Jeter enters book publishing world

NEW YORK -- Derek Jeter's accomplishments on the playing field have already fueled endless reams of print copy, and now the Yankees' captain is preparing to take his own swing at the book publishing business.

Jeter announced on Thursday that he is launching a publishing imprint, Jeter Publishing, in partnership with Simon & Schuster. The program will publish adult nonfiction titles, children's picture books, middle-grade fiction and ready-to-read children's books.

"I'm excited; it's going to be pretty interesting," Jeter said on Thursday. "I understand how important content is in this day and age, and to get the opportunity to share people's stories. It doesn't necessarily have to be baseball -- any walks of life that I find interesting."

In a news release, the publishing company said that it is hoping Jeter helps identify stories that will "appeal to audiences ranging from children who look up to him as a role model to sports-savvy adults who have been witness to his remarkable career."

Jeter has dabbled with publishing before; his name was attached to a best-selling book, "The Life You Imagine," that was published with Jack Curry in 2001.

One of Jeter Publishing's first ventures will be a Jeter guide on baseball for young readers due out next year, according to The New York Times, but Jeter said he is looking forward to exploring other projects as well.

"Everyone always asked me, 'When are you going to write another book?'" Jeter said. "I'm not really interested in doing that. I am interested in people's stories. That's where the idea came from. I'm looking forward to it."

Jeter missed nearly all of the 2013 season due to injuries, playing in just 17 games. The shortstop signed a one-year, $12 million deal with the Yankees for the 2014 season, but he has said that he has not made any decisions about his playing career past next season.

The publishing imprint begins to sketch a rough outline of what may come after Jeter plays his final inning. Books will be the initial focus of Jeter Publishing, but Jeter said that its reach could eventually extend to film and television as well.

"It depends on the projects," Jeter said. "Whatever interests me, whatever interests them. We'll try to collaborate and see what works. This is my function. It has my name on it, and I'm going to try to make everyone proud."

Jeter has often said that he would like to have an ownership role with a baseball club after his playing career ends, allowing him the chance to apply some of the lessons he learned while playing for an organization run by George M. Steinbrenner.

There seems to be a similar appeal with Jeter's venture into book publishing, and he promised that his fingerprints would be on all aspects of the operation.

"I run the show," Jeter said. "I'm the CEO. Calling the shots."