When Megan Nolan released her debut novel, she was warned by fellow authors about the power of Goodreads, an online review site. She experienced this power firsthand when she discovered a two-star review on her book’s Goodreads listing, even though only she and the publisher had seen it at that point. This incident highlighted the influence Goodreads has in shaping discussions and opinions about books and authors, both positively and negatively. Nowadays, these conversations often occur online through platforms like Goodreads, Instagram, and TikTok.
Publishers understand the significance of these dynamics and therefore send out advanced reading copies (ARCs) not only to independent booksellers but also to influencers who can create content about them. There is an assumption that if you receive an ARC, you will share your thoughts on it, whether through Goodreads, Instagram, TikTok, or by word of mouth. This leads to numerous reviews of books that are yet to be released.
While many book bloggers are careful to disclose that they received the book for free in exchange for an honest review, it is not a contractual requirement or social norm. As a result, it is often difficult to distinguish between reviewers who have actually read the book and those who are reacting to social media discussions or personal biases. This becomes significant because viral campaigns targeting unpublished books are common. One influential voice on platforms like Instagram or TikTok can declare a book “problematic,” leading their followers to flood Goodreads with negative reviews. Authors who respond to these attacks risk exacerbating the situation.
In some cases, these negative campaigns escalate into “review-bombing” or “brigading” where a sudden influx of negative reviews can disrupt a book’s release schedule, unsettle book clubs planning to discuss the release, or even cause publishers to reduce marketing budgets for controversial titles. Elizabeth Gilbert, author of “Eat, Pray, Love,” recently decided to withdraw her upcoming novel from publication due to the backlash on Goodreads after she revealed that it was set in Soviet Russia. This incident highlights how viral criticism on Goodreads and other platforms can influence authors’ decisions and shape the publishing landscape.
It is essential to recognize that these viral incidents often occur because of books that explore complex and contentious topics such as sex, race, and identity. Another recent example of Goodreads drama involves a debut novel called “Everything’s Fine” by Cecilia Rabess. This book addresses issues of race, class, politics, and identity in America. Despite expecting strong reactions, Rabess found that many negative reviewers had not actually read the book but were reacting to TikTok creators’ criticisms. The anger from TikTok then spread to Goodreads, where fans of those creators left negative reviews without even reading the book. Rabess, who is Black, not only faced backlash on Goodreads but also received abusive messages and comments on her social media accounts.
These incidents demonstrate the power and potential harm that can arise from online criticism and review bombing. In today’s digital age, it is easy to form opinions based on screenshots, headlines, or out-of-context content without engaging with the actual source material. This phenomenon has shifted the focus from the content itself to marketing campaigns and social media discussions. As a result, authors may find themselves facing unjustified attacks and struggling to navigate the online landscape.
In conclusion, while platforms like Goodreads can be valuable for sharing honest reviews and generating buzz around books, they also present challenges for authors and publishers. The amplified voices on social media can shape the perception of a book without readers actually engaging with the material. As a society, we need to be more mindful of forming opinions based on incomplete information and recognize the potential harm online criticism can cause.
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