RANDOM HOUSE SUBSIDIARY GIVES FIRST LADY BOOK DEAL

Gov. Mark Sanford’s affair with a woman in Argentina killed the publication of his previously-unknown book “Within Our Means.” But that very same scandal has now given life to a book deal for his wife.

Ballantine Books, a subsidiary of Random House, announced Tuesday that South Carolina First Lady Jenny Sanford would be publishing her memoirs. Well, actually, just a single memoir… which I’m guessing means it will be about the last three months of her life.

In a news release, Ballantine said that Ms. Sanford’s book, which does not yet have a title but is planned for a May 2010 release, would be a memoir that “will grapple with the universal issue of maintaining integrity and a sense of self during life’s difficult times,” and would discuss “the emotions, confrontations and heartbreak behind the headlines of her story.”

In a statement, Ms. Sanford said: “Since June, I’ve been urged to tell the story of who I am, what I believe, and how I came to solidify those beliefs in my life, specifically through my marriage and the political life that has paralleled it. I would like to show others how important it is to stand firm on one’s principles, stay true to oneself, and respond with grace and honesty to whatever hurdles may come.”

The book will be edited by Marnie Cochran, the executive editor of Ballantine, who acquired the project from Joy Tutela at the David Black Literary Agency. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. [NY Times]

Unlike her husband’s book, I’m guessing this is probably something people will want to read. Also unlike her husband’s book, I’m thinking Jenny Sanford will probably make a boatload of money. Not that she really needs it, or anything.

But, who knows, a few million dollars in sales could go a long way toward a future political campaign…

Photo: AP