I've heard both sides of the argument.
There are many people who are disgusted & disappointed that someone who didn't even WRITE her book could wind up on one of our coveted lists. It's difficult, especially for those of us still struggling to find an agent or have an editor purchase a submission, to see someone who hasn't gone through the brimstone fires of publishing hell wind up with a book that (for whatever reason) the public is buying in large numbers.
Then there are others, like Kiersten White, who urge us to realize it's actually a good thing. Does this mean Kiersten thinks Snooki is deserving of her book deal? I doubt it. Her point is, a book like Snooki's makes money for the publishing house. And money for a publishing company means they have the capital to pay for young and unknown authors, etc. Which, is a very valid point.
There's a good chance the people flocking to buy Snooki's book aren't likely to be the same ones who'll run out to buy yours and mine when they hit the shelves. BUT if their money is going to help fund the kickstart of mine or a fellow writer's publishing career, should I scoff at it? These aren't blood diamonds, people.
Me, I'm sort of in the middle. I don't mind celebrities getting book deals.
I don't mind them using ghost writers, because they don't have the time or inclination to learn the craft of writing a book for themselves.
I'm not gonna lie and say I've never bought those "useless" books myself. In fact, I was ALL about reading the inside scoop on what happened in the Real World Hawaii!
My problem is, this person is Snooki.
Seriously? ALL the celebrities we have in this world . . . ones who actually make music, movies, television, radio, run the country, etc, etc, etc . . . and we get Snooki?!? That disappoints me more than anything else, I think.
Just wondering how you all feel. Mad? Glad? Indignant? Indifferent?
17 witty remarks:
Hm, my entire irritation is with Snookie in general. I was talking to some people over the weekend about how most people who are famous now are famous for no reason. I do see the whole she will make a publishing house more money thing so that's great for other authors. What I don't like is when celebrities act like they actually wrote a book. Kendra from Girls Next Door was freaking out because her ghost writer gave her too many rough drafts to read! Then she went around promoting "her first book." Ahhhh.
I had never even heard of Snooki until I saw her book referenced on another blog (not a happy rant). I guess I can go with you on the "good for money" thing for the publishers who are struggling. And honestly, if it makes people read (who probably wouldn't be otherwise), who are we to judge?
And I love your NKOTB book! Brings back memories. :)
I never heard of her until a couple months ago, and when I heard about the book deal, I was like, WHAT?! Just like everyone else. But you/Kiersten is right. The publishing houses need that extra frivolous income. I mean, when I get published one day, I'm gonna want that fat paycheck. :)
sigh. I guess it's pumping money into the system... what I want to know is *who* wrote Snooki's book? ;p <3
I think it's ridiculous, but it happens. Just like in music when a crap band gets famous. It sucks for those of us clawing our way in with no luck.
I'm with you on this. I can't stand her personally and am surprised that people went out and actually bought this. I'm not a fan at all, but it is good if unknowns get signed because of this. :)
I have to agree with Saumay, there are too many people today who are famous not no reason. It's sad, because the people who are working hard do not get the recognition they deserve, and these "famous" people are.
To each his own. It'll probably be sitting on the discount shelf at B&N in the next three years, so I wouldn't sweat it.
I can't wait to get my hands on this book. Snooki is so adorable!
If my book were currently competing for a spot on the NYT list, then I'd be super pissed, but I'm not. I liked the point that her book's money will go to fund new projects. Hadn't crossed my mind.
Yeah, it might help aspiring authors, blah, blah blah. It still sucks. A woman who is famous only for being a drunken illiterate is now a bestselling author. Hurrah.
But I'm not jealous. Not me. ;)
I get bitter. But I hadn't heard that side of the argument so, that's kinda neat. Makes me feel better anyway! Interesting..
It doesn't really matter to me. I don't think anyone considers it literature, it's a product. Like snooki flavored condoms or something.
I just hope it all passes by quickly.
I'm annoyed by this "pseudo-celebrity" thing. What have the Snooki's of the world done to "deserve" this status? They make $$$$ just because they get trashed and fight in front of cameras. I spent 12 years of my life in higher education and make way less. Who's deserving???
IDK.
I get that life isn't fair, but really?! LOL!
So, I agree, I'll never read Snooki's book, but I suppose if it makes $ for the publisher and gets others to read, well, then, I suppose it's enough of a silver lining for me. Ugh.
I won't be buying the book. I'm so tired of hearing about her.
I do hope the sales from her book helps the publishing house to promote books that I do want to read.
I'm indifferent, I think. I'm not going to buy anything by her, because I just don't care, but I don't mind if others do. Read whatever you want, people!
Post a Comment