Don’t say the Obamas haven’t been busy since they left the White House.
Bidding for the publishing rights to books from former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama has hit the $60-million mark, according to a report in the Financial Times.
Obama confirmed he was planning to write a book after leaving office in a CNN interview last year. At the time, a literary agent guessed it could be worth up to $30 million.
"His is going to be easily the most valuable presidential memoir ever," Raphael Sagalyn told the Times.
The former president and first lady are writing separate books but are selling the rights jointly. According to The Hill, four major publishers are currently embroiled in a bidding war for them. Contenders include Macmillan, Simon & Schuster — which recently dropped a book deal reportedly worth $250,000 for Milo Yiannopoulos — HarperCollins, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, and Penguin, which published Obama’s first three books. Simon & Schuster’s Threshold Editions imprint published Donald Trump’s most recent book, “Great Again: How to Fix Our Crippled America.”
Obama’s first book, “Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance,” was published in 1995 and re-released in 2004 to critical acclaim. “The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream” was published in 2006 and was on the New York Times bestseller list for 30 weeks. He also published a children’s book, “Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters,” in 2010.
As far as presidential book deals go, this one is by far the largest. Bill Clinton reportedly earned a $15-million advance for his post-White House memoir; George W. Bush’s garnered a reported $7 million.
In cafes and bars, skate shops and co-working spaces, books are popping up everywhere in Los Angeles — and as more than just decor.
In cafes and bars, skate shops and co-working spaces, books are popping up everywhere in Los Angeles — and as more than just decor.
In cafes and bars, skate shops and co-working spaces, books are popping up everywhere in Los Angeles — and as more than just decor.
In cafes and bars, skate shops and co-working spaces, books are popping up everywhere in Los Angeles — and as more than just decor.
Jade Chang’s debut novel, "The Wangs Vs. The World," hit bestseller lists last fall. We catch up with the Angeleno to find out how her life has changed.
Jade Chang’s debut novel, “The Wangs Vs. The World,” hit bestseller lists last fall. We catch up with the Angeleno to find out how her life has changed.
Deyan Audio Services brings audiobooks to life in the Valley with help of ace actors, narrators.
Deyan Audio Services brings audiobooks to life in the Valley with help of ace actors, narrators.
Children’s author Jon Klassen talks about the creative process when it comes to words and pictures for kids at his studio in downtown L.A.
Children’s author Jon Klassen talks about the creative process when it comes to words and pictures for kids at his studio in downtown L.A.
Los Angeles Poet Laureate Luis J. Rodriguez reads an excerpt of his poem "A Love Poem to Los Angeles" on the Patt Morrison Asks podcast.
Los Angeles Poet Laureate Luis J. Rodriguez reads an excerpt of his poem “A Love Poem to Los Angeles” on the Patt Morrison Asks podcast.
jessica.roy@latimes.com
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