I’ll never be a bestselling author. It was never my intention. Seriously, it wasn’t. I just wanted to be published and published well (and hopefully earn a few schekles along the way to keep me stocked in Walnut Whips). But I can dream. One day it would be cool to think that my name will be a household word and sycophants will hang on my every utterance—but that won’t happen, because I’ll never reach bestsellerdom. And it has nothing to do with talent or lucky breaks. It’s because I’m just not big enough to be a bestseller. Physically, I’m mean. At 5’ 4” (actually I’m 5’ 4 1/2”, but my wife, Julie, laughs because I toss in the 1/2”), I’m not a tall guy and short guys don’t make it to the NY Times bestseller list.
You’re probably laughing at me (that’s if you can see me down here amongst the grass blades), but you can’t ignore the facts. Stephen King floats around six-three. Harlan Coben is in that realm, as is Steve Hamilton. Two of the biggest selling authors are two of the biggest people in publishing. Michael Crichton is six-seven or something and they have to divert air traffic around John Grisham wherever he goes. That’s why you don’t see him out promoting his books too much these days. The FAA hates when he leaves a fixed position.
Having attended a number of mystery conventions, I’ve gotten to see these literary and physical giants wandering around the convention halls banging into ceiling lights with their heads while I had to have someone lift me up to reach the elevator button. I used to cast a glance their way and think, wouldn’t it great to be like them. Then I realized, I can’t. I’m not a member of the big guy club. I’m just not big enough to get on their ride. No wonder I’m in the small press. It’s for little people only.
Personally, I think it’s a conspiracy of big people. First they get their own “big and tall” stores, now they all want to be best selling authors. How long will it be before agents start asking for previous publishing credits and height details? Not long, my short-legged friends.
Personally, I think it has to stop. A short guy needs to make it to the NY Times bestseller list to bust open this discrimination—and I think that short guy should be me. What I need you all to do is buy at least five copies of my next book, Working Stiffs, and tell friends and family to do the same. It’s available from Barnes and Noble and all good independent bookstores. Together, we can make a short guy stand on the shoulders of giants.
Just in case you’re wondering if this is a shallow attempt to get you to buy my next book, I’d like to quote Francis Urquhart, “You might think so. I couldn’t possibly comment.”
Truman Capote was 5’3″.He achieved bestseller status.You don’t mention your age, but you’re probably not pushing 77 & have time on your side. So, don’t give up your dream.Lorraine
Ah, but great gifts come in small packages. Gems come to mind. And you, Simon-are a gem.
Amen, Simon.
–Naomi, who is only five feet tall in her dreams 🙂
Short is only a state of mind…wait…no…actually I think it’s a physical state…might have to check that.
…damn, I know I had a point here somewhere…
So I guess there’s no point in this 5’6″ guy starting to write. 🙂
Made me think of that old Mary Tyler Moore episode where she’s dating a man much shorter then she is. Always been one of my favorites.
Mark
Egad! Now that I think about it-no wonder I’m not a best seller either – I’m 5’8″. Whew. At least now I know why.
Since I’m 5’11” does that mean I’m going to be huge?Simon, I loved this post. You crack me up! I’d love to see a research study done to verify your results. We could title is “Is big really better?”
JT,
All I can say is that you’ll do 6 1/2″ better than I will as a writer.
Naw, I doubt it. I may be taller, but you’re much funnier. People gravitate to funny. Me, they look to for switching lightbulbs and stuff.
In my case, they’ve to descend to funny rather than gravitate, but I take your point.
Lee Child is tall, too.
Argh.
I’m 5’4″ sort of . . . when I cheat — which is most of the time.
When I first started thinking about a blog, Simon, I toyed with the idea of centering it around short people. You, Naomi, me, Deni . . . um, well, Elaine wouldn’t really qualify. J.T. blows the idea to smithereens.
Still, I think your theory has a *little* merit.
P
Simon, I couldn’t agree more. At 5’5″ (in high-heeled sneakers), I’m sure that the only thing holding me back from becoming the international sensation I should rightfully become is my stature (or lack thereof). Perhaps if I stand on your shoulders, we could top bestseller lists the world over. But we’d have to get a really long coat.
Damn it, I forgot to toss in Lee Child who happens to be the tallest peak in Britain.
Jeff, I your standing on shoulders thing. Very Scoobie Doo. We could alternate days so we both benefit.
After watching the L.A. Clippers-Denver Nuggets game last night, I have two words for you: Earl Boykins.