Celebrity Authors

Those of us who struggle to make a name in the writing world will understand when I say that celebrities writing books that get wide acclaim from the publishing world and the media irk me. The book doesn't sell because it's a good book. It sells because a movie star, singer, or other entertainment celebrity wrote it.

But did they write it? I'm sure there are a few who actually do write the book, but there are also many who use ghost writers or have the idea and editors at a publishing house whip the whole thing into shape for them. I don't know this for a fact, but I'm reasonably certain that it does happen.

If these celebrities want to to be taken seriously in the writing world, they should write the book under a different name and go through the process just like the rest of us do. I wonder what percentage would make it.

On the other hand, if the book they've 'written' has  real merit or is helpful to children in some way, I'm all for it. If they are doing it to keep their name in lights a little longer or to rev up a sinking career, then I'm really irritated. But how do we know where each of these people fits? We don't, so every time it happens, I start mumbling and muttering.

Do other writers have the same kind of feelings I've had on this subject? I'd like to hear from you.