Tyra Banks: 'Top Model' Diva to Release Line of Young Adult Books

After cashing in $30 million as the top-grossing woman on Forbes magazine's prime-time television list in 2009, former supermodel Tyra Banks recently banked a three-book deal with Random House imprint Delacorte Press.

According to reps, the deal will publish the sometimes actress' series of young adult fantasy books titled 'Modelland' and will be her first venture into the world of fiction.

As for how the 'America's Next Top Model' producer made the transition from runway beauty to the bookshelf, it all stems from her untapped artistic side.

"I have this notebook I write everything in and started working on titles and breaking down characters," she revealed to Variety. "And I kept going and going. I knew I didn't want it to be some autobiography; I wanted to create a fantastical place."

"I wanted to make the project a little more what my brand is, and give [readers] an experience that they haven't seen when it comes to this modeling world."

Banks' fictional tome revolves around a teen who manages to get into an exclusive modeling academy that has a reputation for attracting the most exquisite models. Following her acceptance into the organization, she finds herself trapped in being accepted by other members.

As for Tyra's potential interests in bringing 'Modelland' to the silver screen via her production company, Bankable Enterprises, the chances are likely.

"I'm not writing the books as scripts," she noted. "I'm writing true literature, which can then be adapted into film by Bankable," adding that she has already received interest from a few Hollywood studios.

If all goes well, the business venture would complete Banks' "third phase" of Bankable Enterprises.

"I went from being a model to creating a production company," she added. "The third phase is Bankable Enterprises, which is not just TV production, but also film and working to create a beauty Web portal."

'Modelland' hits bookstores in 2011.

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Tyra Banks Fashion Transformation

Tyra Banks was a veteran of the catwalk and a bona fide supermodel by the time she was snapped at the 26th Annual NAACP Awards in 1994. The runway diva, then just 21 years old, was rocking a simple but stylized gypsy look, complete with long beaded necklace, scarf and romantic curls.

Tyra Banks Fashion Transformation

By 1997, Miss Banks had a burgeoning movie and television career to supplement her modeling income. Despite her growing fame, she still had a youthful, fun-loving style, which is apparent in this casual denim outfit paired with sneakers and a skully.

Tyra Banks Fashion Transformation

Don't let the casual outfits fool you -- Tyra knew how to turn on the glam. Here she is in a slinky white evening gown at the 1997 ESPY Awards. Soon enough, Tyra would move away from the sleek hair and understated makeup and toward something a bit more dramatic.

Tyra Banks Fashion Transformation

They say if you've got it, flaunt it. That's exactly what Miss Tyra was doing in 1999 with a barely-there bandeau top and a skin-tight long skirt. Over the years, Tyra has taken some flack in the tabs for her fluctuating weight, but back when she was in her modeling prime, she was eager to show off the banging bod.

Tyra Banks Fashion Transformation

In 2003, Tyra was moving away from modeling completely in order to pursue her television career. Here she is at a UPN event promoting her show 'America's Next Top Model' in a comfy capris-and-jacket combo. Someone must have forgotten to notify her shoes that the theme of the outfit was casual!

Tyra Banks Fashion Transformation

Remember that elegant and understated model at the 1997 ESPYs? She's now morphed into a larger-than-life, uber-successful reality show producer whose crazy makeup and extensive hair pieces add an over-the-top, distinctly Tyra flair to her glamorous gown at the 2004 Vibe Awards.

Tyra Banks Fashion Transformation

The red hair, crazy makeup and goblin-green dress that T.B. wore to the 2004 NAACP Image Awards call to mind Poison Ivy from 'Batman,' but if anyone can pull off the sexy-comic-book-villian look on the red carpet, it's her.

Tyra Banks Fashion Transformation

Tyra toned down the bright hair and neon colors at the 'America's Next Top Model' season finale party in 2005, but she upped the cleavage factor. The feminine flowers on her dark dress contrast -- in a good way -- with the sexy fit and simple 'do.

Tyra Banks Fashion Transformation

Was Ty's fashion rockin' at the 2005 Fashion Rocks Show? Our opinion doesn't matter -- one look at Miss Banks's face tells us she knows she looks good in her low-cut embellished dress and shiny leather knee boots.

Tyra Banks Fashion Transformation

Every star has her hits and misses, and this corset paired with unflattering black pants and a dowdy flower pin was a definite miss in 2006.

Tyra Banks Fashion Transformation