A couple of years ago, I watched as my teenage son waited on the porch of his new girlfriend’s home. He was holding a bouquet of daisies, an early Valentine’s Day gift.
“I’m nervous,” he whispered. 
I smiled, proud he was willing to take the risk.
It reminds me of authors. They take a risk when they publish their messages for the world. It doesn’t matter that they’re experts in their fields—most admit to feeling vulnerable.
They often ask, “What if I get a bad review?”
The truth is that real writers get bad reviews. Most authors get three-, four-, and five-star reviews with a smattering of ones and twos. Some of Stephen King’s novels have received up to 500 one- or two-star reviews. But that hasn’t stopped him: King has sold more than 350 million copies of his books.
Our public pursuits – from our businesses to our books – can expose us to criticism and unwanted feedback. It’s easy to plug our ears in stubbornness. Or to let self-doubt sabotage our progress. Or to push back in defensiveness.
So, what do you do if you get a less-than-ideal review on your business or book? How do you move forward in confidence like Stephen King?
Here are three things to keep in mind.
#1 A bad review may be evidence that you’re taking a good risk.
Before we make our mark on the world, it’s good to plan ahead and carefully count the cost. But at some point, we need to go ahead and make our move.
Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, “One who watches the wind will not sow and one who looks at the clouds will not harvest.”
Our work may produce immediate results. But more often, forward progress is mixed with setbacks and lessons learned. Negative feedback may indicate that we’re connecting and pressing forward in new ways.
#2 A bad review can signal the need for a change.
A bad review can be helpful. It may sting, but it’s a learning opportunity.
Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”
Some feedback may be based on bad motives. But if a negative review is received from a credible source, it’s an opportunity to make an honest assessment and determine whether a change is needed.
It takes courage to put ourselves out there, but keep in mind that it also takes courage for people who care about us to give honest feedback.
#3 A bad review is a reminder to keep your identity rooted in God.
Bad reviews can reveal misplaced fears or insecurities. They make it evident when we’re placing our identity in what others think rather than what God thinks.
Psalm 118:6 says, “The LORD is for me; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
When we look to the Lord for our identity, we’re able to keep negative feedback in perspective. Reviews from other people may inform us, but they do not define us.
So welcome the good reviews and even the bad reviews. There’s value in both. And remember, you’re in good company with other businesspeople and authors who have gone before you and have been willing to be vulnerable.
Ella Ritchie is an Unconventional Business Women forum leader and founder of Stellar Communications Houston, a nonfiction book publishing and marketing team for self-published authors, business leaders, families, and corporations. She enjoys ministering with her husband as adult Bible study leaders and DivorceCare facilitators and spending time with their four children – and two new grandchildren
