Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Personal Payday

Adds Andersen, "Thanks to help from veteran writer Ayers, Barack would be able to submit a manuscript to his editors at Times Books."  Based on my own research, I would argue that Ayers actually wrote the book's best sections.  Obama's published efforts before Dreams show not a wisp of the skill on display in Dreams.
Draper chooses not to relate the fate of plucky agent Dystel.  That story was hard to miss.  The proudly liberal but seriously disgusted publisher Peter Osnos went public three years ago.  According to Osnos, Obama dumped his devoted long time agent after Dreams took off and then signed a seven-figure deal with Crown, using only a by-the-hour attorney.

Obama pulled off the deal after his 2004 election to the U.S. Senate but before being sworn in as Senator, this way to avoid the disclosure and reporting requirements applicable to members of Congress. Osnos publicly scolded Obama for his "ruthlessness" and "his questionable judgment about using public service as a personal payday