Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
James Comey is writing a book — and we know he’s been keeping thorough notes
Looks like James Comey found another outlet for his diligent note-taking habit.
The former FBI director just signed a deal with publisher Flatiron Books for his first book, a not-yet-titled exploration of “what good, ethical leadership looks like and how it drives sound decisions,” a news release says.
“Using examples from some of the highest-stakes situations in the past two decades of American government, Comey will share yet-unheard anecdotes from his long and distinguished career,” Flatiron, a division of Macmillan, said in the release.
News of the deal was first reported by The Associated Press, which said that several publishers bid for the book. The wire service cited three unnamed officials “with knowledge of the negotiations” as saying the bidding war topped $2 million. The book is due in spring. Comey has become something of a household name — thanks to his handling of the investigation into Democrat Hillary Clinton’s emails during the presidential campaign season, and the unceremonious way President Donald Trump fired him in May.
President Barack Obama chose Comey in 2013 to lead the FBI; he had previously served in the Justice Department, in both the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations.
“Throughout his career, James Comey has had to face one difficult decision after another as he has served the leaders of our country,” Bob Miller, president of Flatiron Books, said in a statement. “His book promises to take us inside those extraordinary moments in our history, showing us how these leaders have behaved under pressure. By doing so, Director Comey will give us unprecedented entry into the corridors of power, and a remarkable lesson in leadership itself.”
Comey is represented by literary agents at Javelin, which has handled bestselling books from political figures such as senators Mike Lee, R-Utah; Ted Cruz, R-Texas; and Ben Sasse, R-Neb. Former Democratic National Committee chairwoman Donna Brazile, Pamela Anderson and Whole Foods CEO John Mackey, all clients of the agency, have forthcoming books.