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Vogue
Before it even reaches the bookstores, everyone's favorite ex-news reader, ex-Mayor, ex-Governor, ex-VP Candidate and now author (or, more precisely, co-author) Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue" is #1 on Amazon's best seller list. That said, in an extraordinary bit of marketing, the book is already being discounted by 60% to $9.00! Yup, an as-yet-unpublished hardcover non-fiction book is being marked down pre-sale from $28.99 to just $9.00. Perhaps that's what a publisher does when they are using the Wal-Mart marketing paradigm: slim the profit to a sliver and distribute as many copies as you can.
Allegedly, they have unloaded tens of thousands of copies to conservative groups; websites and organizations that can either sell them or give them away as premiums for fundraising: "Pledge $25.00 and receive a copy of "Going Rogue" as our gift. This book has a retail price of $28.99, so you'll not only be helping our fundraising drive, but you'll be SAVING $3.99!"
Palin's PR is so disconnected from the product she's selling that it may be time she considers her true calling in the world of publishing: being the subject of fashion photography. But first a look at what she's shoveling:
According to the press release:
"In this eagerly anticipated memoir, Palin paints an intimate portrait of growing up in the wilds of Alaska; meeting her lifelong love; her decision to enter politics; the importance of faith and family; and the unique joys and trials of life as a high-profile working mother. She also opens up for the first time about the 2008 presidential race, providing a rare, mom's-eye view of high-stakes national politics--from patriots dedicated to "Country First" to slick politicos bent on winning at any cost."
Say what? Just what the hell is a "mom's eye view of high stakes national politics" and why would anyone care? Memo to publisher: You know there's trouble when your publicist can't write a reasonably intelligible phrase, much less your author!
Guise! (and Gals!)
The Associated Press did a cursory review of the book, and has proven Palin to be the reigning empress of guile. The McCain campaign staff has already released emils debunking her claims. And when your memoir is proven false, why not call it a "historical novel"?
As such, she should consider a simpler form of artistic expression; one that allows her to show herself neither as the liar she is, nor as the hypocrite she is. No, Sarah Palin has proven that the best outlet for her need to express herself is (and always has been) through the art of, and her talent for: fashion modeling.
Now, by any measure, 45 is a bit old to start a modeling career. But it would really be more of a return, rather than a start. Pageant walking is a cousin to catwalk modeling, and she has certainly proven that if she is nothing else, she is most certainly photogenic, as seen in her new, rather titillating cover shot for Newsweek (in short-shorts, no less).
These days, Vogue and Harpers Bazaar frequently use fashion spreads that include women of [i]une certain age[/]. Come to think of it, many highly accomplished women (and men) have a secondary career in modeling.
Lauren Hutton (Tulane '64), Isabella Rossellini (Finch '72) and Brook Shields (Princeton "87) all have had successful careers, all have written well-received books, and all have periodically returned to fashion modeling, no matter their age. Come to think of it, any one of them would be preferable in elected office -- now Palin should go Vogue.
