It’s hard not to respond when you get a bad review, especially when the person is either a troll or obviously didn’t “get” what you were trying to convey. Console yourself with this satisfying thought: A writer can kill you off with a few keystrokes. Don’t make us mad…

However, if the review is bad due to something such as typos, editing, grammar, or formatting, pay attention. Not liking the story is totally subjective, which most people recognize, but reviews that address sloppy writing can turn off potential readers faster than the speed of thought. It’s time to go back to the drawing board or hire an editor.