Sam: Patterson, Publishing & Profit

I definitely undermined James Patterson's part in the publication and marketing of his books. The fact that the CEO of Hachette and the publisher of Little Brown went to his Florida house to talk strategy with him just proves his influence and success as a publishing machine. Interesting concept, “But never had authors been marketed essentially as consumer goods.” I’m impressed that Patterson wrote, produced and paid for commercials for his first Alex Cross books. It’s super rare to see in publishing, and his advertising background clearly gave him a unique perspective on commodifying his product. He knows he’s no literary genius, the article even says he considers himself more an entertainer and not a man of letters. At 71 now, I wonder when he plans on slowing down. Doesn’t seem like anytime soon. 

He seems to have an interesting relationship with his cowriters, and has this vast knowledge of where his books are selling and where to market to. He realized he wasn’t selling in Scandinavia and paired up with a major crime writer from there. I like that he plucks some of his cowriters from obscurity and allows them to become successful writers. I wonder if any of his cowriters have anything to negative to report, or if the money hushed them up. 

Honestly the millions of dollars and mansions didn’t surprise me as much as the fact that he doesn’t type on a computer and writes in longhand!

This is his mansion. I'm jealous.