Week Seven Prompt

I really enjoyed all of this week's readings.  They each discussed a unique issue dealing with various authors, celebrities and publishers in relation to the books they write or enjoy.  Many of these issues, or controversies, were things I personally have not really taken time to think about.  I have considered the influence that Oprah has on a book's popularity once it made her book club list.  She is a very influential woman, and many people respect her choices and opinions.  It was interesting to see how the article broke down the books on her list, and how the book's popularity changed, or wained over time.  Reading about fake memoirs was also enlightening to me.  Sometimes, I think that I must live under a rock, because I did not realize things like this occurred - to that degree.

For this response, however, I would like to discuss the article, "The James Patterson Business."  I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I have not read any books by this author.  However, I am very aware of his popularity.  His books are regularly checked out at my library, and he has a noticeable growing presence in the middle grades section of the youth department.  As someone that also likes to browse book stores, I see his novels taking up a significant amount of shelf space.  Also, he can be seen and heard in many television commercials promoting his books, or perhaps I should say, his brand.

After reading this article, I am more aware of how his name has become a brand.  Patterson does write an amazing amount of books, and it only makes sense that others are helping him accomplish this feat.  While his name is on the book, and the article does allude to the fact that he is involved in the planning and writing of each novel, it is obvious that no one is providing any details as to what extent he is involved in the writing of each book.  I would like to think that he is involved enough that the integrity of the writing matches only his best work.  It would appear that this is the case, since his books continue to fly off the shelves both at the library and at the bookstore.

Patterson has worked hard to accomplish all that he has in the book industry.  This is evident by reading about his life and growth as an author in the article.  He has obviously used his experience and knowledge in marketing to create and develop his brand at a seemingly rapid pace.  Since the writing of this article, he has increased his presence in the middle and younger grades.  I cannot help but think that James Patterson's brand will continue to grow over the next several years.