PR Machine Cranks Up for Black Memoir

Another magazine exec with a mixed record is warming up for her victory lap.

Hearst CEO Cathie Black is coming out with a book, Basic Black, that's part advice and part memoir. "It provides a close-up look at the keen judgment, perseverance, and optimism that have propelled Cathie Black to the top of her game, along with the kind of straight-up practical advice you get in a one-on-one session with a career coach," according to Random House, which is publishing it.

I have the feeling the people who worked for Talk, Shop Etc. and Weekend -- all of which Hearst started and folded on Black's watch -- might have something to say about that judgment and perseverance.

Of course, she also started O, The Oprah Magazine, whose massive contribution to the bottom line cancels out a lot of mistakes. But crediting Hearst for making money off Oprah is a little like crediting Saudi Arabia for getting rich off oil: They didn't invent it, they just exploited it.

Speaking of Oprah, Black may get a guest slot on the show to plug her book. I wonder if she'll bring her ghostwriter? I asked Lisa Dickey why she's not credited on the cover -- like the co-writers of Jack Welch and Howard Schultz's memoirs were -- but haven't heard back.