The normally quiet world of literature has been rocked by a scandal that has sent shockwaves through BookTok and the book Twitter scene. Allegations have emerged against Cait Corrain, a first-time author, suggesting that she engaged in review bombing – a controversial practice where individuals maliciously manipulate ratings and reviews on platforms like Goodreads. This drama has culminated in Corrain facing significant repercussions, including being dropped by her publishers and literary agent, alongside losing various partnerships she had in the pipeline.
Targeting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Authors
The allegations against Corrain took a disturbing turn as it was revealed that many of the targeted authors were people of color, with some also belonging to the LGBTQ+ community. The controversy began when prominent sci-fi/fantasy writer Xiran Jay Zhao exposed an ongoing campaign of review bombing on Goodreads, initially keeping the perpetrator unnamed. It was later unveiled that the culprit behind this extensive campaign was another author who employed multiple fake accounts to attack the works of fellow writers, with a particular focus on authors from marginalized communities.
The Unveiling of the Accused
The online literary community quickly mobilized to uncover the identity of the review bomber. Zhao and other authors shared their thoughts on social media platforms, shedding light on the disturbing situation. Zhao, in a decisive move, presented a comprehensive document of evidence detailing the review bombing campaign. Within these materials was a now-deleted comment from Cait Corrain, who initially denied involvement and attributed the actions to a friend.
Facing Consequences and Extending Apologies
Ultimately, Cait Corrain issued a “sincere apology,” taking responsibility for her actions and acknowledging the damage she had caused. She admitted to creating multiple profiles on Goodreads to boost her own book’s ratings while sabotaging fellow debut authors. Corrain revealed her personal struggles with depression, alcoholism, and substance abuse, offering an explanation for her behavior. However, the consequences were severe, with her literary agent and publishers severing ties.
The Broader Impact on Literature
The fallout from this controversy raises questions about the impact of review bombing in the literary world, especially on marginalized authors. While this incident resulted in the perpetrator being exposed, many similar campaigns go unnoticed. BIPOC and queer authors, in particular, often have to navigate such challenges without adequate recourse. The case of Cait Corrain has shed light on a troubling practice, prompting a broader conversation within the literary community about how to protect and support diverse voices in literature.