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Author Cait Corrain Exposed for Fake Reviews, Loses Book Deal
2 years ago•Source: The Guardian
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1.515 min•2 years ago
Novelist's Book Deal Canceled for Orchestrating 'Review Bombing' on Goodreads
Debut fantasy author Cait Corrain admitted to creating fake accounts on Goodreads to boost her own book's ratings and negatively impact other authors. Corrain's publisher, Del Rey Books, has decided not to publish her debut novel, "Crown of Starlight," or any other works on her contract. Corrain cited struggles with depression and substance abuse as contributing factors to her actions.
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Unraveling the Cait Corrain Controversy: A Deep Dive into Book Fan Obsession
Debut author Cait Corrain has been dropped by her publishers and literary agent after being accused of review bombing other authors on Goodreads. Corrain allegedly used fake accounts to leave one-star reviews on books by authors of color and increase votes for her own debut novel. The controversy unfolded on BookTok and Book Twitter, with evidence and receipts being shared by authors such as Xiran Jay Zhao. Corrain initially blamed a friend but later issued a public apology, citing struggles with depression, alcoholism, and substance abuse. The consequences include losing publishing deals and partnerships, while authors affected by the review bombing express mixed reactions to the apology.
Unraveling the Cait Corrain Controversy: From Goodreads to Book Deals
A controversy has erupted in the publishing world as over a half-dozen fake Goodreads accounts were found review bombing upcoming authors and books with similar themes, while giving 5-star ratings to fellow debut author Cait Corrain's book. Corrain initially claimed that a friend was responsible for the actions, but many remain unconvinced. The scandal has gone viral on social media platforms such as Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit. The targeted authors include people of color, and some have accused Corrain of orchestrating the review bombing campaign to gain attention for their own book. Corrain's publisher and agent have ended their partnership, and the book has been removed from publishing schedules.
Controversy Surrounding Jordan Peterson's Book Cover Quotes
Two critics have accused Jordan Peterson's book, Beyond Order, of using their reviews in a misleading way on its cover. The quotes from the Times and the New Statesman were selectively chosen, omitting negative aspects of the reviews. One critic called it a "gross misrepresentation" and demanded the removal of the quote. Another critic joked about the publisher's work in disguising a negative review. The matter raises questions about selective quoting in the publishing industry.
The Dangers of Review-Bombing for Pre-Published Books.
Goodreads, a social media platform and review site, has become an essential avenue for building readership, but reviews can be weaponized, in some cases derailing a book’s publication long before its release. Review bombing campaigns have caused authors to delay or cancel their novels, and even established authors have been subjected to such campaigns. Goodreads allows any registered user to review or rate a book, even if it hasn't been released yet. While Goodreads has taken steps to improve its ability to detect and remove content that violates the site’s community guidelines, it still faces criticism for not doing enough to protect authors from online harassment.
The Dangers of Review-Bombing for Pre-Published Books.
Goodreads, a social media platform and review site, has become an essential avenue for building readership, but reviews can be weaponized, in some cases derailing a book’s publication long before its release. Review bombing campaigns have caused authors to delay or cancel their novels, and even established authors have been subjected to such campaigns. Goodreads allows any registered user to review or rate a book, even if it hasn't been released yet. While Goodreads has taken steps to improve its ability to detect and remove content that violates the site’s community guidelines, it still faces criticism for not doing enough to protect authors from online harassment.
Elizabeth Gilbert's New Book Set in Russia Withdrawn by Publisher After Backlash.
Penguin Random House is withdrawing a new novel by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of "Eat, Pray, Love," at her request after some of her fans objected that it was set in Russia. Gilbert said she didn’t want to further harm some readers by publishing a novel set in Russia.
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Simon & Schuster Imprint Secures Memoir of Enigmatic Intelligence Officer Involved in Classified Military Program
Simon & Schuster imprint Gallery Books has won the North American publishing rights to a memoir by Scott Andrews, a former senior US soldier and decorated intelligence officer who conducted global counterterrorism operations on behalf of the United States during a 36-year military career. The memoir is a twist-filled true story rooted in intrigue surrounding a US Air Force program and Andrews' experience with the Havana Syndrome, a phenomenon first reported by military personnel working at the US Embassy in Havana, Cuba, in 2016. The memoir is also being adapted for film or TV.