Dear Young Journalists:
Is it a dream of yours to write a book? Are you thinking that now might be the time? Some tips:
1. Have a topic you’re passionate about. Your political vision, your love life, etc.
2. Get your name out there. Blog. On your own site. Or on The Daily Beast, maybe.
3. Engage in a high-publicity feud with a divisive journalistic figure. Laura Ingraham, perhaps.
4. Be the offspring of a political celebrity. John McCain, ideally.
Oh, maybe we should have listed that last one first. In a move that will surprise precisely no one, Meghan McCain—blogger, pundit, famous political offspring—has signed a book deal. Indeed, the only thing moderately unexpected about the move is this delightfully fanciful line, from the New York Observer’s report about the deal (emphasis mine):
Sources say Hyperion has prevailed over at least three other publishers in an auction that began earlier this week, following a round of meetings during which the in-your-face young conservative and the literary agent she shares with her father, Sterling Lord Literistic president Flip Brophy, discussed a number of possible approaches to the book with editors around town.
Perhaps McCain will be writing a prequel to “The Jabberwocky,” or something, this might make you think? Or a sequel to her 2008 tome-in-pictures, My Dad, John McCain?
Nah. “It will probably have something to do with the future of the Republican party, and how it must change to attract the votes of modern young people.”
Well, then. My breath is officially bated.
I don't understand the (alleged) six figure advances associated with her or anyone else's book deal. In a time where every single other industry seems to be cutting costs anyway possible, are publishers still so flush with cash that they can do this?
#1 Posted by surlybastard, CJR on Fri 10 Apr 2009 at 11:19 AM
Here's what Meghan McCain wrote in response to a Twitter fan: "Thank you, I am writing the book for people like you who are ready for a new voice and point of view in the Republican party!" This woman is not playing with a full deck. If people are looking for a new voice and/or new point of view, they want it to come from someone SMART....not from Meghan McCain. She said she's "fallen in love with the Republican party." That's a lie...she's fallen in love with getting attention.
#2 Posted by On and On, CJR on Sat 11 Apr 2009 at 05:38 AM
"delve into what it means to love the Republican Party, while not always fitting in."
sure if loving it means destroying whats left by following in the footsteps of your father and pulling the republican party further and further to the left.. which has been proven to be an utter failure.
and paris hilton also has a book so i guess there is a market for talentless airheads whos life's ambition is to fit in.
#3 Posted by evil libertarian, CJR on Sat 11 Apr 2009 at 02:22 PM
As a McCain supporter it's fun to see Meagan McCain show that same spark that her father has in a new and fresh way.
#4 Posted by kmorrison, CJR on Sun 12 Apr 2009 at 02:23 PM
There is exactly one circumstance under which I would be interested in ANYTHING Meg-hen McStain had to say about anything: if she were nude and talking lewd.
Otherwise, ummmmmm, not so much...
#5 Posted by Woody, CJR on Mon 13 Apr 2009 at 09:53 AM
Meg McTwit....spoiled, no originality, insincere opportunistic narcissistic immature product of wealthy political family. Zero to offer the world that has not been discussed over cokes and bubble gum. Wish I could short sell her book "revenue"...if Daddy's buds and political contribs don't but up the book run, she won't be able to GIVE it away....She could not carry Sarah Palin's exercise bra.
#6 Posted by Rufus Levin, CJR on Mon 1 Mar 2010 at 05:45 PM