Washington: Laura Bush, wife of the US President, has sealed a deal worth millions with Scribner to publish a memoir that will encompass her recollections of personal and historical moments, including her eight years in the White House.

The publishing house, in announcing the agreement today, said the memoir is expected to be released in 2010. Sally McDonough, first lady Laura Bush's press secretary, declined to say how much Bush is being paid for the book but past deals involving first ladies have carried multimillion-dollar payouts.

McDonough said the first lady would work with a collaborator though one has not been selected yet.

"As a rare witness to the private moments of one of our country's most consequential presidencies and as a first lady who has maintained a notable level of discretion, her memoir will provide a candid and personal perspective and an enduring record of the years that have already determined the course of the 21st century," said Susan Moldow, executive vice president and publisher of Scribner.

Moldow negotiated the book deal with Washington attorney Robert Barnett, whose many clients include former President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator Edward Kennedy. Nan Graham, vice president and editor in chief of Scribner, will edit the memoir.

In an interview, Barnett said Bush has yet to start the currently untitled book, but she "has said she wants to get right to work on this project when she leaves the White House. It is a high priority for her."

Bush will have to work quickly to meet the 2010 publishing date.

 

Source : PTI