Julian Assange Signs $1.7 Million Book Deal

You have probably heard a lot about Julian Assange in the past year. You probably think that you know quite a good deal about him from all that you have heard, read and seen in the media. What you most likely don't know, however, is his story from him personally. Well, we will soon all figure this out because he has signed book deals worth more than $1.3 million in the US and the UK. This will allows the WikiLeaks founder to cover his legal fees and maintain the wistleblowing site.

He will be racing a former colleague to release an autobiography telling his side of the WikiLeaks story as the former collegue is not very satisfied with Assange's actions.

Assange is currently fighting sexual assault allegations in Sweden while also trying to continue the gradual release of thousands of US diplomatic cables via WikiLeaks.

According to CNN, The U.S. administration, which has been angered and embarrassed by successive leaks of its foreign-policy secrets through WikiLeaks, is believed to be exploring ways to prosecute Mr Assange.

Assange has agreed to an $800,000 contract with Knopf and another $500,000 deal with the UK publisher, Canongate.

The deals are expected to net Assange more than $1.7 million after the book is sold in other countries and serialised in newspapers around the world.

Assange was supposedly very reluctant in signing the deals and agreeing to write the book. He supposedly didn't want to have to do it, but decided to write it anyway because WikiLeaks needs the money. He also needs the money for all of his legal fees.