LOS ANGELES, April 12 (UPI) -- "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" filmmaker Tyler Perry has snagged a $2 million advance for his first book, Daily Variety said Tuesday.
The paper said 10 publishers competed for the rights to "Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life." Riverhead Books -- the adult division of the Penguin Group -- came out on top, and plans to publish the book in 2006.
"Diary of a Mad Black Woman" -- made for $5 million -- has grossed $50 million at the U.S. box office since its Feb. 25 release by Lions Gate.
Variety said Perry's book will contain observations, advice and beliefs in the voice of Madea Simmons, the irreverent grandmother at the center of "Diary" and other Perry projects.
The paper said Riverhead plans to market the book to women who have made Perry a household name in black church communities -- helping to generate $80 million in revenues for Perry's live performances and merchandise sales.
