South Africa’s most successful author is looking for a co-author. The bad news is that you can’t apply.
Wilbur Smith turned 80 in January. He has just published his latest thriller, Vicious Circle – his 34th – and signed a deal worth £15 million (R240m) to deliver six books over the next three years with a co-author with publishers HarperCollins. This will happen when he leaves publishers Pan Macmillan at the end of this year.
Vicious Circle, a seamless transition from Those in Peril, has a twist in the plot that will delight new readers and enough bodice ripping, derring-do and unforgettable villains to satisfy his legion of fans.
It’s also teed up for another instalment, which Smith and his co-author will write. Smith hasn’t decided who that will be. He, his agent and his new publishers have been reading works by published authors, looking for a match. The ideal candidate will be in his early thirties and have successfully published at least two books.
He has his eye on a handful of writers. They are British, Canadian and American.
In the end, Smith will probably work with three authors: one each for his Africa books, his contemporary thrillers and his historical novels. They won’t be South African. Smith can’t think of anyone locally who fits his bill.
Speaking from London yesterday, Smith said many writers have asked to be considered. “We’re still feeling our way around this co-authoring thing. I have to be certain I like the writer’s work and that we’re on the same wavelength.”
When he does find the person, Smith will give him (or her) the storyline and say “Do 50 pages and let’s see how it goes. He’ll send it back and I’ll have a look and tinker and so it will go back and forwards until we have the manuscript.”
Smith insists he won’t be merely franchising himself, as other authors, notably James Patterson, have done.
He has promised to be a hands-on lead author, still writing his own “full Wilbur Smith” novels on his own.
He’s disparaging of critics who have claimed he’s cashing in on his name while he can for a last massive payday. “The idea of co-authoring isn’t new. It began with someone with the same initials as mine – William Shakespeare, who was rumoured to have someone else do a lot of his work for him. That’s a precedent I’m willing to follow.
“I look back and think this was glorious. From the age of 30 I’ve been unemployed with no one to call my boss. Every day has been marvellous. I’m having so much fun. Of all my contemporaries at Michaelhouse (the KZN boarding school he attended) and Rhodes (University), half are dead and the other half have lost their zest for life.
“If I falter, Niso (Smith’s fourth wife who is 39 years younger than him) is right behind me pushing me on.”
Smith is adamant that he’s not slowing down. “I have so many stories to tell. I don’t know if I’m going to have the time. I need a little help.” - The Star