PRH signs 'intimate' memoir from Serena Williams in two-book deal

Penguin Random House has signed a two-book deal, including an "intimate" memoir, with tennis champion and  "cultural icon" Serena Williams.

Ben Brusey, publishing director at Century, and Venetia Butterfield, managing director at Cornerstone, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Matilda Forbes Watson and Suzanne Gluck at WME. North American rights were acquired by PRH vice-president and executive editor Jamia Wilson and publisher Andy Ward. Both books will be edited by Wilson with global publishing rights sold in 11 territories and counting.

"Through stories that have yet to be told, Serena will pull back the curtain to reveal new layers about her experiences on and off the court and what it took for her to make such an indelible mark on sports and culture," said Wilson.

Williams’ memoir will offer "a full and open account of her remarkable life, from her childhood in Compton, California, learning to play with her mother and father, to her academy years in West Palm Beach and her decision to turn professional at age 14, to her rise and reign as the top women’s tennis player in the world – and one of the most accomplished athletes in history." Williams won 39 major tennis titles and is a four-times Olympic gold medal winner.

The book will also include an "open-hearted" exploration of the experiences which have shaped Williams’ life, from overcoming scrutiny, and "attacks in a predominantly white and male dominated sport", alongside a celebration of body diversity and a desire to bring awareness to maternal health disparities, and her personal life falling in love with tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian and becoming a mother.

Williams commented: "For so long, all I was focused on was winning, and I never sat down to look back and reflect on my life and career. Over the last year I’ve really enjoyed taking the time with my growing family to celebrate my accomplishments and explore my other passions. I couldn’t be at a more perfect place to be able to take-on such a personal, intimate project, and there’s no one I would rather do it with than the team at Random House."

In her second book, Williams will draw on her experiences as a philanthropist, an "investment unicorn" at Serena Ventures and advocate, to offer "rules for living".

Brusey said: "At Century we are honoured to be publishing these deeply personal and inspiring books by Serena Williams who is a true cultural icon and one of the greatest athletes of all time. Her upbringing was the subject of an Oscar-winning movie. But the full story of her journey off the court, told intimately here for the first time, is even more remarkable.

"Full of the energy, passion and commitment Ms Williams has demonstrated throughout her life, these empowering books will present to readers a profound blueprint of how to conquer nearly insurmountable challenges, and how to thrive." 

Sanyu Dillon, Random House group president, added: "The story of Serena’s life is one of deep commitment, fierce talent, unabating passion and love. The team and I are honoured to collaborate with Serena on her literary endeavours, and we can’t wait to publish what will no doubt be landmark books of inspiration from a truly singular woman, athlete, mother, and business leader."

No publication dates have yet been set for the titles. Global publishing rights have already been sold in 11 territories.