I read a lot. I write my own books, but I also read. Often, I read books written by some of my fellow independent authors. Some are terrific. Many are good, but not great. Some are awful. But these are independently published authors who hire their own editors and proofreaders (or not) and rely on volunteer Beta readers to provide feedback on story and plot issues. You can understand how things might not be perfect.

But when I read a book by a well-known and highly acclaimed author, published and marketed by a top publisher that is riddled with poor writing and stupid plot points (and holes), it’s doubly frustrating. Millions of fans of the author flock to the stores and online retailers to scoop up the hard-cover for $26.99. Book club members are told to buy the book (not yet available in libraries because it’s so new and “hot”) because some member is so excited about discussing the newest book from a favorite author. The book is an immediate best-seller and the publisher makes a ton of money. The author makes a ton of money. The book averages a pathetic 3.5-out-of 5.0 stars on Goodreads because the readers are so disappointed. But the publisher and author apparently don’t care.

Why? How does a professional editor at a top publishing house let a book go out in such bad shape? Maybe I can forgive the publisher as a business, but what about the individual editor? How? Why? And the author has to take responsibility. It’s so shoddy, as if you just churned out something quickly so that you could meet your publication schedule and keep the gravy train running, without any regard for quality. Or, maybe the author just isn’t that good, but is cranking out drek because it’s the best she can do and since it’s making her millions, why bother caring?

But it’s disappointing. It’s frustrating to all us indie authors who work hard, take care with our stories, and sweat over all the details. This author did with her first book, which everyone seems to agree was really good. Since then? I can’t know what goes on in someone else’s life. But, please, at least be ashamed of yourself.