Amanda Knox may be one step closer to telling the world her side of the story about her saga of being wrapped up in an Italian murder trial that caught the world's eye.
Knox, who recently returned home to the United States after winning an appeal of her conviction, has officially inked a deal with attorney Robert Barnett to represent her when it comes to book deals.
Knox was convicted in 2009 of murder, sexual assault, possession of a weapon, interfering with a crime and theft in relation to the murder of her roommate Meredith Kercher. But during an appeal this year, a jury cleared Knox of those charges, freeing her. The court also cleared her Italian ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito.
"[Barnett will] represent her in discussions with various book publishers who have expressed an interest in Amanda writing a book," David Marriott, the Seattle public relations specialist hired by the Knox family during her trial told CNN by e-mail. "Mr. Barnett will also assist Amanda and her family in evaluating other opportunities as well."
Barnett is well-known for brokering major book deals with several high-profile figures including: President Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Laura Bush, Bob Woodward and Sarah Palin among several other notables.
Marriott told CNN they had no further details to share about where they were in the process or whether Knox already had anything written. Knox's family has said she enjoys writing and thought she would be interested in sharing her ordeal with others either through writing a book or becoming an advocate.
Knox makes emotional return to Seattle
Knox's announcement came about a week after her former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito inked a deal of his own. Sollecito signed with Seattle-based Martin Literary Management.
“This is a case I have followed from day one and never, not even for a moment, have I doubted the innocence of Raffaele Sollecito and Amanda Knox,” Sharlene Martin said in a news release. “I’m honored to work with this fine young man and let the world know the real Raffaele — a sensitive, compassionate and heartfelt person."
"He's never really spoken about that night and this is his opportunity to do so," Martin told CNN. "There's much more to Raffaele than what the world has seen. He is an amazing young man. He is brave, he is heartfelt, he is compassionate. I think he is an incredible young man with a story to tell."
Martin said that both her client and Knox have been in the spotlight for so long and while she just learned about Knox's deal, she is excited for them both to share their stories. She also said the caliber of Knox's agent speaks to how important it is for her story to be told.
"I think Amanda is very fortunate to have him," Martin said. "It speaks volumes for a man of his integrity to want to represent her story and I think it will distinguish her from other crime stories and I think it will help Raffaele."
Martin said that Sollecito's book will be a memoir and will cover several aspects of his life, not just the four-year saga in Perugia, Italy. Martin said they're currently looking for American writers who can also speak with Sollecito in Italian to work on the book.
She said while Knox's story may have been more heavily covered in the media, because she's American, she believes both of the former co-defendants have a lot to share with those who only saw them through the court proceedings.
"They both have equally important stories to tell," Martin said. "They have both been incredibly affected by the death of Meredith Kercher and will always be."
Amanda Knox working on a book deal. Now there's a surprise.
Thus far, it's the lawyers, the news media worldwide, Italian newspapers and others which have profitted from their
obsessive and prurient interest in this sad story.
Did you all realise how in debt this family is after 4 years of flying back and forth to Italy, paying for lawyers, etc.???
Now why shouldn't Amanda Knox and her family make some dollars to get out of debt? Wake up, people.
Are you a professional hater?
Did you notice how Knox 'couldn't remember' what she was doing on the night of the murder (Google 'Amanda Knox note' to learn how) Then she was convicted of lying about an innocent man. Yet now she's about to become a highly paid author about a murder she, er, 'couldn't remember' and then lied about!!!!! ....Sick world we live in.
I hope the victim's family sues her so that she can't end up making a profit from this crime.
Unless they find the "real killer(s)" no one should profit from such a tragedy.
@cheralyse
The family did not have to get into debt. It was their own choice to spend that money.
If there's a centerfold – maybe I'll pick it up.
Hey, Bimbo
Miss Knox is way out of your league evidently.
Weird they are both writing books. Maybe that was the plan all along.
It's sad to live in a world where criminals are rewarded.
or to live in one where innocent people are locked up...
you are 100% right !
But Karen, she WON the case, so she is NOT a criminal.. come on... read, comprehend, THEN comment.
but, have a great day
JusDav
JusDav – So did O.J.
For you, it's lucky you live in a country that doesn't put you to death for slander.
Perhaps you should understand that the judge (who had access to the real evidence and information) found them not guilty. The media are the criminals, and the Italian system that railroaded them.
Sooooo Casey Anthony is 'really innocent' as well?
this is small time compared to the financial/political system
Karen – please check out the facts of the case. They are innocent and deserve all the good things that can possibly come their way after the way they've been treated by haters.
Too true – she was convicted and sent to prison for three years for lying about an innocent man. And she 'couldn't remember' what she was doing on the night of the murder! She's not stopped lying – her book will be written by someone else for money, and will just be a whole load more lies.
she was found innocent of the crime by the Italian appeals court
Is it going to be called "If I'd Done It'?
Foward by O.J. Simpson
Endorsed by Robert Blake ...
Do you HONESTLY not see the irrationality of your silly comparisons of this to Simpson, Blake, and Anthony?...
I have always believed in their complete innocence and thank God that the corrupt Italian court system finally threw the case out. The individual who actually committed the murder is in jail. I hope they do write books.
I agree!
I had family stationed over there with our armed forces and they were treated sub-human by Italians.
since as you said, it's "corrupt Italian court system" which finally threw the case out, i would have to guess she's guilty
You are right, dumbo – the 'corrupt' Italian system foolishly let this convicted liar out of jail after just four years. She's never explained her lies, and admitted that she was at the crime scene. Which makes her guitly. The 'corrupt' Italian system gave in to that vile PR campaign run by the that vicious old guy with the beard.
Good for her!
Italy deserves this.
Is it called "How I Did It" ?
Another hater....
Funny how that she's been acquitted, that the media doesn't just pull the few pictures out of thousands to make her look like an evil maniac.
Foxy Knoxy is as guilty as Casey Anthony !
I can't wait for this one.
How about a center fold deal ! $ 1 millon cold cash for foxy.
In the book "Score card" included.
Finally – something good is happening for Amanda. How horrible to spend all that time in prison for a crime she did not commit – and then have to come home and deal with haters and crazies who want to throw stones at her.
Lots of people 'hate' convicted criminals, but most decent people are just shocked at how Knox and her PR campaign played the system. The way she lied about Patrick was disgusting, and so was everything else about the way she conducted herself. Allowing a convicted criminal to profit from someone's murder by having a book written for her by cynical and money-obsessed PRs is immoral.
Aye, I hope the book comes with a scratch n sniff page!