Lena Dunham Lands $3.5 Million Book Deal, Fans React

(Photo: Reuters/Alex Gallardo)
Lena Dunham, filmmaker, actress and director, speaks during a one-on-one session at Fortune's Most Powerful Women Summit in Laguna Niguel, California October 2, 2012.

By Emma Koonse , Christian Post Reporter

October 9, 2012|2:31 pm

HBO's "Girls" creator Lena Dunham has signed a lucrative book deal, causing both fans and critics to sound off on Tuesday.

The essay collection, titled, "Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's Learned," was part of the most heated book auctions of the year, with Random House winning the book.

"We're thrilled to welcome Lena to Random House," said editor-in-chief and publisher of Random House Susan Kamil in a statement. "Her skill on the page as a writer is remarkable– fresh, wise, so assured. She is a rare literary talent that will only grow from strength to strength and we look forward to helping her build a long career as an author."

Random House's acquisition of Dunham's new advice book cost over $3.5 million, according to The New York Times, sparking controversy.

While fans of Dunham are celebrating her success, critics such as blogger Femthreads and Twitter users accuse the writer of being a narcissist and suggesting that her connections are more impressive then her talent.

"3.7 mil [dollars] to one author or 100K to 37 authors," wrote Twitter user Jason. "@RobSpillman on the lunacy of Lena Dunham's book deal."

Martin posted, "She's only 26. What kind of memoir could it be? Mozel to Lena Dunham for a book deal worth more than $3.5 million."

Kathleen, among many others, defended Dunham, writing on Twitter: "Lena Dunham's advance has nothing to do w her being a woman. It has everything to do w economics/sensibility in book publishing."

Regardless of the backlash, "Not That Kind of Girl" includes excerpts about Dunham losing her virginity, eating healthy, fashion tips, worries about death, and "the most awkward date ever with an older director."

Also, the 26-year-old screenwriter, director, producer, and actress will offer advice on life and love, according to The Hollywood Reporter

The book is expected to be a bestseller similar to Tina Fey's memoir "Bossypants."

Dunham has already experiences success with "Girls," the semi-autobiographical HBO series about four women in their twenties living in New York City. The comedy series was nominated to an Emmy this year. Season two is scheduled to begin in January.