Oprah Winfrey is finally ready to tell her story.
The media mogul, who heads up her own network and production company, OWN, and headlined the top-rated “Oprah Winfrey Show” for over two decades, from 1986-2011, has recently signed with Flatiron Books, an imprint of Macmillan, for her memoir The Life You Want, with a release date set for January 2017, reports THR.
In a statement following the news, Winfrey revealed she hopes her story “inspires other people to live the highest, fullest expression of themselves” and that “anyone can put their life on a new trajectory.” She added that the book will feature never-before-told stories, “even the painful ones,” including how she felt after losing her son at the tender age of 14.
As part of the major deal, the 61-year-old will be kickstarting her very own publishing imprint at Macmillan (duh). The untitled line will focus on nonfiction titles and publish a handful of titles a year. In other words, if you have an epic, page turning work, we suggest you submit it to O, as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Winfrey is said to be in the very earliest stages of the writing process. However, it seems to be promising. Bob Miller, president and publisher of Flatiron Books, called the memoir “a remarkable combination of Oprah’s life story and the lessons we can all draw from it for our personal growth.” He added, “We’re also thrilled to give a home to Oprah’s imprint titles. We all know how extraordinary Oprah’s instincts are when it comes to choosing books, instincts borne of her lifelong love of reading and the power of the written word.”
And while details surrounding the terms of Winfrey’s deal were not disclosed, we imagine she netted one of the largest advances in publishing history. What are your thoughts on Winfrey penning her memoirs? Sound off in the comment section below.
