Michelle Obama’s Book Is on Track to Become the Best-Selling Memoir of All Time

“Becoming” has sold 10 million copies since November.

Becoming
"Becoming", a book by former first lady Michelle Obama, is displayed at the 57th Street Books bookstore in Chicago, Illinois. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Michelle Obama is close to “becoming” the best-selling memoirist of all time.

The former first lady’s memoir, Becoming, has sold 10 million copies since its November release, putting it on the fast track to a legacy as the highest selling autobiography in history, according to Fortune.

The book has been a massive success for its German publisher, with Bertelsmann CEO Thomas Rabe calling it the company’s “most notable creative success of last year.”

“We believe this could be the most successful memoir in history,” continued Rabe, who also reported a 2.8 percent gain in annual revenue.

Mrs. Obama reportedly received a record-setting advance of over $60 million from Bertelsmann’s Penguin Random House division. The deal also includes an agreement for Penguin to publish a forthcoming White House memoir from Barack Obama.

According to Fortune, the former president’s memoir is expected later this year, although no official release date has been set. The outlet noted that Bertelsmann has also expressed optimism about Barack’s impending release.

Becoming has already broken multiple records across print and digital. After selling 725,000 copies on its first day, it broke Barnes & Noble’s record for first-week sales before going on to become the best-selling book of 2018.

The InsideHook Newsletter.

News, advice and insights for the most interesting person in the room.