Even as a child on the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer lot, Elizabeth Taylor knew she was destined for more than the other girls in the studio school.

Her mother, Sara Taylor, told her so.

Sara, who lived in Palm Springs in her later years, did everything possible to make sure her little girl was the exception to all the young stars who failed to make the transition into more adult roles.

Taylor would be the one to grow up to be a bona fide movie star, no matter what it took.

How she became that world-famous star is the focus of William J. Mann's latest book, “How To Be A Movie Star: Elizabeth Taylor in Hollywood.” The author will sign copies of the book from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Just Fabulous in Palm Springs.

According to Mann's book, no other former child actor broke away from the studio system as successfully as Taylor. By the time time she began work on “Cleopatra” in 1960, she was the highest-paid actress in the business, earning $1 million plus points for the Academy Award.

“That was unheard of. She set the pattern for every other actress in Hollywood to follow,” said Mann, who has written several biographies, including “The Edge of Midnight” about director John Schlesinger and “Kate: The Woman Who Was Hepburn.”

“This book was a lot of fun to write,” Mann said during a break from his book tour. Its release comes at a time when Taylor is once again in the headlines for health problems.

But more than anything, what Taylor learned from the Hollywood studio machine was how to handle her image.

“She understood that there had to be an exchange between her and the press,” Mann said. “Headlines were required, but that there had to be substance to back them up and to keep people interested in her.”

For Mann, who lives with his partner in Palm Springs and Provincetown, Mass., it's time to relax for a bit now that his book tour is winding down. “I've lived with Liz for three years and I need a break,” he said.

His next project? Another celebrity biography.

“Hello Gorgeous: Becoming Barbra Streisand” is the working title. “She's another tough lady,” he said. “It should be interesting.”