Plagiarism allegations against romance author

Romance writer, publisher split up over plagiarism claims – Boston.com reports:

“‘Signet has conducted an extensive review of all its Cassie Edwards novels and due to irreconcilable editorial differences, Ms. Edwards and Signet have mutually agreed to part ways,’ the publisher said in a statement Friday.

‘Cassie Edwards novels will no longer be published with Signet Books. All rights to Ms. Edwards’ previously published Signet books have reverted to the author.’”

There’s more information on Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, which first broke the plagiarism story.

If you’re writing a novel (or indeed, any kind of book) please learn how to cite sources, and how to work with source information. It’s vital.

Since we all work on computer these days, it’s easy to confuse your own words with those of others. It’s up to you to work out how you handle this. I keep all my own notes separate from research (different folders, and different programs), and when I’m using a digital recorder to take notes, I emphasize which words are someone else’s and which are my own.

This is a sad story, because Cassie Edwards has been writing for years.

Let this story be a moral to you. Develop professional work habits, right from the start. Take nothing for granted.