Introduction
Jacqueline Susann was a famous writer, and author of novels, the most famous of which is considered to be The Valley of Dolls. She is recognized as the first novelist of corporate identity, a writer who sells works regardless of critical attention. With her husband Irwin Mansfield, Suzanne revolutionized the promotion of books, and they are widely credited with creating the modern book tour. In what was once considered a gentleman’s profession, she brought sensitivity to show business. She toured extensively in support of every book, appearing in bookstores and on countless TV and radio shows. Her books were advertised on the entertainment pages of major newspapers, and Mansfield checked the covers of her books to see how they appeared on television. She paid attention to booksellers, sent them thank-you letters, and even bought copies of her book for bookstore sellers. In “The Rise of Jacqueline Susann,” Michael Korda talks about his impressions of the experience of working with Jacqueline Susann.
Discussion
Once the editor-in-chief of Simon & Schuster, Michael Korda met Jacqueline when he was still an ordinary editor. In her opinion, she left Random House because she was not appropriately treated there: “She wanted to take revenge on Bernard Gais for what she considered a lot of major and minor offenses” (Korda, 1995). Jackie was very eccentric, and it was already clear from the beginning. Initially, Michael received a draft of her new book, written on pink sheets of paper, where neither the plot of the novel nor its structure was distinguishable. Trying to get answers from the Mansfields to questions about when the book would be written and whether they would meet the deadlines, Michael received only words that she was a professional.
Their first meeting occurred when Michael met Jacqueline and her husband at home to clarify the book’s details. He describes her as: “tall, broad-shouldered, with big breasts, and she had a low, hoarse voice. She wore thick stage makeup: her face was incredibly dark-tanned, her lips were shiny blood-red, and pointed eyelashes caused alarm” (Korda, 1995). Despite the first impression, which did not inspire Michael’s confidence, Jackie became a professional who knew her job. She clearly understood what her strength was. When the TV industry seemed glamorous, she decided to write a novel about television — and to this day, it remains an example of a successful book.
Michael describes her quarrelsome character in all colors; she was very vindictive, and it was important to her that she always came first. She did not like being told that someone she had called was unavailable or in a meeting. “When Jackie was angry, her voice sounded like a circular saw working at full power” (Korda, 1995). She always asked to fire someone, and it was easiest for the publishing house employees to solve the problem by saying that the employee was fired and removing this employee from sight.
Moreover, it was essential for Jacqueline to make an impression. Before her, some people were not so interested in selling books as publishing them. She also arranged shows and presentations of her books at the level of Hollywood cinema. Jackie brought mass marketing to a previously stable book-selling business. In a sense, it was a more significant contribution to the world of publishing than the sparkle and hype.
Conclusion
She introduced readers to new sensationalism and initiated the worship of celebrities, which grew into a full-scale cult of fame of the eighties and nineties. She taught everyone that most people want to read just a good story that allows readers to avoid their own lives and problems by reading about other people’s lives and troubles. “Isn’t she great?” was Irving’s response to almost any statement by Jacqueline, which was true.
Reference
Korda, M. (1995). The rise of Jacqueline Susann. The New Yorker. Web.