The Turbulent Tale of “A Crown of Starlight”: How a Star Wars Fan Controversy Led to a Lost Book Deal
Archived news from December 2023. This report describes events at that time.
Cait Corrain’s planned debut, Crown of Starlight, became the subject of a Goodreads review-bombing controversy in December 2023. The Associated Press reported that Del Rey cancelled the book deal and Corrain’s agent dropped the author after Corrain acknowledged using fake accounts to target other writers.
Review bombing means using coordinated or repeated ratings to damage a book’s reputation. In this case, the issue was manipulation of the review system, rather than an ordinary disagreement over a book. Readers depend on independent responses when deciding what to read, and authors depend on that same trust when introducing new work.
Statements and reporting
The publisher’s public statement is linked below. For the subsequent response, read our separate report on Cait Corrain’s apology. The two reports cover different stages of the December 2023 story.
The incident with Cait Corrain serves as a stark reminder of the impact of authors’ online actions on their careers and reputations. In the digital age, where online platforms like Goodreads play a significant role in shaping public opinion about books, the ethical responsibilities of authors are more pronounced than ever. The case also highlights the fragile nature of author-reader relationships and the need for professionalism and integrity in the literary community.
The controversy illustrates the potential consequences of unprofessional behavior in the competitive and closely-knit world of publishing. It underscores the need for authors to adhere to ethical standards, both in their public conduct and online interactions. As the literary community continues to evolve in the digital age, maintaining a balance between competitive spirit and community ethics remains a critical challenge for authors and publishers alike.
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