Serena Williams Signs Seven-Figure Deal To Write Memoir

NEW YORK — A memoir by Serena Williams will be released in 2009 by Grand Central Publishing, which beat out a handful of other publishers bidding for the life story of the No. 1 ranked women's tennis player.

"Serena Williams is one of the world's most remarkable athletes," Grand Central editor Karen Kosztolnyik said Tuesday in a statement. "We've watched her rise to No. 1 despite physical and emotional setbacks, and her hard work and determination have inspired legions of fans young and old. Serena will give her memoir a strong motivational slant."

Financial terms for the book, currently untitled, were not disclosed, although a publishing official with knowledge of the negotiations said bidding reached at least $1.3 million. The official, citing the confidentiality of the negotiations, declined to be identified.

Williams, 26, has won nine Grand Slam titles and, with sister Venus Williams, won a gold medal in women's doubles at the recent Olympics in Beijing.

Grand Central Publishing is a division of the Hachette Book Group.

Comments

[1will]

Good for her.

[naijaman]

Wow...this is great. I remember how the "experts" and "professionals" scoffed at the Williams family when they first came on the scene. These "experts" laughed at the Williams' father for thinking he could teach his daughers how to play tennis in Compton without the aid of a WTA sanctioned instructor. Who's laughing now??? Go Venus, Go Serena! This just shows that all of us should never let anyone tell us we can't make it.

[Jaxxon]

What an inspiration a book will be for millions of young African American boys and girls as well as others around the world. I'm sure many parents will be buying this book for their children. I'm certainly going to be buying it for my niece (if her mother doesn't buy it first).

Congratulations Serena on a wonderful career!

[purethoughts]

I wonder if they will mention that she pulls out of tournaments after entering them so she can meet the mandatory appearances during the year. But you can be sure that she is always spry and healthy when the media is showing the match in the majors. She is an outstanding player but has no records. She has won 32 singles titles. I believe if you check wikipedia that Navratilova and Evert won 4 times a s many singles titles. Fortunately the numbers don't lie.

[LaughingMan]

.......yes, and I also believe that if you check thqat same Wikipediea, you'll probably also notice that Navratilova and Evert won all those titles after playing for how many years? And by comparison how many years haas Serena been playing, again? As for records, how about the only currently active player to have held all four majors at the same time ( the Serena slam), which hasn't been done since Steffi Graf, I believe? But then again since there are many many other active players out there with 9 grand slam titles, I guess it's okay to make crude comparisons.

Yes, numbers don't lie........when you know how to read them correctly.

Stop trying to downplay Serena's achievements by comparing them to the completed careers of retired legends, who didn't come from anywhere near the same socio-economic and cultural background she did. You just look silly when you do.

[roztennis]

Sounds like a little jealousy to me. Serena Williams does not have to have the career of a Navratilova or Evert b/c she is -- SERENA WILLIAMS. The numbers also show that she is a 9 Grand Slam titles champion, and a heavily paid athlete. Have you won a Grand Slam? Is anybody ringing your phone off the hook to spark a $1.3 million book deal? Thought not!!! Keep hating it only makes Serena better.

[SailFree]

For some bizarre reason I find her sister Venus hotter.

[Justiceforall2]

Compton, California is not exactly the breeding ground for champions, much less African American champions in the lily white sport of tennis. Both Serena and Venus' stories are compelling.

They came from small beginnings, overcame a lot of obstacles to dominate the sport, yet they are still normal. Serena in particular has returned to the number 1 ranking after many years of hearing that she was fat, out of shape, and washed up.

Serena is a STAR and will be laughing all the way to the bank. You go, girl

[naijaman]

Well said, Justiceforall2