In a shocking turn of events within the literary world, sci-fi fantasy author Cait Corrain, a first-time author on the verge of releasing her debut novel “Crown of Starlight,” has faced severe consequences after being exposed for writing disparaging one-star reviews for books authored by Black writers and other authors of color on the popular book review site, Goodreads. The controversy, often referred to as “review-bombing,” has led to her publisher, Del Rey Books, dropping her and canceling the release of her much-anticipated book in 2024.
“The literary community is still reeling from Cait Corrain’s actions, but they highlight the need of ethical publishing and genuine diversity and inclusion.”
– A publisher.
The unfolding saga was brought to light by Canadian sci-fi fantasy author Xirin Jay Zhao, who documented Corrain’s activities in a TikTok video. The exposed reviews targeted works by prominent Black authors like Bethany Baptiste and other authors of color, all of whom had upcoming book releases scheduled between January and August of the following year. Goodreads promptly issued a statement, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining the authenticity and integrity of book ratings, vowing to remove reviews and accounts that violate community guidelines.
Del Rey Books, an imprint under Penguin Random House, responded swiftly to the controversy, announcing on X that Corrain’s book, “Crown of Starlight,” would no longer be part of their 2024 publishing schedule. The publisher also declared that it would not proceed with publishing any other books under Corrain’s contract. This abrupt decision came despite Corrain’s debut novel earning positive reviews in advance, highlighting the gravity of the situation
Cait Corrain’s literary agent, Rebecca Podos, and her press affiliate also distanced themselves from the author in the aftermath of the scandal. This collective response from the industry underscores the significance of ethical conduct within the literary community and the severe consequences authors may face for engaging in behavior that undermines the principles of diversity and integrity.
Corrain wrote on X to defend herself, blaming sadness and substance misuse for her conduct. She voiced regret, ” Please note that I am responsible for the pain and suffering I caused, even if I was drunk or insane.” Some authors, like Bethany Baptiste, who were negatively reviewed by Corrain, criticised her non-apology, claiming multiple layers to her lies and anger with their own facts.
Despite Corrain’s attempt at an explanation and an acknowledgment of her responsibility, her fellow authors impacted by the malicious reviews remained unsatisfied. Bethany Baptiste took to X to share her frustration, saying, “So many layers to Cait Corrain’s lies. And yet when I told my truth in a 62-tweet thread, I was called a liar and accused of doubling down.”
The fallout from this controversy extends beyond personal reputations, as it also raises broader questions about the role of ethics and integrity in the publishing industry. Goodreads, as a platform dedicated to fostering genuine book discussions, emphasized its commitment to clear reviews and community guidelines. This incident serves as a reminder of the platform’s responsibility to maintain a space that promotes constructive engagement and fair evaluations.
Furthermore, Del Rey Books’ swift and decisive action in severing ties with Cait Corrain sends a clear message to the literary community about the consequences of unethical behavior.
In response to the unfolding events, discussions on social media platforms have ignited, with calls for increased transparency and accountability within the publishing world. This incident is prompting conversations about the potential impact on aspiring authors, particularly those from marginalized communities, who may already face numerous challenges in breaking into the industry.
