Former Bush deputy chief of staff Karl Rove, whose first book has been the subject of much industry speculation since he left the White House, is expected to select a publisher within the next two weeks, sources said. Rove met with a number of editors at major houses, including imprints at Random House, Grand Central and HarperCollins, in mid-November, and although there are believed to be several offers on the table an auction is set to begin this week. Robert Barnett, who’s handling the deal, declined comment, and at least two involved editors said they were under agreement to keep “all aspects” of negotiations confidential. Once Rove chooses a publisher, that publisher will make an announcement, said Barnett.
In the meantime, Rove has already begun testing his writing chops as a commentator for Newsweek, which signed him up to do regular columns on the 2008 presidential campaign through inauguration day. His first piece, on how the Republicans can defeat Hillary Clinton, appeared November 26.
