A friend has published a book--I dislike it. What to say?
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Anonymous
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What do you say to a friend who has published a romance novel that you think is TERRIBLE? It's published by a respected publisher (like Simon & Schuster, but not S&S). I just can't think of a positive thing to say.
I truly love this friend and am in awe that she is a published author, while mothering two little sons, and I've told her so. |
Anonymous
I cannot believe you are a published author! I am so proud of you! I recommended the title to the library so you can get more readers. Do you have any ideas for your next novel? |
Anonymous
| Are you serious OP? You keep your comment to yourself and just congratulate her. |
Anonymous
| I find there is almost always something nice and honest that one can say. PP had some good suggestions. I bet you can have a whole conversation congratulating her without revealing you don’t like the book. |
Anonymous
| Congratulations! How amazing that you're a published author! I'm so proud of you! |
Anonymous
| Congratulations! How amazing that you're a published author! I'm so proud of you! |
Anonymous
| Society would fall apart if we didn't tell white lies. Honestly, OP, is it that hard to be supportive even if it doesn't appeal to you? |
Anonymous
| “I’m amazed by how many synonyms you know for the word ‘thrust’!” |
Anonymous
| Methinks you are jealous |
Anonymous
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I published a book that isn't ever going to win any awards. I've had very well read, educated friends read it and I can tell they aren't impressed, but they focus on respecting the effort that went into writing it and the achievement of publication.
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Anonymous
| “I could not get enough of hearing about Thorne Branch’s staff member! What’s panty- dropper!!!” |
Anonymous
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Seriously, you know how to read an entire book yet need to crowdsource this question? You say it’s fantastic, you’re so proud, blah blah. Regular human stuff.
Not a small possibility you’re actually posting this in the hope that she’ll see it and be taken down a peg or two. |
Anonymous
| It takes a good deal of work to have your manuscript accepted by a publisher. Even if you thought it was terrible, it got the attention of this publisher over thousands of other manuscripts. Congratulate her on this accomplishment, it’s a big deal. |
Anonymous
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You say congratulations it is such an achievement and you must be really proud of being published.
You tell your friend its a big deal and its great. Why would you need to say anything else. If you get asked if you actually like the book I would reply with "Its not the genre I really like to read however that's only me, its obviously great if you got published". |
Anonymous
| Has she asked for your opinion? If pressed I would say it wasn't my preferred genre but you were proud of her, etc. |