Inside Mike Pence's New Book Deal
Mike Pence isn't serving a second term as vice president of the United States, but he might have an even bigger deal on his hands. According to two unnamed sources in the book publishing sphere who spoke to CNN, Pence's new two-book deal with Simon & Schuster is worth between $3 and $4 million.
The insiders suggested that while books that are written by former President Donald Trump and high-profile figures from his administration are sure to sell, there's also the question of fact-checking. Former President Trump was permanently suspended from Twitter after sharing false narratives about election fraud and violating the social media site's "glorification of violence" policy. So it's not hard to imagine that books authored by Pence, Kellyanne Conway, or others from the Trump administration might embellish the truth, to say the least.
As for a future book from the former president, though, it seems less likely, based on CNN's sources. "It's not that the book wouldn't sell, it's that he is impossible to fact check or do business with," one publishing industry insider told CNN of Trump. Publishing Pence's books, however, is evidently less of a risk, PR- and fact-wise.
Mike Pence's book is about his life story, not just his time as VP
In a statement provided to The Wrap, former Vice President Mike Pence explained that his book will explain his life and career path to VP, not just what it was like to work for former President Donald Trump. "I am grateful to have the opportunity to tell the story of my life in public service to the American people, from serving in Congress, to the Indiana Governor's office and as Vice President of the United States," Pence's statement said. "I look forward to working with the outstanding team at Simon & Schuster to invite readers on a journey from a small town in Indiana to Washington, DC."
Readers who are eagerly anticipating Pence's book will have to wait for it, though. The first of his two books is expected to be published in 2023, according to The Wrap. But for fans who want to hear from Pence before then, he's making his first post-VP speech at a conservative nonprofit dinner in South Carolina in April 2021, per USA Today. The event is being held by the Palmetto Family Council, a proponent of "biblical values." The former VP probably won't get into too much Trump drama at the event, but it could be the start of his return to the spotlight after leaving office.