Skinner book struggle

Newspapers balk at price

The publishers of Frank Skinner's forthcoming autobiography are reportedly struggling to sell newspaper rights for the sum they want.

Random House hoped to recoup a large proportion of the reputed £750,000 it paid the comic by syndicating the 'warts and all' story to the press.

But MediaGuardian.co.uk reports that Fleet Street is only willing to pay a five-figure sum for the rights at a time when newspaper profits are being hit by an advertising recession.

The site says the Mirror offered £45,000 - compared to the £750,000 the Mail shelled out for Victoria Beckham's autobiography.

However, the publisher has refused to comment on any bids received for the book - which promises to be a 'warts and all' account of the former foundry worker's rise to the top, including his early battles with alcoholism.

The Express's books editor, Graham Ball, said: "There's nothing wrong with this book - it looks fantastic. But papers haven't got bottomless pockets."

Frank Skinner by Frank Skinner is due to be published on October 3. Click here to pre-order a copy from Amazon.co.uk

Published: 3 Sep 2001

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