Meghan Markle has made headlines yet again, this time for her foray into the world of children’s literature with the release of her book, *The Bench*. However, her literary debut has been met with more criticism than applause from fellow authors and critics, many of whom believe celebrities should think twice before diving into the world of writing. The *Guardian* labeled *The Bench* a "flop," and despite the initial media buzz, its sales have been underwhelming. Since its release in 2021, only about 8,000 copies have been sold in the UK—a figure that’s hardly bestseller material.
Children's author and poet Joshua Seigal didn’t hold back in expressing his frustration, emphasizing the skill, dedication, and discipline required to write for children. “These celebrities don’t need any more money or exposure, but plenty of genuine writers do,” Seigal remarked, underscoring that children's literature is a serious field. Yet, with her royal title and public platform, Meghan seemingly bypassed the struggles many aspiring authors face. Reportedly, she was paid £500,000 for this 40-page work—a sum that some have joked is hardly justified for what feels like a glorified pamphlet.
Aspiring authors like James A. Leon have spoken out about the challenges of getting published. Leon shared his experience of sending out 180 queries across multiple manuscripts, facing wave after wave of rejection. Meanwhile, Meghan’s royal connection paved her way to publication with ease, even earning her book a spot in *Meghan’s Book Club* with little resistance. Katherine Rundell, another disheartened author, voiced her exhaustion with celebrities “slapping their names” on ghostwritten children’s books, likening it to an artist taking credit for a painting they didn’t create. Rundell argued that this undermines real talent and creates a murky environment for genuine children’s literature.
*The Bench* is marketed as a children’s book, but Meghan described it as a heartfelt gift to Prince Harry on his first Father’s Day—a concept perhaps more suited for a personal keepsake than a kids' book. The book explores father-son relationships, but critics argue it only scratches the surface and doesn’t truly resonate with young readers. If you’re searching for a charming children’s book, you might find a title like *The Fox Who Stole the Moon* more engaging.
Adding to the controversy, there have been rumors that Meghan’s team made “creative” financial maneuvers to boost sales, with a large purchase reportedly made by the Archewell Foundation. These copies were later donated to schools and libraries, effectively inflating sales numbers and gaining charitable credit. During a school visit in New York, parents were also reportedly encouraged to purchase copies for their children, which only fueled the backlash. The *Irish Times* summed up the situation in a review that included more quotes from the book than actual critique, making it a "must-read for all the wrong reasons."
Meghan even read from *The Bench* at a school visit, dressed in high-end attire and jewelry—an image that felt out of touch for some, especially as students likely had more interest in recess than in Meghan’s dramatic pauses and expressions.
While Meghan Markle has embraced the title of “author,” her entry into the literary world has been met with skepticism from those who know the craft well. So, Meghan, the next time you think about writing a book, maybe consider picking up a paintbrush instead—it seems you might be better suited to coloring outside the lines than penning a story.
