Memoir politics: What can we learn from the battle of the books?

Politicians used to wait until the end of their careers to pen their tell-all books — but these days the campaign trail is paved in memoirs. The stakes are different for mid-career officials, who hope to shape their image and drum up support for their next run.

For insight on the process and politics of memoir-writing, guest host Tom Power checks in with three panelists:

• Political journalist Jen Gerson, who says memoirs should be seen as "very, very long cover letters". 
• Communications consultant Ian Capstick, who comments on the carbon copy style of most books 
• ​Publishing insider Jennifer Lambert, who counters that memoirs are the anti-sound bite, giving politicians a chance to say something in context.