These days, everyone thinks he/she can become an author. From non-fiction by Tori Spelling (which I enjoyed) to realistic fiction (if you grew up in Laguna Beach) by Lauren Conrad, it seems that if your name is recognized by a majority of the public population, you're guaranteed a book deal.
Today's YA news includes that of Hilary Duff signing a book deal with Simon & Schuster. Smart move on the publisher's part because it is guaranteed to sell a number of books to those fans who grew up watching Hilary Duff on television and the silver screen, but I'm a little irked by this.
I don't know if Hilary Duff is a talented writer, so I am not going to make prejudgements on her writing ability. I may or may not read the book; only time will tell. But my heart goes out to all those fabulous people who put their blood, sweat, and tears into crafting their writing day after day. Many of whom may never be published. Many of whom may end up with disappointing book sales due to lack of publicity.
I'm sure Hilary Duff is going to have a huge marketing plan with signings, interviews on major networks, etc., which will rake in tons of cash. And I'm not saying it's not deserved (I actually find her refreshing and genuine), but when will this celebrity book trend end?
Developing a novel takes creativity, passion, and devotion. The men, women, teenagers (Go Steph Bowe!), and children who write for fun or for a living are remarkable people and they deserve to have their stories read by many. I'm glad to see books being advertised on television and in major magazines, but when will a truly deserving author (other than Stephanie Meyer or Stephen King) appear on the cover?
I do have books written (perhaps ghostwritten) by celebrities, like Lauren Conrad and Tyra Banks, so I'm not saying down with celebrity authors. I want to see amazing authors like Walter Dean Myers, Elizabeth Scott, Jen Echols, and John Green on the covers of major magazines and newspapers (heck, I'll settle for inside--but not just in the book section) when they have exciting book news or receive a new accolade. I long for a world where we're not driven only by celebrities, but by normal people who make a difference in the lives of others be it through music, writing, community service, etc.
I want to know: What are your thoughts on celebrity authors? Have you read any books written by celebrities? Do you think you'll read Duff's novel?
8 comments:
I can virtually guarentee that I will not be reading Hillary Duff's book. The celebrity culture is a little out of control, and I think it takes away from the authors who have to sell books using nothing but their talent.
I don't think I've ever read a celebrity book. 99% of the time they're not written by the celebrity so what's the point? Publishers buy into the same for the sake of money. Nicole Richie's publisher tried to get her to pay back her advance when she didn't sell it out. Not sure if they succeeded or not. But they do fail when they do that. Richie's book had crappy sales despite her name.
It is really shitty that such huge advances and publicity money are going to celebrities that haven't actually proven their merit as writers but just as bankable income where otherwise worthy writers are being shoved away because funds are tight and publishers need to buy something they know they can sell. Apparently it means a pop tart out of Hollywood. Hopefully it'll end but I'm not sure when.
Yeah, I don't really read these celebrity books. I'm sure I would a bit more if I liked the person who wrote it but I do agree it's a bit insane. I'm really sick that a lot of other people don't get their books picked up because they can't "prove" it will do well. I highly doubt I'd read Hilary's book...I like her okay, but I don't know...I dont' really go for most celebrity authors.
-Lauren
Honestly, I just want the trend to end. I don't plan on reading any either. There's so many YA books out there written by real authors that I would much rather spend my time and money on.
I doubt I would read a celebrity book. It's just so blah because most of the time, they are. It is a waste to advertise these celebrity authors because I doubt they really write them. Celebrities should do what they do best, and I'm sure its not writing books (though who knows? maybe there is a gold in the bunch)
*sigh* I'm torn. I was also appalled that S&M seemed to have given her a book deal based less on the fact that she might be able to write than on the fact that her name is HILARY DUFF. I haven't read Lauren Conrad's books and I don't plan to--not my type--and it depends on what Hilary's book is going to be about.
On the other hand, these celebrity authors can be working under another oppressive hand, which is that we think they're all ditzes who can't possibly be serious about writing because they were given their book deals because of their names. What if really can write? What are we supposed to say then? Much as I, an aspiring author, resent the fact that publishing is still a who-knows-who world, I also hate when people make assumptions about others and don't give one another a chance. So I guess I'll just sit back and see what happens.
I started one of Madonna's picture books for kids and YIKES it was bad. But Spike Lee wrote a brillant picture book "Please baby, Please" and I love it. John Lithgow also does excellent childrens picture books, very creative.
I don't mind celebrities that do actually write their own material and publish the book, but it IS a double-edged sword because a lot of them are not that good as far as writing. I think the best I've read would be Chelsea Handler, but as a comedian, she has a better grip on writing than most do because stand-up comedians tend to write out their acts.
What I do mind is the celebrities who get paid mad money to have their name on a book to sell more - when they don't even write the books themselves. They might give an idea, but the real work is in the actual writing - and I guarantee the person who actual WROTE the book didn't get nearly as much as the celebrity. That makes me sad.
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