Do celebrities really write those novels that are being published more and more frequently these days? The New York Times explores that question.
From the article...
“Publishers are smart enough to cash in where it’s appropriate,” said Ira Silverberg, a literary agent. “The question, I think, for many of us is: Is it simply commerce and we should laugh it off? Or does it take a slot away from a legitimate writer?”
There is certainly a wink-wink understanding among publishers, editors and agents that ghostwriters are behind many novels by celebrities, but it is not made clear to readers. Press releases announcing book acquisitions, like the one released by Gallery Books about Ms. Polizzi’s novel, rarely mention that there is another writer.
When promoting their books in the news media, celebrities tend to say they did all the work. When Ms. Polizzi appeared on “Today” in January, Matt Lauer asked, “Did you really write this book?”
“I did,” Ms. Polizzi said. “Because if you read it, you’ll know the first page that I wrote it. Cause, like, it’s all my language.” (When pressed further, she admitted that there was a co-writer.)
NPR discusses celebrity bestsellers (novels, memoirs, etc) as well, here.
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