It’s taking former President Barack Obama longer to write his next book than he expected because he’s writing it, rather than using a ghostwriter like his wife did, according to a new report.
Sources who have spoken to Obama claim the former president feels a bit competitive with Michelle Obama, given that her latest book is poised to become the best-selling memoir ever. But Obama has said that he is authoring the book on his own, whereas his wife employed a ghostwriter, The Atlantic reports.
Michelle Obama’s memoir Becoming was published in November and has sold more than 10 million copies since it was released. The New York Times best-seller was the fastest selling book last year and sold more hardcover copies of any book in 2018. The book was ranked Amazon’s No. 1 seller before it was released due to presales.
Michelle Obama’s worldwide book tour concluded this month in Nashville after she visited cities including Copenhagen and Paris.
Barack Obama’s book, which is expected to cover both terms as president, was slated to be released in 2019. But his spokesperson Katie Hill told The Atlantic that it’s uncertain when the book will drop.
Penguin Random House is the publisher for both Barack and Michelle Obama’s books.
