Fans of Interracial Romance discussion

I believe we have some desire to support authors in the hope they will continue to develop their craft or continue to produce stories you love to read. But at what point do you say enough is enough and kick the writer to the curb? 2nd, 3rd 4th 5th...10th time of reading subpar, idiotic, nonsensical stories? Up to the last two years, I would give the author up to three tries. Within the last two years, I am down to two tries, but only if the first try was not egregious in some fundamental way. Fundamental things for me would be a book peppered with incorrect grammar or punctuation; over the top melodrama and inane drama on every page; long drawn out sex scenes that are used as fillers; one dimensional characters; cut and paste from previous works; highly improbable and silly plots and plot devices.

What about you?

I am trying to get back into reading and I do want to read IR books, but it's hard. A lot of books, I've clicked on turns out to be first person stories and I do not read those kinds of romance stories, so I don't waste my time downloading or borrow a book written in first person. Some ebooks weren't clear as to what person the book was written it, so yes I have borrowed or downloaded the book, but when I've seen that it was a first person story, I got rid of the book.

I've noticed a lot of stories are about billionaire heroes or a baby is involved. I don't read books with the word billionaire or baby in the title. The hero doesn't have to be rich, because money can't buy love and the heroine should not be for sale. I understand that some heroes are rich, but that shouldn't be plastered in the title. Money doesn't move me. My character Cop is rich, but he doesn't come off as being rich. He'll shop at Walmart in a heartbeat.

I hope I do not offend anyone by saying this, but it's true to my reading. A lot of IR books are not good. The story is boring. There is no life to the hero or heroine. Why must the heroine has to have a problem? Family problem, job problem, money problem, stuck up problem, etc.

I want a good story.

Justine wrote: "I believe we have some desire to support authors in the hope they will continue to develop their craft or continue to produce stories you love to read. But at what point do you say enough is enough..."

Justine you are better than me because I don't have the patience. It really depends on what my issue is with the book, on the chances I'll give. It's just a trope issue, but the writing flow works for me, I might try another book from that writer. If my issue is storytelling itself, I most likely will not read anything else from that writer, unless a book buddy is going bonkers over a latest work. I might think they might have improved enough to give it a try. Kindle Unlimited also factors. It doesn't cost me extra money to explore new-to-me authors through it.

I will give a new to me author 2 chances.

I think back to some egregious books of authors that I've liked (writing, grammar, characterization) and realized that if the awful book was the first one I read and completely gave up on them, then I would have missed out on some real gems. There are a handful of authors whose books I have rated 5-stars whose early works were one-star reads for me but (luckily) were not my first exposure to them.

So I give them a second chance especially if the first book I tried was early in their career. I'll try a much later book to see if their writing/plotting/characterization has matured.

I am a lot more generous with an authors who is a favorite but whose quality (for me) seems to slipping. It takes a lot longer to lose me. But eventually if book after book after book if they are not bringing it, they'll fall off my to read list.

I'm an IR author and I find all of your input/opinions helpful. I'll admit (with some embarassment) that the first series I wrote now makes me cringe. I don't unpublish those stories because good or bad, quite a few people like them and I don't want to lose any fans of my work.

As some of you have said, and what I personally did, was take a year or two to focus on honing my craft and didn't publish anything for a while. I'm still no Octavia Butler, but I've improved. I wrote this all to say, if you have it in your heart to give indie authors another chance, please do. They may surprise you...or not (sorry, it's a risk).

Thanks for your time. Have a beautiful day!

I will generally give a new author a second chance, unless I absolutely hated my first read from her/him.

What Justine and Arch said... and I'm a newbie author. I'll give a writer another chance, especially as I'd also like that for myself. (A book has to be really bad plot-wise and full of grammatical issues for me to say NOPE)!

Which is why I will not write about white billionaires saving braindead Black women with secret babies, OTT family drama, extreme money woes, dozens of badly-written sex scenes as filler, etc. Black life is SO MUCH MORE than what we often find in IR romance reads. While I've read a few exceptional books, they are few and far between.
I know I may sound harsh here, but I'm also hard on myself.

With that being said... Am I a good writer? Probably. Sucky? Probably that as well. I can say that I do not and will not write about what I've mentioned above. Plus... I'm more of a fantasy/paranormal romance writer anyway. :)

I've been reading fanfics on FF.net and AO3 for years and even Wattpad and Tumblr so I can go through spelling and grammar mistakes without too much trouble. I can go through bad paragraphing even. For me to cancel on an author for grammar and spelling, it'd need to be at a level where I'm not sure they're native English speakers or if I'm getting the feeling that they're not trying. Like, they just didn't care at all.

The only thing that can get an author on my "never again" list is the story itself. If I can't trust you to tell a satisfying story, there's no second chance for that regardless of how well-edited it is, how nice the writing is, or glowing reviews or friend recommendations or anything. I could be a die-hard stan. Applies to all genres. Only one strike allowed.

It's like, if I go to a restaurant and order french fries and chicken nuggets, and then they bring out some kind of fried frog-leg house special. I'm just never going there again because I no longer trust their ability to tell animals apart.

I think I only have two "never again" authors so far after about a decade of modern romance novel reading.

One novel had no conflict whatsoever except for "I don't believe in love" x1,000 which is my most hated trope ever, and the other one is "she's not like other girls" x10,000,000. In both cases, I wanted both characters to die alone which is probably the opposite of an HEA.

"she's not like other girls" x10,000,000.

Yeah... LOL. I hate this one, especially when it's a teenaged girl 'saving the world'. As this trope is generally found in YA (which I don't read), I don't see it very often, thank God.

Paganalexandria wrote: "Justine wrote: "I believe we have some desire to support authors in the hope they will continue to develop their craft or continue to produce stories you love to read. But at what point do you say ..."

Paganalexandria, I'm getting there. Time and my coppers are precious, and I'm becoming less forgiving especially now that I am working from home and don't need the distraction while commuting. During my holiday break, I attempted to re-read several I had kicked to the curb... Let's just say that I was reminded of the reason why they were kicked...Of the bunch, I can admit that one was OK and I can see why others would find it enjoyable as it wasn't badly written and it had the over the top alpha hero that peppers a lot of IR. Would I give the author another try? I would, but not as long as the hero/heroine is cut from the same cloth as previous works.

M.F. wrote: "What Justine and Arch said... and I'm a newbie author. I'll give a writer another chance, especially as I'd also like that for myself. (A book has to be really bad plot-wise and full of grammatical..."

M.F. So very true that black life is so much more than what is portrayed in IR books. I often wonder if the black writers who write these stories are writing from their own experiences and they all just happen to come from a certain strata. i.e. the waitress, low income, live in a ghetto, unlovable, abused etc. And don't get me started on the secret baby lunacy. Why, why do so many books have black women having babies and keeping said knowledge from the father? I would like to believe that this must be some plot device that someone think sells.

Zenny wrote: "I've been reading fanfics on FF.net and AO3 for years and even Wattpad and Tumblr so I can go through spelling and grammar mistakes without too much trouble. I can go through bad paragraphing even...."

Zenny, you said this: "The only thing that can get an author on my "never again" list is the story itself. If I can't trust you to tell a satisfying story, there's no second chance for that regardless of how well-edited it is, how nice the writing is, or glowing reviews or friend recommendations or anything. I could be a die-hard stan. Applies to all genres. Only one strike allowed."

I couldn't have said it better myself

Even with authors I super love, there is inevitably a book of theirs I either don't like, or at least like much less than others.

It happens. *shrugs*

This might sound odd, but the method I use, is by tracking my DNFs and the % of the book I DNF at. If I have 2 books by the same author that I DNF'd under 60%, he or she is added to my Do Not Bother list. I'm hesitant to say I would never try theirs again, but I can say the likelihood of my giving another of their books a try is slim. However, if I make it to at least 60%, I'm open to trying more of their books.

With that said, the reason for 60% as my red line, is because I try really hard to finish every book. If I simply cannot make it to 60%, there is something seriously wrong with the book, at least for me personally.

I DNF books for a few reasons, but the most common... I'm bored out of my mind. I need story. I need character development. I need angst (but not stupid, contrived angst). I need emotions and feels. I need to know character thoughts and motivations.

Sadly, I did not finish the 2020 IR Challenge. But here's the truly sad part... if I added every single IR book I DNF to the list, I would have completed the 2020 challenge. Since I only add books I finished, it left my list slim. Well, and I should admit I only add books that I would rate at least 3 stars. If I couldn't manage at least 3 stars, I won't add it to my list.

I'm hoping 2021 is the year of IR. I hope I find some great books I enjoy, even if they were published before 2021.

I forgot to mention something big.

Another thing that makes me turn away from an author?

Cliffhangers

Specifically, cliffhangers that are sprung on me. If the description tells me I will need to read one or two or three more books to get to the happy ending, then I can make an informed decision. But it really upsets me and will turn me away from an another, if the cliffhanger is sprung on me.

I guess I'm old school. If it's a duet or a trilogy, or whatever, it should be clearly communicated before I buy it, download it, or attempt to read it.

I especially hate it when it is incredibly obvious that greed was the motivating factor for splitting a story into multiple books, and not because characters required multiple books to tell their story. I consider it a dirty and underhanded trick by authors to do that.

Josine wrote: "Even with authors I super love, there is inevitably a book of theirs I either don't like, or at least like much less than others.

It happens. *shrugs*

This might sound odd, but the method I use, ..."

Oh yeah... cliffhangers with no warnings get a BIG NO from me as well. What's really cringy is when poorly written stories are stretched out with them... with some readers still gobbling up the stuff. LOL

I honestly think I'd just forget if I had to wait months for a sequel to a romance novel. That cliffhanger would have to be some kind of epic plot twist I never saw coming. I barely even follow up with epic fantasy series that tell you upfront it's a ten-part saga. There are whole TV series I forget about even if I enjoy them.

I think it's a risky thing for an author to do. The time you spend on a sequel book for a dwindling audience could go into a brand new story. It's so much time.

Grammar errors doesn't bother me. I can take a book by an author, who has been writing for years and find the grammar errors in it. My stories have errors in them. When, I choose a book to read, I'm looking for a story. I want chemistry. I want tension. I want romance.

Just because I like the way an author tells a story, it doesn't mean that I will like all of their books.

Arch wrote: "Grammar errors doesn't bother me. I can take a book by an author, who has been writing for years and find the grammar errors in it. My stories have errors in them. When, I choose a book to read, I'..."

While I agree that the actual stories are paramount, tons of grammatical errors definitely bother me, and are a HUGE turnoff... especially considering when the authors of said works are asking for money. Nah; you ain't gettin' my hard-earned dollars. LOL

Monique wrote: "Arch wrote: "Grammar errors doesn't bother me. I can take a book by an author, who has been writing for years and find the grammar errors in it. My stories have errors in them. When, I choose a boo..."

I hear that Monique. Won't be getting my money either. Would you buy a car that breaks down every 100 feet? I think not. It is impossible for me to get vested in the story when I have to stop and correct the tense, insert punctuation, change words in order for sentences to make sense.

Arch wrote: "Grammar errors doesn't bother me. I can take a book by an author, who has been writing for years and find the grammar errors in it. My stories have errors in them. When, I choose a book to read, I'..."

A few errors here and there don't bother me.

When it bothers me, is when it is constant. When there is constant incorrect word usage (than/then, defiantly/definitely, compliment/complement, your/you're, their/they're/there, blond/blonde, confidant/confidante/confident, vise/vice, to/too/two, etc.), incorrect spelling, no comma use or an overabundance of commas in places that make no sense...well, I get irritated. It irritates me just as much as reading an adult story I'm positive was written by a fourteen year old, because the supposed "adults" in the story talk, think, and act like they're fourteen.

When it comes to books, we already throw so many "rules" for formal writing away, and I'm good with that. One, is contractions. Stories often flow better with don't than with do not. Reading words how people speak them is easier, and keeps a reader in the story. JMO, but then considering how often they are used, it's not only my opinion. Another thing is incomplete sentences. I'm good with those too, since that's how we often speak. Of course, that doesn't mean every sentence should be incomplete, but I'm sure you know what I mean. Or, how about the minimum-three-sentences-to-make-a-paragraph rule? That certainly gets thrown out the window, and I'm good with that too.

So, I agree to an extent. Grammar errors won't make me dump an author, as long as the book isn't filled with them. If a book is filled with errors, I will dump and not look back.

Monique wrote: "What's really cringy is when poorly written stories are stretched out with them... with some readers still gobbling up the stuff. LOL"

You are so right, Monique!

It has happened to me, where I get to the "end" of a book (cliffhanger) and wonder why the heck anybody would even want to bother buying the next book? I'll admit, I get so irritated with it, even if I'm only reading the book on KU, and didn't purchase it, I still refuse to read the next one. It's a matter of principle. LOL

Zenny wrote: "I honestly think I'd just forget if I had to wait months for a sequel to a romance novel. That cliffhanger would have to be some kind of epic plot twist I never saw coming. I barely even follow up ..."

Cliffhangers are an interesting issue for me. I definitely do object to them in a romance, but don't in a scifi. Then again, the cliff hangers in my scifis come after 400 pages and pretty much at a point in the story where you don't feel cheated.

Hate cliffhangers. Unless you are writing urban fantasy or have another long running plot i the background that is independent of the romance, there is no reason for a romance novel to span more than one book. It become needlessly complicated and padded and you start to lose the audience and it feels like a money grab. If you are breaking the book up into tiny fifty page novellas, it feels like a money grab.

re bad grammar: If the grammar, word usage, tense agreement etc, is bad enough that I am paying more attention to that and am subconsciously on the look out for the next moment of bad grammar, no matter how good the basic story is I can't appreciate it because I keep being yanked out of it by the grammatical errors. One or two is no problem, consistent and persistent errors is a big problem. Also if if persists across books, then imo, it shows a lack of care in your craft and honestly, a lack of care toward your audience.

I will give new authors up to three chances. I hate having to pause to figure out what the author is trying to say and who is speaking!
I hate cliffhangers! I will wait for all of the series to come out before I start. Which is why reviews are so important! I always read reviews or ask others in my reading club if they’ve read the book.
A huge peeve for me is a title like Giving birth by my WHITE boss or Having the WHITE MAN’S quadruple babies!
Why does the word white have to be in the title?!! And what’s with the mega births??? Big turn off!

A huge peeve for me is a title like Giving birth by my WHITE boss or Having the WHITE MAN’S quadruple babies!
Why does the word white have to be in the title?!! And what’s with the mega births??? Big turn off!

LMAO! When I see shit like that, I back away... far away, wearing my head to toe biohazard suit.

Yes, I know. I've said my piece. But I thought of one more thing that really bothers me, and makes me consider not giving an author more chances.

Wash-rinse-repeat-characters

I cannot stand when I'm reading a series, or even standalone books by the same author, and the characters themselves are basically the same. They think the same, act the same, have the same approach to life, have the same issues...

Sure, from book to book, there will be changes.

Character's name changes. Physical description. Employment. Favorite sexual position. The intriguing suspenseful problem or plot point the character is dealing with.
But despite those changes, the characters are basically the same.
That's the wash-rinse-repeat characters I can't stand.

If there are three different guys, in three different books in a series, they should be individuals, with individual experiences and motivations that shape each of them. They shouldn't all react the same to a certain set of stimuli or events. There can be similarities, especially if they're family or close friends. But they shouldn't be carbon copies of each other, where when reading one book to another, all I truly have to do is *insert name this tired, played out character is called in this book*.

I would say that is all, but who knows? Something else might hit me.

Josine wrote: "Yes, I know. I've said my piece. But I thought of one more thing that really bothers me, and makes me consider not giving an author more chances.

Wash-rinse-repeat-characters

I cannot stand when ..."

Yes! I call this the Hallmark Christmas Movie effect. When each book has the same story board with interchangeable characters. I need substance and strong female leads.

I have a hard and fast rule - life is too short for books that suck.

I'm willing to give a new author three tries, but I do a LOT of research on them first. If I don't see a social media presence or blog, I'm suspicious. I also follow trusted readers who share similar tastes. I still support IR but have been less willing to hand over my Kamala Kash to just anyone putting a Black woman on the cover, lol.

Ixnay on billionaires and secret babies or "reformed" racists. And unless you're skilled like Alyssa Cole, Sienna Mynx or Beverly Jenkins, a Civil War setting gets a side-eye from me as well. I really wish more authors would explore other periods in history like the ancient world, Tudor or Victorian eras. After all, despite all of its issues, Bridgerton was still hugely popular. Black women DID tune in, if just to thirst over Rege Jean-Page, lol.

Last but very important to me is colorism. If every single heroine in an author's book passes the paper bag test (as I've heard is the case with a certain popular author), then I take a huge pass. I expressly look for authors who aren't afraid to write about Lupita/Danai shaded women who aren't sad sacks and in need of man to validate them.

I'm an avid reader and an author. I read all genre's. It takes a lot for me to stop reading somebody if their stories are good. I dont too much care about grammatical errors, I'm not expecting traditional publishing quality from a 2.99-5.99 book or one I borrowed from KU. I kind of see it as an either or situation. I either pay 10-25 bucks for a book like the old days or I deal with errors, which I dont too much notice unless it's blantant.

I stopped reading people who write the same book over and over, just different character names.

I don't read series over 3 books. My attention span is childish and I lose interest quickly.

I'll probably stop reading an authors if all their books end in cliffhangers. Well, I have stopped reading a few.

If all your characters are light skinned/mixed race with colored eyes and you aint either or. Imma probably not read you.

I will give up to two chances to authors that didn't get to my deal breaker but it will take me some time to come back to him or her.

I give the author two chances only. My time and money are precious, very precious commodities, and I have no patience for activities that are supposed to be designed for pleasure, but annoy me instead. I allow a cutting of the teeth on the first one. By the second, you should have gotten your act together.

I will not forgive repeated grammatical errors/incorrectly used words/tenses etc. what's the point? The written language is to convey a story; but how can a story be properly conveyed, if the reader corrects every third word or have to insert punctuation in order for the sentence to make sense? I demand quality as I am paying.

Then there are certain plots I do all possible to avoid: Secret babies; billionaires with sextuplets, quintuplets or any manner of plets; mafia stories that do not have redemption; excessive inane drama; gratuitous sex scenes; incidents that come out of left field and not consistent with what has been written about the character; vampires and most shifter stories; no HEA (happily ever after). All of the enumerated are hell nos to me.

As an author, everything mentioned here will be taken into consideration for my future books.

As an avid reader, I normally give an author two chances. Although, my second chance may come because of a recommendation or based on reviews. I stay away from books where there are multiple babies on the cover and if I can't find the author on social media.

I'm an author trying to establish myself into this fantastic world and I think that readers that give unknown writers a chance are really important. That said, you shouldn't have to keep reading something from someone whose writing you don't like.

If the story isn't what you're looking for then it's okay to drop it any point, like I do.

Jolie wrote: "I'm an author trying to establish myself into this fantastic world and I think that readers that give unknown writers a chance are really important. That said, you shouldn't have to keep reading so..."

I'm a newbie author too, Jolie, and at this point, I'm stoked if someone reads a preview here or a snippet of what I'm working on, and leaves a comment. Even if I'm not for them, the visit is still appreciated.

Like you and the other folks here, I won't force myself to read a book I'm not interested in, and/or dislike. At least there are books out that will appeal to mostly everyone.
(I'd be really happy if there were more historical, dark comedy, and paranormal/urban fantasy IR books for me to read though).

M.F. wrote: "Jolie wrote: "I'm an author trying to establish myself into this fantastic world and I think that readers that give unknown writers a chance are really important. That said, you shouldn't have to k..."

We legit need more dark comedies (I'm seriously tired of fluff romcoms now). Trying to make dark romcoms a thing but I feel like people in general just don't like it as much.

Fluff romcoms with nonsensical dramas and no conflict have made it to my "no more chances" list. If I read a blurb that makes it sound like drama is going to unfold and then I read the story and all the conflicts are solved with hugs and five-minute conversations then I feel like I'm tricked and I'm done.

Historicals, where the h's are royalty or something would be nice. Without the slave/servant stories, I mean. We should have a list of books like that. That would be nice.

As an aspiring author the worse thing you can ever do is let folks dictate what you write, how your characters should look, give in to their gripes/threats of what they would not buy. Grammar happens and having a good human or tech-based editor can go a long way. However, I have read poor grammar and inconsistencies in books by authors of all colors,new and skilled, fiction and non, self and publishing houses with a slew of editors. I think this is a biased bashing of IR romance writers that holds them to another standard. And an insult to those who have broken barriers with their words and creativity. Of course if it isn’t, I am sure this original post and subsequent related posts are on other threads, expressing the same concerns including the obvious cliche how you plan to spend your dollars. New writers news flash, not every one will like what you write. That’s okay. Do you and your truth and your audience will come.

Isadora wrote: "As an aspiring author the worse thing you can ever do is let folks dictate what you write, how your characters should look, give in to their gripes/threats of what they would not buy. Grammar happe..."

As someone who's worked in the publishing industry, my critiques of IR are based on knowing 1) how difficult it still is for Black authors to be taken seriously, ESPECIALLY in genre fiction and 2) a long time love of the IR genre and a desire to see it do well and for its authors to be as visible on the NYT and equally compensated.

There are people who look for any reason to look down on IR and AA romance, and when they get a hold of a book filled with grammar/spelling mistakes, it just reinforces their belief that the entire genre is substandard. You know the old saying - that we have to be twice as good just to get half the credit.

Not to mention, a badly edited book just tells me that an author doesn't value their craft and they think slapping a Black face or an IR BW/non-Black man on the cover is enough.

Frankly I'm not a hard ass when it comes to the occasional grammar/spelling hiccup because those happen in the most professionally edited of novels. But when damn near every page reads like a rough draft, that's a problem.

I think this is a biased bashing of IR romance writers that holds them to another standard

(Assuming you're speaking about Black and AOC only)

Isadora, I have to respectfully disagree. If anything, with Black and other writers of color, we want these authors to rise. Letting them slide without the benefit of receiving real, unvarnished reviews and opinions about their work isn't helping them.

And for me personally, I'm just as hard on the White authors as I am on the Black ones. Just look at some of my 1 and 2-star reviews.

I have been a member of GR and this group since --- oh man, 2011? And my experience is that many of us on here were so thirsty for WOC heroines and IR romance that we actually tended to review IR books less strictly than we did trad white books. Mainly because of that thirst and we were finally seeing what we wanted, but yes, a @Monique points out we wanted IR romance and primarily WOC authors who write them to succeed. We actually had a whole discussion about it. Also there are legit cases where readers of color can recognize subtext in books -- a code switch, something specifically cultural -- that is important and critical to a character or plot that we will point out and praise and get the nuance of that a white reviewer may not.

The subject of our perception of IR comes up because we are on an IR board, but being friends with many in this group I can safely say that in reading their reviews, how we rate and review isn't specific to IR. Any issues I have with grammar, usage, spelling, how many chances I give and authors are universal across all demographics.

The reality is (and this is not specific to IR authors, but to a lot of self pubbed, newer authors) is that sometimes the craft just isn't there. It goes beyond a few small grammatical errors. It becomes a litany of issues that speaks to the lack of writing experience, technical proficiency and simply know how to create a narrative. And not pointing that out or highlighting that, especially if is persists in book after book after book, is doing the author no favors.

I think, yes, if it is just a case of not liking particular author;s voice or style is one thing. That is something that is inherent in the author and is simply a matter of subjective taste. A reader can tell the difference between a few grammatical errors that happen to everyone versus a persistent lack of care.

Monique and Tina-You have expressed my sentiments on this subject exactly. There is nothing I need to add, for once, huh? 😬

Isadora wrote: "As an aspiring author the worse thing you can ever do is let folks dictate what you write, how your characters should look, give in to their gripes/threats of what they would not buy. Grammar happe..."

Isodora there are more complaints in IR because of the influx of the Kindle Unlimited Fiverr gold rushers that have decimated the genre. It got hit hard with the book stuffing, Tiffany-gate scammers. All romance was flooded with that stuff, but because there were so few authors in this small niche, the scammers have outnumbered the legitimate ones at this point.



Tina wrote: "I have been a member of GR and this group since --- oh man, 2011? And my experience is that many of us on here were so thirsty for WOC heroines and IR romance that we actually tended to review IR b..."



Tina big up to everything you just said.

Again, this happens with authors of any color grammar, - gates, etc. if you are personally committed to pointing out the errors and transgressions of their ink, how do you positively contribute to their professional growth and expand their audience ? Since the overall consensus is to help the success of this “niche’ that has broken barriers, provides economic security, launches new businesses, identifies and catapults talent, and showcases acceptance for many. I stand by original post.

And I stand by mine. I assume the others here stand by their comments as well.
Authors need to develop a thick skin, learn from their mistakes (and this includes paying attention to reviews and why their books aren't working), and maintain their love of writing.

Have a nice day.

Talk to a few authors and you will know how tough they are.

Isadora wrote: "if you are personally committed to pointing out the errors and transgressions of their ink, how do you positively contribute to their professional growth and expand their audience"

I think there is a bit of a misconception here. The role of the reader is to buy and read the book. Thassit. If they choose to, they review it. In the course of the review, they describe how they received the book and other readers can use those reviews to decide for themselves if the book is something they'd want to read. There is no agenda to purposely point out flaws.

I am speaking for myself, but I am sure I am not alone. But when I click on the 'buy' link or borrow from a library, my assumption is I am going to like the book. I open the book up with optimism. When it is a new to me author, it is doubly so because now I hope to have a new name to add to my TBR list if I like their work. It is actually a huge disappointment to have your optimistic expectations not met if a book you wanted to like does not work for you.

As I said above, I will give a new to me author two chances because I am aware that the first time you read someone you may have just hit on a work that was not their best but a different book by the same author might work. I think readers naturally want to give authors a chance.

But no one is "committed" to seeking out errors and gleefully pointing them out.

Also, frankly, it is not the reader's job to do anything to promote an author's growth or development. I write my reviews and thoughts for other readers, not for authors. But I do think the very existence of a group like this has done a LOT to promote discoverability among lesser known IR authors. I for one know that I discovered a lot of new authors from this group alone and from the reviews and recs of my friends in this group that I would have never found elsewhere because sometimes this is the ONLY place that is amplifying those names.

Tina I get what you are saying, especially with expectations. However, non AOC are subject to same rules and guidelines. And to read commentary that IR authors’ work in the genre is inferior, and that was written, is disheartening and does nothing to move the genre forward. I mean it went from grammar to a litany of gripes clearly directed towards one demographic.

From my personal observations, there isn’t one member here who is “personally committed to pointing out the errors” or otherwise bashing authors of color. Giving constructive criticism enables an author to use that information to hone his/her craft, if he/she is so inclined. When I write reviews, my primary purpose, however, is to provide sufficient information that will assist other readers in making informed decisions about reading a book.

Typically, I use a coalescence of factors when determining whether to give an author another go. Specifically, I will give an author several opportunities when the author shows promise, (i.e., the writing style), has innovative plot lines, has captivating characters and/or has an overall engrossing story. I give complementary input accordingly. Similarly, if an author’s book or novella contains egregious and multitudinous editing issues or other issues that significantly diminish the book’s import, I include that information also. Books in this category I may give one more chance, otherwise it’s probably one and done or DNF.

What does NOT “help the success of this “niche” that has broken down barriers . . .” is to promote unreadable or subpar offerings. Forerunners in the IR/multicultural romance genre who broke down those barriers we speak of, such as Sandra Kitt, Octavia Butler, Seressia Glass and Beverly Jenkins to name a few, increased their audience by producing well-written books which did not comprise the major drawbacks that I’ve previously delineated.

We do a disservice to the author and to the readers when we simply discount the fact that a book is of poor quality—-simply because it is authored by an AOC.

The comments were sweeping to the point the point that the work of IR authors was stated to be inferior. Hold non AOC to same standard, that includes, tropes, color of heroines, grammar,etc. Do you overlook their glaring or perceived mistakes? Rhetorical.

SassafrasfromAmazon wrote: What does NOT “help the success of this “niche” that has broken down barriers . . .” is to promote unreadable or subpar offerings. Forerunners in the IR/multicultural romance genre who broke down those barriers we speak of, such as Sandra Kitt, Octavia Butler, Seressia Glass and Beverly Jenkins to name a few, increased their audience by producing well-written books which did not comprise the major drawbacks that I’ve previously delineated.

We do a disservice to the author and to the readers when we simply discount the fact that a book is of poor quality—-simply because it is authored by an AOC.

I was hoping you'd chime in. :)

Isadora, I don’t know what to tell you. I think I misunderstood your point; however, IMHO, anyone who makes sweeping statements that the works of IR authors are inferior deserves to be ignored. I certainly hold all authors to the same standard with respect your list (except I don’t comment on non AOC’s color of their heroines, for obvious reasons). I do not overlook glaring mistakes or errors made by ANY author-male, female, white or AOC. I always give my honest assessment for whatever book I’m reviewing. As a matter of fact, I’m in the process of writing a review of a non AOC-it will not be complimentary (and this book is in a long-running series). I believe I am fair to all authors. I can’t think of anyone in this group who feels IR books are inferior—that would defeat the purpose of this group, yeah?

Ciao