Other Big Names Who Received Big Advances

A number of high-profile figures have received large sums for their nonfiction works.

Pope John Paul II has held the record--$8.5 million--for a nonfiction advance since the 1994 publication of “Crossing the Threshold of Hope.”

Others who received huge advances more recently include Jack Welch, chief executive of General Electric, who got $7.1 million, and Robert E. Rubin, Clinton’s former secretary of the Treasury, who received $6 million.

Colin L. Powell received about $6 million in 1993 for “An American Journey,” which became a bestseller in 1995.

Former President Reagan signed an advance deal for two books--his memoirs and his speeches--five days after leaving the White House in 1989.

Financial details of the Reagan deal were kept private, but reports ranged from $5 million to $8 million.