Joe Biden receives $10 million advance for presidential memoir amid skepticism

In May 2021, it was reported that former President Joe Biden had sold the rights to his memoir for an advance of $10 million to Hachette Book Group, specifically through its publisher, Little, Brown, & Company. This memoir is intended to reflect on Biden's four years in office. However, there has been skepticism regarding Biden's ability to write the memoir himself, with speculations that staffers who were part of his administration may largely contribute to the writing process. As of July 2025, there is no publication date set for the book. The advance given to Biden is significant, especially when compared to book deals of previous presidents. For example, Barack Obama and Michelle Obama reportedly received around $60 million for their book rights in 2017. Former President Bill Clinton’s memoir garnered a $15 million advance, showing the varying scales of compensation that different U.S. presidents receive for their literary work. Notably, President Trump did not publish a memoir following his term, making Biden's contract particularly noteworthy in that context. Financial motivations have been speculated as a factor in Biden's decision to pursue the memoir. Reports indicated that his son, Hunter Biden, faced substantial legal debts and declining art sales at the time, which may have influenced the family's financial considerations. These dynamics surrounding Hunter's financial issues further raised questions about the implications of Joe Biden's memoir for the Biden family's financial stability. As public debate continues surrounding Biden’s health and cognitive capabilities, with allegations regarding his mental decline and use of an autopen for signing documents, questions arise about the authenticity and personal input in the memoir. The speculation includes whether Biden's physical condition, especially following a recent prostate cancer diagnosis, might affect the timeline for the completion of the manuscript and its promotional strategies. Overall, Biden's memoir has the potential to serve as a pivotal historical document, despite the ongoing discussion about its authenticity and the degree of Biden's personal involvement in its creation.