Over the years I’ve learned that there are some commonalities between being an artist who paints landscapes and wildlife, and an author who self-publishes his books. First, obviously, is that I “self”-publish my art as well as my books. But more importantly, both my art and my books go into the world and are judged. This has always encouraged me to show my best work to the world.
As with artists, we writers should show our best work (whether to book agents, publishers, or to the world) when we’re ready to free our identities from our work. Just like art, it’s the work that is judged, not its creator. And as I did as an artist, I learned to tame my ego, however hard to do, because no matter how well I paint and write, I will always face criticism. And so will you.
Critics can be brutal. I don’t know any artist or writer who likes negative criticism. We seek approval, of course, and sales, absolutely. But anything less than praise, awards, and acclamations for our hard work hurts.
So, yes, we must tame our egos to keep going on our journey of publishing.
Negative criticism only means that someone perceived the work as poor, just as positive criticism only means that someone perceived the work favorably. All criticism is simply someone’s opinion of the work. However, it behooves us (yes, the teacher in me came out just then) to evaluate the criticism for any merit. Always look for honesty and fairness in it, then, if you find any, use it to your advantage. And always resist the urge to defend your work, no matter how much you feel the criticism was unfair. You are not what others say of your work (or you if it’s a personal attack), but what you say and make of yourself.
The same is true of positive criticism and sales. Neither one makes you a better artist or writer. Circumstances affect both, and you cannot control circumstances. You may climb and ride the wave of popularity for a while, and then fall when your popularity and sales drop.
During it all, stay true to yourself. Paint and write what you love. Know when the work is good and when it’s done. Never rush it no matter what deadline you or others set.
As a self-publisher of my books, the same rules are true for making my own covers. I never try to dress my books in fancy covers. I like simplicity when I shop for books—something complimentary to the story and pleasing to the eyes. I see too many internet “rule makers” trying to control the book design market with elaborate designs. My motto for covers is: Keep it simple. I believe it’s the blurb you write about your book that sells it. At least, that’s what prompts me to decide whether I want to buy a book or not. I never shop for pretty, elaborate covers.
But that’s just my opinion. You must be honest and fair to yourself and publish what you decide is best for you.
That’s all for now.
Until my next post, I wish you all good publishing, good health, and peace and love.
Steve, 4/26/2024
This post “Criticism” copyright © 2024 Steven Leo Campbell at stevecampbellcreations.com – All rights reserved.
Steve Campbell Creations 
To look for honesty and fairness in criticism is really good advice. I’ll keep it mind. On book Covers, sadly, people who shop with that in mind have increased and it pains me when some of my fav authors don’t get their dues just because there covers weren’t ‘sellable’ enough. To go with the tide or not. That’s the dilemma.
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That’s very true about shopping for books. I guess many readers want covers to scream at them. As a designer, my motto is “Less is more.” The objective is to put in as less as possible and make it work. Or as my design instructors taught: “Make it. Then keep eliminating from the design until it stops working. Then add just enough to make it work again.” It takes practice to develop the finesse needed, but you can tell when a design has too much in it and just the right amount.
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You often hear advice on how to handle negative criticism, but I like that you mention the pitfalls of getting carried away with positive criticism. You have to take what’s helpful from both.
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I learned early on in my career as an artist that positive criticism swells many heads.
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