appeared to be career ending on social media, all over a FOUR STAR review. Not even a 3, 2, or 1 star review. Over a really great review.
Exhibit b) This one, I don’t even care about linking because it pushed me over the edge. View the video below:
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This person, who has since deleted their account, and has a username of “@newyorktimesbestsellerx4”, claims that every author deserves at least 3 stars when they write, edit, and publish their book.
Let’s be real, she didn’t outright say it, but she described exactly what the process is for the INDIE author industry. I’m so irritated by this. Imagine a world were you were required to give every book at least 3 stars- that would be the new 0.
My take on this complete and utter Bull*** and indie authors that keep doing this
Everything I’m about to say is alleged, because I don’t know for certain what’s true and what isn’t, but from what I understand neither of the indie authors in the two examples I cited have actually published anything officially. WHAT A WORLD. You haven’t even completed the work and already you’re demanding praise??? Um, okay.
From my understanding, the first person was using a vanity publisher. A vanity publisher is NOT traditional publishing, though it tries to mirror that. By using a vanity publisher, you have a better shot at getting your books into bigger stores and have help with editing and things, but you should since you’re paying them to publish your book. You’re paying THOUSANDS of dollars to just not do the work yourself. You didn’t submit it to an agent and have publishers bid on it… anyway from what I heard that vanity publisher dropped the book because it didn’t want to be associated with that negativity, and bravo. I view vanity publishers as predatory, but I can get behind that decision.
The second person claimed to have written thousands of words, so she has a rough draft? Not a published book?
Another TikTok account shared that this author shared a letter that everyone should feel safe to give her books whatever reviews they feel it deserves.
Just because you didn’t attack a specific review doesn’t mean demanding at least three stars makes it better. Come on.
Please comment to correct me if I’m wrong, because I would like to know what books to avoid if that isn’t the case.
Why this is harmful to the Book Community and Indie Author Industry
What indie authors aren’t grasping is that we aren’t book reviewers for our own books. We’re just the author. Not everyone is going to like it, and those who take the time to read it and form an opinon have every right to review the book however they see fit.
YOU as an author DO NOT have the right to bust into the book community and verbally assault people for reviewing a book you wrote. That’s not your community for that book and you do not belong there. YOU are making it an UNSAFE place to review books and you should be ashamed.
IN ADDITION please know you are helping to single-handedly destroy the indie author community. YOU are giving us a bad name. You are going out of your way to attack reviewers and influence their reviews, causing them to shy away from reading indie books to begin with. For the love of all that is good PLEASE STOP IT because those of us that do it right are going to suffer the consequences.
My final thoughts
I can speak on my own experience only, but I have a few 2 star reviews on my first book, 12,775 Days. Both on Goodreads and Amazon. And you know what I did about it? Absolutely nothing because it’s none of my business.
My books are not going to be for everyone. I have best friends that have only given me 3 or 4 stars because that’s how they felt about it and that’s okay!
I have two degrees in writing, have published countless articles, short pieces, a poetry collection, and two full length novels.
Do you know what I’m entitled to for that? The profits from selling my book and not one more thing. I am NOT entitled to good reviews, or any reviews for that matter.
I 100% fully support every reviewer who genuinely took the time to read my novels and after reading, thinking, and processing them, still believes they were worth 1-2 stars.
My books aren’t for everyone. For each 2 star review, I have 2-3 5 star reviews. I have a bunch of 3 star reviews too. It is what it is, and it IS none of my business.
PLEASE if you are an indie author, DO NOT DO THIS and if you’re a book reviewer, please know you can read and honestly review not only my book, but many other indie authors’ books who would never villify you for an honest opinion.
Where to find another great author’s books who won’t attack you.
This is a topic I care deeply about, and will update accordingly. In fact, this week I will take the time to curate a list of SAFE indie authors you can buy books from through Amazon and not have to live in fear of their attacks because you reviewed their book.
And feel free to interpret my capitalizations as yelling, because I am.