Biden’s $10M memoir deal stuns former aides as it lags significantly behind Obama and Clinton’s
WASHINGTON, DC: Former President Joe Biden has inked a deal with Hachette Book Group to publish his post-White House memoir for an advance of approximately $10 million, according to The Wall Street Journal.
While significant, this figure is notably lower than the advances received by some of his predecessors. Barack and Michelle Obama reportedly earned around $65 million for their memoirs, and Bill Clinton secured $15 million.
The 82-year-old has reportedly spent months writing the book. The memoir will focus largely on his four years in office and is expected to address persistent questions about his cognitive health, the fallout surrounding his decision to exit the 2024 race, and his contentious final months in power.
Joe and Jill Biden could have earned more if they had pursued a joint book deal
The $10 million deal is not insignificant, but publishing insiders informed Daily Mail that Joe and Jill Biden could have earned substantially more, potentially up to $30 million, if they had pursued a joint book deal.
According to sources close to the couple, the former first lady alone could have secured a $15 million advance. Her extensive notes and diary entries from her years in the White House are believed to contain detailed accounts of both personal and political moments. “She could write a very explosive book if she wanted to,” a former White House aide told the outlet.
The offer for a joint deal was contingent on Jill participating, but she ultimately opted not to pursue that path, at least for now.
Joe Biden's memoir likely to give insights into his health and decision to drop out of 2024 race
Joe Biden has publicly stated that he’s been “working my tail off” to finish the book, suggesting a deeply personal and detailed account of his presidency.
Readers are expected to search for insights into his health, including his prostate cancer diagnosis and his frequent public gaffes, topics that became central to discussions around his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.
The book may also delve into the private pressure campaign from Democratic leaders and allies, including Obama, Nancy Pelosi, George Clooney, and Chuck Schumer, to convince Biden to step aside.
Sources indicate that internal party divisions, especially after his disastrous debate performance against President Donald Trump, will be explored in detail.
Jill Biden 'has plenty of memories to draw upon' to write an explosive memoir
While there is strong commercial interest in a memoir from Jill Biden, former aides suggest her style may be too restrained to deliver the kind of explosive takedowns that typically drive sales.
“She’s his grudge-holder for sure, but it’s unlike her to take public swings at specific individuals or lay blame,” one former aide said.
Still, if Jill chooses to publish, her book could shine a light on some of the most consequential decisions made inside the White House, including her perspective on her husband’s final months in office, internal family discussions, and her reputed tensions with Kamala Harris. “She has plenty of memories to draw upon. Whether she’ll share them all is another question," the former aide added.
