Blago's Book Deal?

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Feb 7, 2009 8:30PM

After watching the former governor’s two-week-long media rampage, some critics say Rod Blagojevich is gunning for a book deal. But even literary agent Sharlene Martin, who assisted the Goldman family in obtaining the rights to publish O.J. Simpson's "fictional account" If I Did It - which details how the ex-NFL star could have committed the murders he was acquitted of - says a Blago tell-all might not sell.

“It's like watching a train wreck,” Martin told the Sun-Times in reference to Blago’s appearance on several network television shows since Jan. 26. “And I'm not sure, in this economy especially, people will pay money to read about a train wreck.” According to the Associated Press, a Blago book deal or talk show might be a viable option for the ex-governor’s two-pink-slip household, now down two salaries worth $277,000 a year.

Literary agent Ted Weinstein, who helped a Nevada school teacher turned campaigning congressman hook up with Random House, predicted the governor could land a book deal valued at up to six figures if - and only if - he admits he is guilty or spills about some friends. “If he says, ‘Here's how the whole world works’ -- the underside of Chicago, naming names -- damn, we'd all want to buy that,” Weinstein told the Sun-Times. Blagojevich’s public relations agent, Glenn Selig, whose firm also represents Drew Peterson, confirmed the ex-governor has been offered more than one book deal, but stayed mum on the possible contents of such a book.

Post by Kalyn Belsha
Photo: AP/Richard Drew