
UNION, S.C. (7/14/95) -- Susan Smith's lawyers will get an advance copy of David Smith's tell-all book and a comprehensive summary of it's worth to him to use in his ex-wife's defense.
Smith, who received an $110,000 advance for the book, will also turn over financial information about unsolicited money he received since his sons' deaths.
Under an agreement reached with lawyers for David Smith and Kensington Publishing, Ms. Smith's lead attorney David Bruck will get a single copy of the final edit of the book by the day's end Friday.
Smith had originally opposed Bruck's request to turn over the information as harassing and too broad. In addition to the book, Bruck was also seeking information about donations Smith has received, which might include the memorial fund set up at Arthur State Bank in Union.
But Kensington's lawyer, Andy Savage, said the company recognized Susan Smith's right to use the material in her defense. Kensington added some restrictions, saying only the defense team could see the manuscript, would only get one copy and must use it only in the courthouse, their temporary law offices or residences in Union.
Savage said the restrictions were necessary to protect the integrity of the book and keep its contents secret. The book, "Beyond All Reason: My Life With Susan Smith," is scheduled for release after the trial.
The agreement says the defense can use any relevant material in her defense, not just for purposes of undermining her ex-husband's credibility.
Bruck refused to say what he would be looking for in the manuscript and precisely how he might use the details of the book deal, but he's clearly hoping to show that David Smith has a monetary motive for writing the book and is willing to profit from the death of his sons, Michael, 3, and Alex, 14 months.
Asked whether Bruck would find the book a good read, Solicitor Tommy Pope said he hadn't read it but that he didn't expect any surprises.
David Smith's attorney, Michael Turner of Laurens, said Smith's share of the advance is "nowhere near" $110,000, which is being used for expenses and is being shared by the husband-and-wife team writing the book with Smith.
Turner also said there would be royalties generated by the book and that the book would probably be serialized in People Magazine, although a deal has not been made.
Turner said Smith wrote the book to correct wrong information published about the case.
"A lot of information has been disseminated that is not correct," Turner said. "He wrote the book because he wanted to make sure the story told about his children is correct."
Staff Writer Gary Henderson contributed to this story.

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