Yesterday's news of a wonderful prize from Random House UK and ASDA is followed in no time at all by news of another staggering offer. But this one is for Americans only, it would appear.
A new reality TV show has been launched. This one is called Book Millionaire, and it is currently inviting people to audition. Entries are invited from those who want to become published authors or those who are published and want to achieve best selling status. Eight of the applicants ('people with dreams of seeing their book ideas become published and being the next author launched to best selling and celebrity status') will meet Book Millionaire’s Publishing Committee during July 2005 to start the filming of Book Millionaire Reality TV Show. The show itself will be aired nationally (in the US) in the Fall of 2005.
See, here again you have to wonder why writers complain so much. To enter for this one you may meet any one of the following criteria:
• You don't need to have written your book or manuscript but you have an idea you feel would be a good book, or...
• You may have been told by people that you should write a book, or...
• You have a desire to become published and to live the incredible lifestyle of a rich, famous author, or...
• You may have started writing your book, but it is not completed yet, or...
• You may have your book written. It is completed but not published, or...
• You may have published your book, but it has not sold like you wanted.
Now, is that democratic and a level playing field, or what? I really like that stuff about not needing to have written anything but just want to live the incredible life style of a rich, famous author.
By the way, the phrase Book Millionaire seems to have been registered as a trade mark. So every time I use the term in future I am going to have to put a little TM mark in the top right-hand corner, so to speak. One the other hand, I may never mention the show again. That will probably be easier.
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4 comments:
Hi Michael,
I personally find this "Book Millionaire" episode a terrible idea. Maybe it's just me.
To a certain extent, both contests mentioned seem to be predicated one fact, and one fact alone -- that best sellers are marketed, not written.
Yet the runes of publishing are full of the latest hyped author failing to cover their mega advance and to a lesser degree, the unhyped book which hits a chord with readers making it big time.
Does anyone know of a long term best selling author who first came to public attention through a contest?
Here's the quote I love:
"...to become friends with publishing insiders and learn the skills that will help you with the day-to-day excitement as you become accustom to being an author...a best selling author...a Book Millionaire!"
Because, of course, we publishing insiders DO know what those skills are, and the ways in which they need to be implemented. It really is that easy...
I can't wait to see some enterprising individual dig into this a bit to reveal the idiot-source of this remarkable venture.
(Is there an application fee, by the way?
I think I'd rather just go to the coliseum and watch the slaves stab each other.
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