John Kerry signs memoir deal with Simon & Schuster

Former US Secretary of State John Kerry is publishing his memoir with Simon & Schuster.

Jonathan Karp, president and publisher of the S&S imprint, and Bob Bender, vice president and executive editor, who will edit the book, acquired world publishing rights in all formats from Robert B. Barnett of Williams & Connolly.

The memoir, currently untitled, will be published worldwide by S&S in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and India and simultaneously in audiobook by Simon & Schuster Audio.

The memoir will feature Kerry’s childhood in Cold War Europe, his time in the Navy and his opposition to the Vietnam War when he came home as well as spanning his political life.

A S&S spokesperson said: “It will also cover nearly three decades serving in the United States Senate alongside colleagues including Ted Kennedy, John McCain, and future president Barack Obama and vice president Joe Biden, his 2004 presidential campaign, in which he came within one state of winning the presidency, and his recent experience as Secretary of State.”

Kerry said: "This is the first opportunity I’ve had in a long time to pause and look back, with an eye towards looking forward. I hope we can produce a good book that captures for readers not so much my story, but some of the lessons learned along the way, including lessons learned the hard way. I am grateful that Simon & Schuster is working with me to revisit meaningful moments lived at the intersection of history, and to help readers get to know some of the compelling people I’ve known, learned from, admired, and even debated with across my years.”

Iain McGregor, publishing director for non-fiction at S&S UK added: “John Kerry has not only been a mainstay in American politics, across decades of public service, but here in the UK and Europe we have also witnessed his common touch and humanity up close. The causes he believes in and has fought for are global ones that we all share. We are delighted to publish his memoir to celebrate his life and work.”

Carolyn Reidy, president and c.e.o of S&S US said Kerry’s life story reflected the country’s own journey during the last 50 years.

"Through it all– whether as an idealist signing on to the civil rights movement during the Kennedy Years, as a naval officer in Vietnam, an activist, a Senator from Massachusetts, the Democratic Presidential nominee  or our indefatigable Secretary of State – his lifelong commitment and work to fight for change mark an exemplary career and life in public service.  Simon & Schuster is delighted to publish his extraordinary American story.”

It the deal was rumoured to have been signed last month. No publication date has yet been set.