President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle could sign post-White House book contracts for as much as a combined $45 million, The New York Times reported.
Although professionals in the field differ on the exact figures expected, Raphael Sagalyn of the ICM/Sagalyn Literary Agency told The New York Times that Barack Obama's book deal "is going to be easily the most valuable presidential memoir ever [as much as $30 million with a two- or three-book contract], and I think Michelle Obama has the opportunity to sell the most valuable first lady memoir in history."
Publishers, however, say they expect the figures to be significantly lower, at no more than a combined $22 million.
When asked to comment on the speculation, White House communications director Jen Psaki said "There will be plenty of time post-presidency to discuss books and book contracts, but for now the focus of the president and first lady is on squeezing every last ounce of progress out of the next five months."
When the Observer asked experts about a year ago what could be expected from a Barack Obama book deal, the newspaper was given an approximate $15 million figure.
Obama had already produced two bestselling memoirs before he became president, "Dreams From My Father" and "The Audacity of Hope," as well as the children's book "Of Thee I Sing."
There is a long tradition of presidents writing books, with Theodore Roosevelt perhaps the most prolific with 42 to his credit. But even those presidents who were not so popular have made a nice profit from writing their memoirs, as well as giving paid speeches.
Experts say the books the Obamas write should be even more lucrative than other presidents or first ladies because their popularity is also very widespread outside of the U.S.
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