SJM... Exposed!

A Sarah J. Maas gossip site.

[worldofsarahjmaas]

Today’s light in the darkness: only 4 days until ACOWAR!

Don’t miss your last chance to preorder!

[cleopatraas]

I didn’t know Dumbledore made a guest appearance in ACOWAR

[saltfromendovier]

You fucking shitting me? -_-

[kittyinhighheels]

Someone defending it in the notes that “it’s a common sentence in fantasy novels” and it’s not stealing from Harry Potter…

[salty-j-maas-deactivated2019110]

“Light can be found even in the darkest of times…”

-Albus Dumbledore

Very original, Sarah

[vanimeldes]

“Be glad with your human heart. Pity those who don’t feel anything at all” - Rice, AC/0TAR vs “Do not pity the dead. Pity the living. And above all, those who live without love” - Dumbledore, The Deathly Hallows

This is my favourite quote in all the Harry Potter series.

and It’S nOt aLmoSt tHe sAmE liNe, I sWEaR

[sjm-exposed-blog]

🤷🏼‍♀️

[sjm-exposed-blog]

Susan Dennard’s series just got optioned for a live action tv series. Hope hers gets made before sjm bc that would be sweet revenge.

We saw this! I wonder what SJM thinks of it if she’s seen the news. I remember people claiming that she doesn’t like to share the spotlight with other YA authors (and allegedly a reason for their friendship break up) and now it seems that SD’s books are gaining quite a bit of traction. I daresay, though, that because of the notoriously slow pace that is book-to-screen adaptations, SJM’s will be made/released first, provided that everything goes relatively smoothly.

[sjm-exposed-blog]

Hi, everyone! Just letting you all know that our email is currently down (and has been for awhile — we’re trying to find a fix), so to the people who have messaged us to say they’ve emailed us — hang tight! We’ll respond as soon as we’re able, and in the meantime, we’re working our way through our Asks.

[sjm-exposed-blog]

So sjm just posted her UK tour dates. This scares me: “Can’t wait to introduce little Taran to two of my favorite cities!!!” Please, tell me she’s not going to be bringing the baby on her international tour... although this makes sense why her KoA tour is so short and there are more days between them...

Personally, we find this odd, as traveling with a child is HARD, but we also acknowledge that’s her child, and she can do as she wishes. But I do get the concern. It just seems strange to us that she’s doing this tour at all (and it’s implied in her Instagram post that she’ll be doing even MORE international tours later on.)

[inthemidstofbuddie]

We should all be ecstatic that #soapgate happened. Otherwise no big influencer would've spoken up about ACOTAR and how SJM keeps writing smut for children

here’s another topic imma lump together! so here’s another anon: 

do you think this soapgate scandal is what will finally get SJM out of the ya genre/circle/community for good?

and another:

do you think it’s possible bloomsbury might try to last minute edit out some of the graphic sexual content of kingdom of ash due to the soap dick drama? (i hope so)

i’m so goddamn relieved that people are finally speaking up. i was explaining the whole debacle to my mom (who knows all about sj/m’s fuckery since i used to be a fan of the books) and she was like “well FINALLY someone’s speaking up but antis have been doing it for years” and we have. i know we don’t do it for the attention but it’d be nice to get some credit, maybe? i dunno. maybe i’m just being petty and small. 

ahem. moving on. 

so i’ve been thinking about the actions blooms would take in the aftermath of all this and i think there are really just three possibilities (and i shared this in another ask so forgive me if you’ve already seen it!)

they push back the release date to edit the content

they shelve k0a in another section of the bookstore

they leave it as-is and publish it anyway since they’ve gotten away with it this far, a hubbub like this might not scare them

of those three, i’m not sure which seems the most plausible, bc they all could reasonably happen. i do think #2 is the least possible outcome. #1 would cause a lot of stans to be angry. and #3 will probably make their sales numbers drop due to all the flack they’re undoubtedly receiving from not only industry professionals but parents. 

so as for this kicking out sj/m for good…? well, she’s already on the outs with pretty much everyone but her own readers and a few authors (oh my god imma have to go look at those authors’ twitters and see if they’ve said anything. THIS JUST OCCURRED TO ME JFC KAT) so i dunno how much more out she could get. i do think this will isolate her even more and likely cause many a fan to stop reading, if only to remove association and/or bc their parents found out. 

i, for one, can’t wait to see what happens. 

[sjm-exposed-blog]

(I hope you don’t mind me adding my thoughts here!) I’d be surprised if she publishes YA again after KOA (not sure what will happen there. I wonder if Blooms will just ignore the situation & keep it as YA w/ a warning on the back.) I mean, she already has CC lined up as an adult series (presumably a series, I don’t know) and I think all this drama will solidify her decision to move away from tha YA community entirely.

[sjm-exposed-blog]

Because we’ve gotten some messages about the infamous ‘dick soap’...

Wow.

Wooooooow.

Wooooooooooooow.

Thanks for letting us know (we don’t use Twitter that often and had NO idea that was going on…) but please know that we can’t answer all of those Asks because there are…a lot. HOWEVER, we would like to highlight one Anon:

all the authors on twitter right now reacting to the soap penis fiasco in that book box! it’s hilarious and bringing many authors’ opinions of her books that i didn’t know into the light. i almost feel bad for mass, being dragged through the mud by everyone… it’s not exactly her fault her fans honestly thought this was a good idea. but then again, she did write the books Like That

We too feel a little sorry for SJM, so we believe that it’s important – because we’re technically “antis” – to acknowledge that SJM/Bloomsbury would’ve had nothing to do with this. Or, at the very least, it would be HIGHLY UNLIKELY that they would condone such a thing. Also note that it’s copyright infringement to make profit off her books/characters with merchandise unless she’s specifically given permission. Which I really, really don’t think she would have. While personally I don’t believe writing erotic content means that SJM’s fans should have created such a thing, we will confess that this entire situation is bizarrely hilarious. 

[sjm-exposed-blog]

UPDATE

In a response to the box, Bloomsbury tweeted this:

[sarcasm-and-procrastination-dea]

Thats it? Only that? What about the letting these books get published as YA in the first place? Why were they not adult?

[throne-of-no]

So that’s it? They aren’t going to DO ANYTHING? Like…no legal grounds or ANYTHING? Do they not realize how bad this looks from a public standpoint?

Them: We aren’t associated with the box in any way.

Us: But…it’s Sarah’s characters? It’s like kinda illegal?

Them: We. Aren’t. Associated. With. Them.

Us: So…you’re just going to allow them to use these character and over sexualize them and make a profit???

Them: …

Us: Well ok then.

[elder-salt]

I’m wondering if they’re consulting lawyers about the fanfiction. That might take some time. Or they might not be at liberty to discuss particulars if there is legal recourse. 

[sjm-exposed-blog]

If Bloomsbury intend on going down the legal route, they’re probably not exactly going to announce it on social media. (At the very least, not this soon.) I’m guessing there’s a ton of things happening behind-the-scenes right now that we’re just not privy to.

[sjm-exposed-blog]

Because we’ve gotten some messages about the infamous ‘dick soap’...

Wow.

Wooooooow.

Wooooooooooooow.

Thanks for letting us know (we don’t use Twitter that often and had NO idea that was going on…) but please know that we can’t answer all of those Asks because there are…a lot. HOWEVER, we would like to highlight one Anon:

all the authors on twitter right now reacting to the soap penis fiasco in that book box! it’s hilarious and bringing many authors’ opinions of her books that i didn’t know into the light. i almost feel bad for mass, being dragged through the mud by everyone… it’s not exactly her fault her fans honestly thought this was a good idea. but then again, she did write the books Like That

We too feel a little sorry for SJM, so we believe that it’s important – because we’re technically “antis” – to acknowledge that SJM/Bloomsbury would’ve had nothing to do with this. Or, at the very least, it would be HIGHLY UNLIKELY that they would condone such a thing. Also note that it’s copyright infringement to make profit off her books/characters with merchandise unless she’s specifically given permission. Which I really, really don’t think she would have. While personally I don’t believe writing erotic content means that SJM’s fans should have created such a thing, we will confess that this entire situation is bizarrely hilarious. 

[sjm-exposed-blog]

UPDATE

In a response to the box, Bloomsbury tweeted this:

[sjm-exposed-blog]

first: lmfaoooooooooooooooooo second: i'm in the pub industry and calls are being made to get this box under control, but still, lmfaoooooooooo

Oh my god. I can only imagine what it must be like for Bloomsbury having to deal with everything. ESPECIALLY their social media right now.

[inthemidstofbuddie]

"I don't actually agree. I think the fact that it sold as NA isn't relevant because the content shifted into firmly adult instead of adjusting to YA accordingly." - Susan Dennard's tweet re: ACOTRASH. I'm fucking LIVING for this 😂

OH MY GOD I LITERALLY DROPPED EVERYTHING TO GO LOOK

@sjm-exposed! 

[sjm-exposed-blog]

That is some MAJOR shade from Ms. Dennard there... I wonder if she’ll become more outspoken about SJM after this? 

(Thanks for tagging!)

[sjm-exposed-blog]

Because we’ve gotten some messages about the infamous ‘dick soap’...

Wow.

Wooooooow.

Wooooooooooooow.

Thanks for letting us know (we don’t use Twitter that often and had NO idea that was going on...) but please know that we can’t answer all of those Asks because there are...a lot. HOWEVER, we would like to highlight one Anon:

all the authors on twitter right now reacting to the soap penis fiasco in that book box! it's hilarious and bringing many authors' opinions of her books that i didn't know into the light. i almost feel bad for mass, being dragged through the mud by everyone... it's not exactly her fault her fans honestly thought this was a good idea. but then again, she did write the books Like That

We too feel a little sorry for SJM, so we believe that it’s important -- because we’re technically “antis” -- to acknowledge that SJM/Bloomsbury would’ve had nothing to do with this. Or, at the very least, it would be HIGHLY UNLIKELY that they would condone such a thing. Also note that it’s copyright infringement to make profit off her books/characters with merchandise unless she’s specifically given permission. Which I really, really don’t think she would have. While personally I don’t believe writing erotic content means that SJM’s fans should have created such a thing, we will confess that this entire situation is bizarrely hilarious. 

[sjm-exposed-blog]

So, was glancing at my T0D keychain (I do like the quote, and haven't bothered taking the keychain off my key ring) and I noticed that her "Hope. You cannot steal it, and you cannot break it" is awfully similar to the line from The Princess Bride about love "you cannot track that, not with a thousand bloodhounds, and you cannot break it, not with a thousand swords". Is it a coincidence, or more plagiarism?

Hmm, interesting! I think I’m more likely to pass this one off as either a coincidence or a nod to one of her inspirations (I’m fairly certain she’s mentioned it before on her blog/twitter/somewhere.) It’s not a direct quote ripped from the film (unlike “Rattle the stars” and the all-too-coincidental line in Treasure Planet…which I KNOW she’s mentioned having seen before) so I don’t think it’s technically plagiarism.

[sjm-exposed-blog]

the main reason that i was put off from reading tog was the cover lol i never understood why everyone thought it was good and (as an artist myself) the proportions of the girl were just off

None of us are artists, so at first glance the covers never bothered us, but yeah, after hearing artists examining/talking about what they disliked about the cover, you’re so right. It’s…not great. And I personally believe they just got progressively WORSE. 

[sjm-exposed-blog]

Okay, so a few months after I read ACOMAF and I started hearing rumours of SJM and SD not being friends or being in each other’s acknowledgments now I was like ?????? because I was sure SD was in ACOMAF acknow. But then I looked up a bookstore copy (at the time) and SD wasn’t in that ACOMAF’s acknow. so I thought I imagined it, but just now looking at my US 1st printing copy SD is in the acknow. I’m going to look at a bookstore copy to confirm, but I think SJM took SD out of later printings...

If that’s indeed true: WOW. Is it possible you just missed it in the bookstore, though? Between us, we own a first printing US hardback and a US paperback of ACOMAF (not sure what no. printing that is) and both include Susan Dennard in the acknowledgements. If you went back to the bookstore, we’d love a confirmation! 

[sjm-exposed-blog]

Verified source here: can confirm that KoA has two “prologues,” although neither is called that. They’re two short sections before Part One, each narrated by a different character written similarly to the last chapter in Tower of Dawn.

Ah, I see. I…guess that makes more since? Still not convinced it’s necessary but I’ll do my best to reserve judgement as I obviously haven’t read it. I do wonder, though, if any other YA author but SJM would be able to get away with such a thing. Personally, I find one “prologue” obnoxious enough, let alone two…

[inthemidstofbuddie]

@1@ In regards of the ktwoman rewrite, there was an anonymous that sent a message (I don’t know if is convenient to say to whom), saying that the YA DC series where supposed to come out 4months apart, that s/jm said she was drafting it for a year, but the release date moved to August bc DC made her rewrite everything.

@2@ The reason: Selina was white, should be written as cuban. The love interest was white coded nightwing (in canon he’s romani), now should be batwing who’s black. And she got sensitivity reads from some “big authors” (no names tho). This comment was sent a few months after Wonder Woman book release, which makes me believe it’s true bc the original release order was: Wonder Woman, Batman, Superman and Catwoman…

@3@ And the thing is: before the anonymous comment was send, DC announced in San Diego Comic Con 2018 a Lot of titles under their DC Ink and DC Zoom imprints, which includes graphic novels for Batman & Wonder Woman books by Marie Lu & Leigh.

@4@ Catwoman and Superman books are not included, and I think it was bc s/jm have to rewrite everything due to her… “particular style”, and de la Pe/ña (author of the Superman book) have allegations of sexual harassment due to and article that came out early in the year that talks about the harassment in publishing industry, where a lot of names came out and he was one of them. Conclusion; I do believe s/jm rewrite the whole book, mainly bc as far as I know there won’t be grafic novel

@5@ of Catwoman. A comic takes time to make and can’t be done if there is no book in the first place. She lost a great opportunity there. Neither Superman bc the scandal of the author. Problematic authors being problematic I guess…

thanks for the explanation! 

so according to the review that was shared maybe a week ago on my blog, the sensitivity readers are nic stone and jason reynolds. it should say in the acknowledgements (hey, if anyone has the book, can you take a pic of the acknowledgements and either DM them to me or tag me if you post them? i know @throne-of-no and @westvillard have the book, but anyone works! 😊). 

where did you hear that superman was supposed to be released before catwoman? i was under the impression that was always the original order (wonder woman, batman, catwoman, superman). 

and yes, that’s one reason i’m shocked that de la pena is still the author of superman! many of the authors listed in that article were dropped by their publishers and agents (james dashner, for example!). for anyone curious, this, this, this, and this are all good starting points for the #metoo movement in kidlit. 

[westvillard]

I got you, @spaceshipkat 👊🏽

[inthemidstofbuddie]

thanks, you! 

it will never cease to be strange to me that she thanks her dog before her agent, her editors, her team at Random House and DC, and her sensitivity readers. she mentions jennifer armentrout (who didn’t wish her a happy book birthday on twitter or insta, as is commonplace bw author friends) and roshani chokshi (who also didn’t wish her a happy book birthday on twitter or insta). nic stone, who sj/m doesn’t actually say is a sensitivity reader, didn’t wish her a happy book birthday on twitter or insta, nor did jason reynolds (who she also doesn’t list as a sensitivity reader). 

actually none of the authors do. huh. i mean it’s not part and parcel of being an author, but it is typical between author friends to do so. 

[westvillard]

Right? I barely saw anyone talk about CW: Soulstealer during its release day (fan accounts aside, of course). But hmmm, did any of them wish her a happy book birthday during her other releases? Now I’m getting curious 🙈 I can’t recall seeing authors talk about any of her latest books at all. Kamilla Benko mentioned Crescent City on Twitter back when the announcement was made but then again, she does work for Bloomsbury soooo 

[sjm-exposed-blog]

About the SD & Catwoman b-day ask, she hasn’t wished SJM since Empire of Storms (tweeted a happy b-day), pretty big of SD considering they probably hadn’t been speaking for a few months at that time. SJM doesn’t acknowledge any YA books now unless the author is still friends w/ her or from same publisher. Didn’t mention Windwitch or Sightwitch so why should SD give a crap about Catwoman?! Sorry, I just get a bit mad when people are like this author didn’t congratulate SJM on her latest book.

I didn’t know that SD wished her a happy b-day for EOS! You’re right -- I imagine that was around the time their friendship fell apart as, if I recall correctly, that’s one of the first books where SJM does not mention Dennard in her acknowledgements. And oh, don’t be sorry at all! I completely agree with you, though I think that Anon meant it in a they’re-clearly-still-not-friends sort of way instead of admonishing Dennard. SJM does almost nothing for the YA community these days. She’s removed herself almost completely. 

[sjm-exposed-blog]

Catwoman Soulstealer: Rewrites/Edits?

The other day, we got a message claiming the rumors going around that CATWOMAN: SOULSTEALER had to be rewritten/pushed back were fabricated by “antis” to make SJM look bad, citing that the books in the DC Icons series were planned for a release every six or so months. We ended up not posting the message as it was a little rudely worded (and we’re not here to argue.) Quite frankly, we’re not sure why we received the message in the first place. I don’t think we’ve ever posted/reposted anything on these alleged rewrites…but nevertheless, we’d like to get to the bottom of it. Do any of you (and have sources with verified info) that can back this up? After a search we couldn’t find much at all to back up these claims, but if you do & are willing to share, then please get in contact with us!

[sjm-exposed-blog]

UPDATE: More info here for those interested!