Current:Home > FinanceAuthor Cait Corrain loses book deal after creating fake profiles for bad reviews on Goodreads -WealthEngine
Author Cait Corrain loses book deal after creating fake profiles for bad reviews on Goodreads
View
Date:2025-04-19 18:07:22
NEW YORK — A debut author who used fake accounts to "review bomb" other writers on Goodreads has been dropped by her agent and had her book deal canceled.
Cait Corrain's novel "Crown of Starlight" had been scheduled to come out next year through Del Rey, a science fiction and fantasy imprint of Penguin Random House.
She was accused of creating fake profiles on the influential online platform Goodreads, dating back to 2022, and using them to give negative reviews to other debut authors of 2024 and boosting ratings for her book. Corrain admitted to creating at least eight accounts.
Corrain's scandal became amplified after fellow author Xiran Jay Zhao posted a TikTok on Saturday about the allegations, adding that Corrain appeared to mostly target writers of color. She has not addressed those claims.
Both Del Rey and Corrain's agent, Becca Podos, announced this week that they would no longer work with Corrain, who had a two-book deal.
Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist
"We are aware of the ongoing discussion around author Cait Corrain. 'CROWN OF STARLIGHT' is no longer on our 2024 publishing schedule," the publisher announced on X on Monday.
Cait Corrain apologizes, says she made fake profiles amid substance abuse
On Tuesday, days after the scandal broke online among Goodreads users, the author posted an apology on Instagram, blaming her actions in part on struggles with mental health and substance abuse.
"Let me be extremely clear: while I might not have been sober or of sound mind during this time, I accept responsibility for the pain and suffering I caused," she wrote. "And my delay in posting this is due to spending the last few days offline while going through withdrawal as I sobered up enough to be brutally honest with you and myself."
Corrain acknowledged using multiple pseudonyms to disparage such novels by fellow Del Rey authors Molly X. Chang and Danielle Jensen and books by Kamilah Cole and Bethany Baptiste.
Adam McKay accused of ripping off bookto create Oscar-nominated film 'Don't Look Up'
"I boosted the rating of my book, bombed the ratings of several fellow debut authors and left reviews that ranged from kind of mean to downright abusive," the author admitted. "I felt no ill will to any of them, it was just my fear about how my book would be received running out of control."
Goodreads users have previously squabbled over new novels, delaying releases
Goodreads, the Amazon.com-owned site on which readers post reviews, has been involved in previous controversies over online assessments.
In June, author Elizabeth Gilbert postponed a historical novel set in Siberia after hundreds criticized the book, which had yet to be published, as insensitive amidst Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Contributing: The Associated Press
Elizabeth Gilbert delays releaseof new novel set in Russia due to Ukrainian objections
veryGood! (9691)
Related
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- Despair then delight at Old Trafford as United beats Villa in 1st game after deal. Liverpool top
- 'We SHOULD do better': Wildlife officials sound off after Virginia bald eagle shot in wing
- Almcoin Trading Center: Trends in Bitcoin Spot ETFs
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Map shows where blue land crabs are moving, beyond native habitat in Florida, Texas
- Polish president defies new government in battle over control of state media
- Former Turkish club president released on bail after punching referee at top league game
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- Here's What You Should Spend Your Sephora Gift Card On
Ranking
- Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
- Drone fired from Iran strikes tanker off India's coast, Pentagon says
- Tax season can be terrifying. Here's everything to know before filing your taxes in 2024.
- The Eiffel Tower is closed while workers strike on the 100th anniversary of its founder’s death
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- The Eiffel Tower is closed while workers strike on the 100th anniversary of its founder’s death
- 'Violent rhetoric' targeting Colorado Supreme Court justices prompts FBI investigation
- Kamar de Los Reyes, 'One Life to Live' soap star and husband to Sherri Saum, dead at 56
Recommendation
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Authorities identify remains found by hikers 47 years ago near the Arizona-Nevada border
Purdue still No. 1, while Florida Atlantic rises in USA TODAY Sports men's basketball poll
Michigan Supreme Court will keep Trump on 2024 ballot
South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
Almcoin Trading Center: The Difference Between Proof of Work and Proof of Stake
Purdue still No. 1, while Florida Atlantic rises in USA TODAY Sports men's basketball poll
Houston Texans claim oft-suspended safety Kareem Jackson off waivers