What I Learned Updating My Goodreads Author Page

A Lightly Haunted Tale of Metadata, Magic, and Minor Panic

PS: Echoes of Control is coming soon… and if you thought things got twisty in Broken Code, just wait. 😏

Recently, I updated the cover for Broken Code: The Genesis of Rebellion. Just a simple refresh, right? New visual, same ISBN, same story. In fact, only a few minor tweaks were made to the design—mainly the font size, so the title would stand out more (especially in thumbnail view, where covers go to die).

Old Cover

New and Improved Cover

Except… while attempting to updated my Goodreads author page I accidentally wandered into Goodreads' secret metadata catacombs, where even the smallest update might rattle a few digital ghosts.

Let’s just say the process came with some surprises:

• Fixing an extra space in my author name? That summoned a very polite librarian spirit who reminded me—kindly, but firmly—never to touch that field again.

• Uploading a new cover? That felt like casting a spell with uncertain consequences. The book was suddenly... not linked to me anymore. I had to go on a quest to restore it.

• Primary edition status? Honestly, I think I passed a mini-boss battle just clicking the checkbox.

  
  

But here’s the thing: Goodreads is still the best-known place online for readers to talk about books. It’s just also... kind of a time capsule. And I say that with appreciation. Because despite the dust, the wonky interface, and the occasional metadata minefield, it’s full of people who really care about books.

Including the volunteers who keep it all running. Seriously—librarians on Goodreads are incredible. They fixed my issue fast and with grace, even if I did get a light ruler-tap on the knuckles.

So consider this post a little thank-you note wrapped in a laugh. If you're an author planning to make changes to your Goodreads listings, may your edits be minor and your editions remain linked. And if you're a reader—thanks for sticking with us as we navigate the digital halls where books and ghosts live side by side.

Until next time, I'll see you in the bookstores

Monica

P.S. If you’ve read Broken Code, I’d love to hear your thoughts—or even your own Goodreads survival tips. And if you’re curious about what’s next… Echoes of Control is almost here.

Let’s chat.