IDS novel to hit streets in weeks
Iain Duncan Smith is about to launch a new career - as a novelist.
After five years of writing and rewriting in his summer holidays, the Tory leader's debut novel is due to hit the bookshelves within weeks.
The Devil's Tune is a racy political thriller about a treacherous art dealer and a crooked presidential candidate. It is laden with subterfuge, plotting and doubledealing, subjects on which the beleaguered politician has become an expert in recent weeks.
Mr Duncan Smith began writing the novel, originally called Ithaca, hoping to emulate Jeffrey Archer and pen a bestseller. Now, booksigning appearances are being planned on both sides of the Atlantic and there is even talk of a Hollywood blockbuster.
A spokesman for the Tory leader today refused to confirm that the novel's launch was imminent, saying: "There has not been a final decision."
But Mr Duncan Smith's literary agent, Guy Rose, said: "It's going to be published very, very imminently. There is going to be a big, big splash in around three weeks."
Mr Duncan Smith has been paid an undisclosed five-figure advance by publisher Robson Books - far short of Lord Archer's £10million twobook deal - and Mr Rose said there is "a lot of interest" in the film rights.
"I was in Los Angeles a couple of months ago and met an LA producer and a London co-producer who are both very interested.
"It is a very good book. It has taken a long time to complete because he only really has the summer holidays in which to write."
Regardless of how many copies he sells, Mr Duncan Smith has no intention of giving up his full-time job as Tory leader.
He originally saw the novel as a means to pay the family bills without quitting politics. He told friends at the time: "There is not enough money in politics to raise a family. If the novel succeeds it will enable me to stay in politics. Otherwise I will probably leave Westminster."
Other Tories who have enjoyed literary success include Ann Widdecombe, who received £50,000 for her first novel, and former MP Edwina Currie who reputedly made £300,000 from her diaries.
Mr Duncan Smith is thought to have reworked the book to make it more commercially attractive, adding a stronger female character and changing the title. But he drew the line at explicit sex scenes.
