There is a lot of advice for authors out there and, as such, there is a lot of advice out there that is mediocre or just plain bad.  Here are some examples of wretched advice I’ve found on writing sites and why authors should just plain ignore it.

1.  Never read reviews.

This lovely little piece of advice has been around a long time and is in practically every book and blog about writing ever.  9 times out of 10, it makes me burst out into hysterical laughter.  Why?

Because no one follows it.

Well, I shouldn’t say that.  I mean: 99 out of 100 authors who have access to the internet never follow it.  We humans are curious by nature, especially when it comes to the opinions of our fellow humans on something we’ve worked hard at.  The internet makes this curiosity pretty much unbearable because book reviews are so accessible, therefore at one time or another, an author is going to read someone’s review of their book.

How do I know this?  I’m a book reviewer, of course.  My reviews have been read by Matt Myklusch, Krystal Wade, Michelle Hansen and Mira Grant, just to name a few.  The first three I mention contacted me via my blog or email and Mira Grant mentioned me on her blog in a round-up of reviews of her books.  Keep in mind that these are just the authors I know for certain have read my reviews.  I’m pretty sure more have stumbled across my blog.

I do have to add one caveat to my derision of this advice: you shouldn’t read reviews if you’re sensitive.  No matter how amazing your book is, you will get a bad review and it will hurt.  Now, if you’ve already developed thick skin, this will be a minor hurt you can just brush off or even laugh about.  However, if you haven’t developed that thick skin that’s necessary in the publishing industry, you really shouldn’t ignore this advice. Continue reading →