Michelle Obama's memoir, titled Becoming, hit bookshelves this week and is well on its way to international bestseller status. The NY Post reported that its inevitable runaway success is due to a combination of factors including multi-country release, the fact that it will be published in 25 different languages, and Oprah Winfrey's selection of the book for her book club. Before the memoir was even published, Michelle received a $65 million advance for Becoming. This, however, is just the latest in a series of highly lucrative pursuits by the Obama power couple, pursuits that have them headed for billion-dollar status.
Another much-publicized and highly lucrative Obama project is a contract they signed with streaming service Netflix earlier this year that's worth over $50 million. With this deal, the couple will produce scripted and unscripted series as well as documentaries, docuseries, and features. Their work will be available to 125 million Netflix subscribers and shown in 190 countries.
Not surprisingly, both Michelle and Barack Obama are in high demand for speaking engagements, and they are well paid for those appearances. Michelle receives $225,000 for each speaking engagement while Barack garners $400,000 per speech. He also receives $207,800 a year from a presidential pension.