Former GE chief executive Jack Welch, who scored the biggest advance ever for a business memoir for his Jack: Straight from the Gut in 2001, has signed with HarperCollins CEO Jane Friedman to write a business how-to book called Winning. Friedman bought world rights, reportedly for $4 million, just over half what Warner had paid for Welch's earlier book--which had the bad luck to be launched on 9/11 but which went on to do respectably in paperback. The new book, which will be co-written with Suzy Wetlaufer, former editor of the Harvard Business Review and also Welch's fiancée, will be published early next year in all Harper's English-language territories and in audio form as well. The book will be based not only on Welch's own managerial experience, but on what he has learned that business people need to know in his frequent speaking engagements and consultations. The deal was signed with agent Helen Rees, and senior editor Leah Spiro of HarperBusiness will be its editor.