Yes, I SHOULD be on Oprah, by Deb Eve

brownwaite_smallYes, yes, yes …. I SHOULD be on Oprah. I know that because EVERYONE tells me that. And I know that because FIRST COMES LOVE, THEN COMES MALARIA is true and riveting, uplifting, motivating and ever-so-slightly spiritual – all things Americans need right now. Plus, it takes place in Africa, touches on themes of racism, sexual abuse and overcoming hardships – all things that Oprah loves. Yes, of course! My book would be perfect for Oprah.

Well, guess what? Every other author in America (possibly in the entire world) thinks their book should be on Oprah. And, if they’re any kind of writer at all, they have a list as compelling as mine as to why it ought to be.

Hey, besides world peace and a guarantee of lasting health and happiness for my family, there is nothing I’d like more than to get that phone call from Oprah. (I hear the phone call from Oprah comes with a guarantee of lasting health and happiness.) There are probably few things my publishing house would like more. And there are few things less likely to happen. Let’s face it, getting your book chosen for Oprah is about as likely to happen as winning the lottery or getting hit by lightening. And there’s not much that most of us ordinary Jane and Joe writers can do to increase those odds.

Recently someone told me they were “disappointed” in me because I hadn’t gotten my book to Oprah yet! Like was I supposed to excuse myself the last time I was having dinner at Oprah’s house, sneak off and tuck a copy of FIRST COMES LOVE, THEN COMES MALARIA under her pillow with a little love note???? Someone else suggested I send Oprah a copy of my book – along with a stuffed penguin! (No, I don’t get the whole Oprah/penguin thing, either.) What do people think? I’m sure my publicist – like every other publicist in America – has or will pitch my book to Oprah’s people at some point. And yes, I’ll probably send her a copy and a lovely, endearing note myself. (Hey, a girl’s gotta try, right?) But c’mon … let’s all be real here.

While getting your book chosen by Oprah can certainly guarantee a HUGE readership for your book, we have got to let go of it as the ultimate measure of success. Because if getting to Oprah is the yardstick, then there’s an awful lot of great writers out there (most, by the way) who might just as well pack it in right now. We all can’t sit on Oprah’s couch (we wouldn’t fit). But there are a lot of other readers out there – millions, actually – who we can get to. And while their endorsement might not guarantee us riches and continued publishing success, it certainly can be affirming and encourage us to continue to do what we do. And if we write because we love to write or because we have a story that we just MUST tell, then we can be grateful for affirmation and encouragement wherever we can find it.

~Deb Eve

P.S. Of course, if you happen to know Oprah’s address, do send it along. Also, know where I can get the perfect stuffed penguin?

10 Replies to “Yes, I SHOULD be on Oprah, by Deb Eve”

  1. OPRAH, OPRAH, OPRAH…I AM CONTACTING OPRAH…I AM VISUALIZING OPRAH…OPRAH, OPRAH…OPRAH. I don’t care what anyone says…EVE SHOULD BE ON OPRAH…AND CAN I COME TOO???

  2. I’m thinking of starting a line of t-shirts to sell at writer’s conferences. They will say things like, “Oprah who?” and “Yes, Oprah did call, but I’m waiting on Stephen Colbert.”

    Ever since I sold my book I’ve been waiting for the Oprah comments to start, but I never got any. I chalked it up to living in Canada. However, just the other day I had TWO people suggest Oprah. I had meant to make the first person a shirt and have it on hand…something like, “Joelle Anthony’s book Restoring Harmony was an Oprah pick because I suggested it.”

  3. Eve, I’ve been waiting all week to write what you just did. Being on Oprah would result in enormous book sales, yet would they give you loyal readers? Without meaning to offend anyone, it’s difficult for me to believe that her viewers — who NEED her guidance to lead their best lives — are actually reading all those books. Sure, they buy them, but I can imagine the % that “fake” reading them.

    Also, as Meredith noted on Wednesday, she’s excluded mysteries and what about YA? Being on Oprah would provide you with your “15 minutes of fame” and a bit more money. However earning your success the old-fashioned way will insure you all the most loyal and grateful readers…those who think and choose books because your writing has touched their heart!

  4. Wait, am I the only one who doesn’t get the Oprah/penguin link? She likes penguins? I’ve already gotten the Oprah comments, too… isn’t it funny? I think most people don’t realize how many books are published every year (close to 200,000 by M.J. Rose’s count) and how very few authors get to sit on that couch broken in by Tom Cruise.

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