Former Sarah Palin aide Frank Bailey has landed a deal with Simon & Schuster’s Howard Books. His memoir, Blind Allegiance to Sarah Palin, will be released on May 24th.
Bailey became close to former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin during her gubernatorial campaign; he remained in her inner circle during John McCain‘s presidential race. He co-wrote the memoir along with author Ken Morris and Mudflats blogger Jeanne Devon. On her site, Devon revealed that the three writers spent two years on this project.
Bailey had this statement in the press release: “I write because I am convinced that Sarah’s priorities and personality are not only ill-suited to head a political party or occupy national office, but would lead to a disaster of, well, biblical proportions.”
Publisher Jonathan Merkh and senior editor Philis Boultinghouse negotiated the deal with Carol Mann Agency CEO Carol Mann. Boultinghouse will edit the manuscript. The contract includes world English rights.
The The New York Times speculated that the publication date was chosen to avoid directly competing with journalist Joe McGinniss‘s book about Palin. Random House’s Crown Publishing Group plans to release that title in the fall.
Back in February, Bailey’s manuscript was leaked on the Internet. The Anchorage Daily News pointed out that McGinniss helped to circulate and encourage internet users’ access to the leaked content.