The Bookseller.com

2nd December 2008

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Lewis Hamilton signs with HC

04.09.07 Alison Flood

Formula One star Lewis Hamilton has signed with HarperCollins. HarperSport publishing director Jonathan Taylor and editorial director Tom Whiting paid a "substantial" sum for world rights in the book, which will be called Lewis Hamilton: My Story and published on 5th November as an £18.99 hardback.

It will chart the story of Hamilton's career, which has seen him leading the Formula One World Championship in his debut year. It will include personal photographs, and HC promises it will provide "an inspirational insight" into Hamilton as well as a detailed look at each race of the 2007 F1 World Championship. It will also cover Hamilton's early years, from his eight-year-old start in the go-karts to his rise through the Junior and Formula ranks.

Harper Non-Fiction m.d. and publisher Belinda Budge said: "Lewis Hamilton is undoubtedly the hottest new British talent around in any field and we are delighted to have him join the long list of world sporting stars that has been published by HarperSport."

Hamilton, who will promote the book on publication with selected high-profile events and media interviews, said: "2007 has been a truly amazing year for me. I am really excited to be working with HarperCollins and look forward to reliving all the great moments and producing a fantastic book to end the season."

The official book will follow a raft of unauthorised biographies of the driver, with titles out this autumn from John Blake, Icon, Tempus, Pennant Books and J H Haynes. Carlton Books is publishing a glossy collections of photographs of Hamilton in association with ITV Sport.

Hamilton has won three out of the twelve races so far this season, and currently leads teamate Fernando Alonso by five points with five races to go. The final race takes place in Brazil on 21st October.

Todays Picks HarperCollins Rights deal lewis hamilton Alison Flood vicky barnsley