Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann weren’t just influential writers—they were trailblazers who revolutionised the publishing world. Both faced personal struggles and industry challenges, yet they transformed how books were marketed and consumed. Let’s dive into how these two remarkable women changed the literary landscape.
Jackie Collins: The Queen of Glamour and Scandal
Jackie Collins was more than just a bestselling author; she was a force of nature in the literary world. Her life and work continue to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of writers.
- Early Life and Struggles: Growing up in a turbulent home, Collins faced significant personal hardships. Her first husband was an abusive drug addict who died by suicide. These experiences fuelled her drive and shaped her writing career.
- Prolific Career: Collins authored 32 novels, all of which were New York Times bestsellers. Her books, known for their glamour and scandal, sold over 500 million copies worldwide. Despite being dismissed as “beach reads” by some critics, Collins’ work resonated deeply with readers and highlighted women’s experiences in a bold new way.
Key Insight: Collins popularised books as entertainment for those seeking engaging, accessible stories, breaking away from the more traditional, complex literature of the time.
Jacqueline Susann: The Trailblazing Author Behind “Valley of the Dolls”
Jacqueline Susann made an indelible mark on the publishing world with her groundbreaking work, despite facing her own set of personal and professional challenges.
- From Actress to Author: Susann transitioned from acting to writing later in life, driven by the need to secure her family’s future. Her only child had severe autism, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. These personal struggles pushed her to excel in her writing career.
- “Valley of the Dolls”: Published in 1966, this novel not only became a bestseller but also pioneered the modern book tour. Despite initial critical panning, it became a cultural phenomenon, highlighting the lives of women dealing with fame, addiction, and personal struggles.
Key Insight: Susann’s drive and resilience turned “Valley of the Dolls” into a bestseller, reshaping how books were marketed and proving that stories of personal struggle and glamour could captivate a wide audience.
Gill Paul: Bringing Their Stories to Light
Author Gill Paul has delved into the lives of Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann in her new novel, “Scandalous Women”. Paul’s interest in these women stemmed from their complex personal histories and their impact on publishing.
- Historical Fiction with a Twist: Paul’s work often focuses on women who have been overlooked or misjudged by history. Her previous novels include tales of Jackie Kennedy, Maria Callas, and the Romanovs, exploring the lives of significant women who made a mark despite facing substantial obstacles.
- Revolutionising Publishing: Paul’s “Scandalous Women” provides an inside look at the publishing industry’s transformation during the 1960s. It highlights the transition from an old boys’ network to a more inclusive industry, driven by female authors like Collins and Susann.
Key Insight: Paul’s exploration of these women’s lives underscores their significant contributions to modern publishing and their role in reshaping industry standards.
The Legacy of Collins and Susann
Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann didn’t just write bestsellers; they changed the way books were consumed and marketed. Their impact can be seen in several key areas:
- Popularity of Women’s Fiction: Both authors demonstrated that women’s fiction could be both commercially successful and culturally impactful. They paved the way for contemporary female authors and highlighted the importance of writing for diverse audiences.
- Evolution of Book Marketing: Susann’s introduction of the modern book tour and Collins’ ability to capture popular culture’s essence transformed how books were promoted. They showed that engaging stories could captivate a broad audience beyond traditional literary circles.
- Influence on Modern Genres: Their work laid the groundwork for the success of genres like romance and chick lit. Today’s popular authors, such as Emily Henry and Colleen Hoover, owe much of their success to the trailblazing efforts of Collins and Susann.
Key Insight: The success and influence of Collins and Susann extend beyond their individual books. They fundamentally changed the publishing industry, making literature more accessible and entertaining for a wider audience.
Looking Ahead
As the publishing industry continues to evolve, the impact of Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann remains evident. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the importance of recognising the contributions of pioneering women in literature.
Key Takeaway: Collins and Susann’s stories demonstrate that personal struggles and triumphs can resonate deeply with readers, making a lasting impact on the literary world.
Learn more
- Jackie Collins – Jackie Collins Official Website
- Jacqueline Susann – Jacqueline Susann Biography
- Publishing Industry Changes – Publishing Industry Evolution
- Scandalous Women – Gill Paul’s “Scandalous Women”
