Show-Biz Inspirationals
by John F. Baker -- Publishers Weekly, 7/19/2004
That seems to be somewhat of a trend these days, with two high-powered music stars signing in the same week for books designed to help their many fans cope better with their lives. At Random House, editor-in-chief Jonathan Karp signed pop singer Clay Aiken for a book to be called Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life, in which Aiken will tell of people who taught him important lessons about life in his rapid ascent, first to special education teacher, then to music stardom via American Idol. Author Alison Glock will be his collaborator, and the world rights deal was signed with Alan Nevins of the Firm in Hollywood, for publication in November. A much more seasoned music star and TV performer, Tanya Tucker, signed her deal with Trish Todd at S&S's Fireside imprint. It's for an anthology, compiled by Tucker, called 100 Ways to Beat the Blues, and will feature a mix of celebs (including former President George H.W. Bush and wife Barbara, Loretta Lynn and Jerry Orbach), plus "just plain folk," describing their own recipes for happiness. This was a deal for world rights plus first serial, signed with Cathie Pelletier, for publication next March.
