Transworld acquires Kate and Gerry McCann memoir

The Bookseller - 15.11.10 - Philip Jones

Transworld is to publish Kate and Gerry McCann’s personal account of the disappearance and continuing search for their daughter. Bill Scott-Kerr, publisher at Transworld, bought the book, Madeleine, from the Christopher Little Literary Agency for publication in Spring 2011.

Scott-Kerr said: "It is an enormous privilege to be publishing this book. We are so pleased to be joining Kate and Gerry McCann in the Find Madeleine campaign." The advance and all royalties will be donated directly to Madeleine's Fund – Leaving No Stone Unturned Limited. It was reported last week that the fund was running out of money. According to newspaper report the deal includes a sizeable advance an "enhanced" royalty arrangement to give the parents a greater share of the profits.

Kate McCann said: "There are several different reasons as to why I finally came to the decision with my husband Gerry to write and publish this book. This decision has not been an easy one. Many factors needed to be given thorough and careful consideration, not least the impact of such a book on the lives of our three children. My reason for writing is simple; to give an account of the truth.

"Publishing this book has been a very difficult decision and is one that we have taken after much deliberation and with a very heavy heart. However, in the last few months with the depletion of Madeleine’s Fund, it is a decision that has virtually been taken out of our hands.



"Every penny we raise through its sales will be spent on our search for Madeleine. Nothing is more important to us than finding our little girl."



Gerry McCann added: "We are hopeful that this book may help the investigation to find Madeleine in other ways too. Our hope is that it may prompt those who have relevant information (knowingly or not) to come forward and share it with our team. Somebody holds that key piece of the jigsaw."

Literary agents Little and Neil Blair said: "We are honoured to be part of this emotive project and to support the McCanns in their search for Madeleine." It is three and a half years since Madeleine McCann disappeared from the Ocean Club in Praia da Luz, Portugal.

Transworld has bought UK and Commonwealth (including Canada and Exclusive Europe) and ebook rights. Madeleine by Kate and Gerry McCann will be published by Bantam Press on 28th April 2011, rrp £20.00.