Michelle Obama Earns $36 Million For "Becoming" Memoir

Michelle Obama earned herself quite the paycheck from her "Becoming" memoir that will also be featured on Netflix as a documentary.

BYErika Marie
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In the wise words of Yo Gotti: Rake it up. Back in November 2018, Michelle Obama released her best-selling memoir, Becoming. The former First Lady embarked on a 34-city book tour where she met with her admirers at her open discussions and intimate gatherings with a film crew by her side. The Becoming documentary is set to premiere on Netflix next week, making the book and feature lucrative money-making deals. How much money are we talking? Somewhere around $36 million for the book deal alone, according to Forbes.

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The business news outlet shared the surprising number on their Instagram page in a caption to a photo of Michelle Obama. They wrote, "$36 million. That is how much Michelle Obama made from her memoir, 'Becoming,' after selling 10 million copies in 2019, making her the third-highest-paid author of last year."

They also gave a bit more information about Michelle's Becoming documentary. "Now for the first time since launching a production company, the former first lady will star in a documentary named after her memoir. The film is set to debut on Netflix on May 6 and will follow her as she toured the country promoting her blockbuster book. It will focus on the group discussions she had on the road with fans and give a behind-the-scenes peek at her life." A number like $36 million is enough to make anyone want to start writing down their life story. Check out the trailer to Becoming here.

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About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.