MUMBAI: HarperCollins has acquired the rights to the official illustrated memoir from multi-platinum selling superstar Justin Bieber.
Justin Bieber: First Step 2 Forever: My Story will reveal Justin’s amazing journey to superstardom. This beautifully designed hardcover book contains exclusive, never-before-seen photos — a must-have for fans afflicted with Bieber-fever. The book will be published this October in both the United States ($21.99) and in the UK (16.99 pounds Sterling).
"Every day I wake up and count my blessings. My fans have played such a large part in all of this and they help me live my dreams every day. I’m excited to share just a little bit more of my world with them through this book. Between the behind-the-scenes pictures and the story I think this is going to be something they can all enjoy. This is just another way for me to say thank you to my fans," says Bieber.
Born in Stratford, Ontario, Bieber is a multi-talented pop/soul singer and self-taught musician on drums, guitar, piano, and trumpet. As an amateur he posted renditions of his favorite hip-hop and R&B songs on YouTube.com, to the tune of 50 million views. Now, Bieber’s video for "Baby" is the most-watched music video in YouTube history with more than 250 million views. Justin Bieber is the first solo artist in history to send four songs from a debut album into the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 40 prior to the album’s release. He is also the youngest male solo artist in the history of the Billboard 200 to chart a #1 album since 13-year-old Stevie Wonder did so in the summer of 1963. These accolades have resulted in total record sales to date exceeding 5 million.
In 2007, his manager Scooter Braun introduced Justin to the music industry in Atlanta. Scooter Braun formed the RBMG joint-venture label with Usher and signed the 13-year-old Bieber to his first professional deal. RBMG in turn signed a deal with Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid, Chairman of the Island Def Jam Music Group. Now, Braun and Creative Artists Agency have sold the rights to Justin Bieber: First Step 2 Forever: My Story to Anna Valentine, Harper Non-Fiction Senior Commissioning Editor (UK), and Emily Brenner, Vice President and Publisher of HarperFestival (US).
"Justin’s adoring and devoted fan base that started on YouTube now follows him to packed concert halls around the world. He is a force in the music industry and we are incredibly excited to be publishing this photographic memoir of his amazing journey," says Susan Katz, President and Publisher of HarperCollins Children’s Books.
Valentine added, "This is a real coup for us and we are very excited about adding Justin to our autumn program. Justin is the hottest star of the moment and this book will be the perfect gift for his millions of fans worldwide."
