Mitt Romney's book sales boost

Former presidential candidate and governor Mitt Romney's book "No Apologies: The Case for American Greatness" was helped onto the bestseller list by a deal he made through his speaking engagements, Politico reports. Institutions were asked to pay at least $25,000 of Romney's $50,000 speaking price in book purchases.

The hosts ranged from Claremont McKenna College to the Restaurant Leadership Conference, many of whom are accustomed to paying for high-profile speakers like Romney.... With a discount of roughly 40%, that meant institutions could wind up with more than 3,000 copies of the book -- and a person associated with one of his hosts said they still have quite a pile left over.

This isn't the first time a politician has mobilized his -- or her -- resources to boost book sales. In February, ABC News reported that Sarah Palin's own Political Action Committee bought her memoir "Going Rogue" in bulk to give to supporters, to the tune of about $63,000 in costs to the PAC.

"Palin would not be the first politician to use a PAC to underwrite the purchase of a memoir," ABC wrote. "The Federal Election Commission has heard a number of cases on the question of whether it is an appropriate expense." In Palin's case, there was no investigation -- because she wasn't holding or running for office at the time.

As far as Romney goes, it's not unusual for speaking engagements to include a book purchase, although Politico believes Romney's book was moved at a higher volume than most.

On March 2, the Boston Globe reported that Romney had modest expectations for the book, saying, "I don’t pretend this is going to be a bestseller." Three weeks later, it debuted at the top of the New York Times bestseller list.

-- Carolyn Kellogg

Photo: Mitt Romney at the Values Voter Summit in September. Credit: Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press

Comments

[Torsten]

Either pure individual sales or bulk orders make no difference since, unlike the books of all these other pols, 100% of all proceeds generated from No Apology go to charity.

Puts in perspective the comical smattering of anti-Romney critics trying to chew some flesh over this.

Run along.

[poyman]

Amazing how desperate the Government Controlled Media is to blast GOP folks... It's particularly interesting that little time is spent on acknowledging the fact that Politician Books are often sold this way... It's also interesting to note that there is no mention that Romney has dedicated all proceeds to charity. Oh well, Business as usual I guess.

[NorthernCA Teacher]

Sending money to charity is a good idea--- since he has the financial means to do the "Run" again. These other pols might need to buildup the WAR chest, or just pay their rent/credit cards bills!

In this day and age, it just proves that you can BUY your way onto any list....

[centristelephant]

i'm a republican and support free and open media in most cases...but this is an example of what our right wing would call liberal sensationalism sparked by tabloid sites like gawker and the democrats.

[Tommy]

i am also republican, but i dont like this person so much, because he is from detroit. i don't know why, but i can't like the persons from dertroit.

So much people buys his books. I dont know, what is so interessant on this book.

gr

[No one]

Fascinating comment, Tommy. Are you from dertroit, too? I'd love to buys you a coffie.

[No one]

Also, won't leave any more comments bec of your lame moderation