Bill Clinton Lands New Book Deal With Knopf

Bill Clinton has a new book deal, with a target publication date of late 2007 or early 2008 -- just in time to have him out promoting his work as the 2008 presidential race heats up.

The former president will write not about himself this time, but about "citizen activism and service," his publisher, Alfred A. Knopf, announced yesterday. Knopf published Clinton's memoir, "My Life," in 2004. That book went on to sell 2.2 million copies in hardcover.

Financial terms of the new deal were not released, though one knowledgeable publishing veteran, who asked not to be quoted on the record, suggested that Clinton likely got a "low to mid-seven-figure" advance. The advance for "My Life" has been reported as between $10 million and $12 million, though that estimate has never been confirmed.

Washington attorney Robert Barnett, who represented Clinton in negotiations with Knopf, said that the former president's book will do three things: describe some of the "remarkable work" in which he has been involved through the Clinton Foundation, profile some of the "amazing people" he has met in the course of that work and other travels, and give guidance to his readers as to "how they can get involved and make a difference."

Clinton will write the as-yet-untitled book himself, Barnett said. No decisions have been made about specific projects or individuals to be included, he said, but the topics discussed have included religious and racial reconciliation, empowering women, the environment and global warming, and improving health care.

The book was not shopped to other publishers, Barnett said, because Clinton was happy with his relationships with Robert Gottlieb, his editor on "My Life," and with Knopf chairman Sonny Mehta.

"Right now on the global stage, there are few leaders as commanding as Clinton," said Knopf senior vice president Paul Bogaards. "He still has an ability to inspire."