To the outsider, the publishing world might not seem like a hotbed of intrigue, manipulation, and outright lies, but recent events--okay fine, since the dawn of time and the written word--prove that's not the case. From price fixing to review faking to author bullying to Cockygate, half the entertainment value of a book happens in the making of it, not the reading. Social … [Read more...] about New Allegations of Romance Plagiarism
cockygate
Authors, It’s Time to Grow Up
In every corner of the art world, there are salacious tales of petty arguments, long-held feuds, squabbles and fiascos. Whether it's actors who vow never to work together again or singers with a spotlight-sized axe to grind, it not only doesn't surprise the public anymore, it actually makes for good media fodder. Perhaps for too long, we've thought authors could be better … [Read more...] about Authors, It’s Time to Grow Up
#CockyGate Finally Dies the Death It Deserved from Day One
Don't you love when romance has a happy ending? Or at least a sigh-of-relief ending while still shoving the villain out the proverbial window? Romance stakeholders from readers to publishers have been on the edge of their seats over one hapless author's attempt to make a name for herself by trademarking a common romance term. After months of coverage, courtroom drama (in which … [Read more...] about #CockyGate Finally Dies the Death It Deserved from Day One
What #Cockygate Court Ruling Should Mean to Authors…and One Author in Particular
Cocktales is available for a limited time. Just when you thought it was safe to write about cocks...er, cocky...again, the courtroom drama isn't over. Rather than admitting defeat and facing the loathing hordes, author Faleena Hopkins has apparently dug in her heels and plans to proceed with further legal efforts. In the meantime, a judge ruled last week--after some … [Read more...] about What #Cockygate Court Ruling Should Mean to Authors…and One Author in Particular
Another Romance Author In #CockyGate-Level Move
Ah, who can forget only a couple of weeks ago when a romance author destroyed any hope of having a career and a dedicated following by being a jerk to other authors? Dubbed #cockygate, author Faleena Hopkins filed a dubious trademark-slash-wordmark on the word "cocky" as it pertains to her Cocky Brothers book series. She then moved forward with threatening other authors who had … [Read more...] about Another Romance Author In #CockyGate-Level Move
Faleena Hopkins: Village Idiot or Smarter Than Us All?
It seems the literary internet can't get enough of Faleena Hopkins, aka the catalyst behind #cockygate and the Queen Bee of Trademark Trolls. With news that blew up the social media feeds of authors and readers alike almost a week ago, Hopkins continues to spark new articles and new reactions every day. But is she sparking book sales? At this point, there are obviously no … [Read more...] about Faleena Hopkins: Village Idiot or Smarter Than Us All?
#CockyGate Continues With Cringeworthy Victim-Blaming
Authors and readers alike have been following the saga of #cockygate, the internet-blowup surrounding one author's attempt to bully other authors into changing the names of their books. Author Faleena Hopkins first wordmarked her romance series title as it appears in a logo, but then may or may not have trademarked the word "cocky." As such, she began reaching out to authors … [Read more...] about #CockyGate Continues With Cringeworthy Victim-Blaming