Publisher Simon and Schuster has terminated its contract with Alex Thompson, Axios’ national political correspondent, for a book centered on President Joe Biden’s administration, signaling a challenging market for Biden-related literature.
The decision, revealed by two sources familiar with the matter to Daniel Lippman at Politico, comes amidst lackluster sales for books pertaining to Biden, in stark contrast to the success enjoyed by publications discussing President Donald Trump.
Thompson reacted to the news on X by confirming Politico’s scoop and soliciting publishers: “It’s true. But still writing it and aiming for 2025 to tell the story of the Biden presidency. If you’re a publisher and interested, email/number in bio.”
it’s true.
But still writing it and aiming for 2025 to tell the story of the Biden presidency.
If you’re a publisher and interested, email/number in bio. https://t.co/3VKjuIsBzn— Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) March 27, 2024
Originally slated for release earlier this year, Thompson’s proposed book promised a comprehensive exploration of Biden’s presidency, boasting supposed fresh insights gleaned from his extensive coverage of the White House transition. Thompson, known for his in-depth reporting on Biden’s administration, chose not to offer comment to Politico, opting to quote tweet instead.
This development underscores a trend where Biden-themed books struggle to gain traction in the market.
Per Politico: “GABRIEL DEBENEDETTI’s ‘The Long Alliance’ has sold around 1,500 hardcover copies, according to NPD BookScan, while CHRIS WHIPPLE’s ‘The Fight of His Life’ has sold around 5,000 and FRANKLIN FOER‘s ‘The Last Politician’ around 12,000. That compares to the nearly 1 million copies that MICHAEL WOLFF’s Trump-focused ‘Fire and Fury’ sold, also per NPD BookScan, and the more than 400,000 copies sold of BOB WOODWARD and ROBERT COSTA’s ‘Peril.'”
