The paperback version of Prince Harry’s memoir *Spare* is facing a significant decline in sales, with the book sitting at 73rd place in the charts after selling just 3,400 copies in its second week. This is considered a major disappointment, given the initial success of the hardcover edition. Some speculate that Harry could have boosted sales if he had added new content or made adjustments to the paperback, but he chose not to.
While Harry made a fortune from the book, with reports suggesting a $20 million advance and a total deal worth up to $35 million for all editions (hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and audio), the lack of effort to promote the paperback edition is raising questions. Despite breaking records with the hardcover edition and being the best-selling book of 2023, Harry’s decision not to update the paperback or offer any additional publicity is seen as a major missed opportunity.
Critics, including royal commentator Andy Signore, argue that Harry’s lack of engagement with his publisher, Penguin Random House, shows that he may have grown complacent after cashing in on the book's initial success. This lack of follow-up has led to disappointing sales for the paperback, especially when compared to the 12,000 copies sold by Richard Osman’s latest novel and Jeremy Clarkson’s book.
The decision to release the paperback without new material, such as a forward or epilogue, also contributes to its underperformance. Had Harry acknowledged the public’s reaction or addressed some of the controversies in his book, it might have helped boost sales. Instead, the book is now heavily discounted and even considered one of the most discarded titles of the summer.
Signore also highlights the personal and controversial revelations in *Spare*, which include details about Harry’s strained relationship with his family and private matters such as his substance use. While these revelations caused a media frenzy, they also damaged his image and may have contributed to the book's overall decline in popularity.
Despite all the attention, Harry's decision to not make any updates or participate in further promotional efforts reflects poorly on his business acumen. It also raises questions about his commitment to his publisher and the long-term value of his brand. While *Spare* was a record-breaker initially, its lackluster performance in paperback and subsequent discounting suggest that Harry may have missed an opportunity to keep the momentum going.
In the midst of this, Signore reflects on how the memoir’s failures, alongside Harry’s ongoing reluctance to fully engage with his audience, are damaging his reputation in the long run. Harry’s actions have not only affected his image but also his partnership with Penguin Random House, leaving many to wonder if they’ll even break even on the deal.
It’s clear that while Harry made a significant amount of money from *Spare*, his failure to properly follow through with the paperback release or engage with the public shows a lack of effort that could have made a big difference. For fans and critics alike, it raises troubling questions about his priorities and future business ventures.
