Today I have two more examples of blog-to-book deals that I don’t understand, but I don’t need to. Obviously, these blogs struck a chord with enough readers to catch a publisher’s eye. And off to press they go. Should the rest of us be so lucky.
Gawker Media’s website, Jezebel.com, recently sold two books to Grand Central Publishing, according to Publisher’s Marketplace. Jezebel promotes itself as a site about celebrity, sex and fashion for women.
The first book, which will be overseen by Jezebel founder/editor Anna Holmes, tentatively is titled The Book of Jezebel. It will feature essays about “the mindset and ethos of the modern Jezebel.” I’m not sure what the book will be about, but I’m sure she does. She surely has a handle on what a “modern Jazebel” is.
The second book, by senior writer Tracie Egan Morrissey and contributor Rich Juzwiak, will be based on the video column “Pot Psychology.” This will offer what some are calling “self-help advice,” although who needs this advice, I don’t know: “how to be aware your pet is gay,” “how to be celebratory yet reserved on the birthday of someone you’re casually dating,” “how to be stoned in public,” and “how to be covert when scratching your crotch.” That said, obviously someone needs this advice—and will buy this book (and watches the vlog—video blog) or Grand Central wouldn’t have offered the authors a book contract.
As I keep saying, if they can do it, you can do it. You can pick fluff and fun; you can pick substantial and fun. Put your passion and purpose into it, and go for it. Be determined. Turn out good copy consistently. Readers will come, and a contract will follow.
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