Incoming House Speaker Newt Gingrich is about to become a multimillionaire for writing and editing a pair of nonfiction books.
Spokesman Tony Blankley confirmed Wednesday night that Gingrich will receive an advance "in the seven figures" from Harper-Collins for the two books.The Washington Post, which first reported the deal Thursday, put the amount at $4 million. "That's about the figure I've heard," said Allen Lipsett, another Gingrich aide.
Harper-Collins, a part of Rupert Murdoch's media empire, has enjoyed commercial success publishing books by other conservatives, including former Vice President Dan Quayle and former White House aide Oliver North.