Publishing a Canadian business memoir: A case study

This project report examines the publication of the Canadian business memoir Straight from the Top by Robert Milton, CEO of Air Canada, published in 2004 by Greystone Books. Part 1 of the report concerns background issues such as the presence of books by public figures in non-fiction best-seller lists, the requirements when a publishing company works with a public figure and his or her advisers, and the use of a co-author. Part 2 covers the publication of Straight from the Top, from acquisition through writing and editing, publication, marketing, and media coverage. It pays particular attention to one of the most significant decisions made, which was to delay the book by a season in order to include complete and current information on a story that was still evolving. Publishing the book was a challenging project that was ultimately successful.