In the United States, athletes get their seven-figure contracts before they start the season.

Shackleford, who has one year left on his Nets contract, will sign a seven-figure contract with Juventus.

Other big-name novelists have also signed seven-figure contracts at a time when a novel by a little-known author is lucky to command an advance of $15,000.

The 25-year-old former Girl Scout just signed a seven-figure contract with Helena Rubinstein and will be featured in the company's new ad campaign this fall.

And trustees admit they put up little resistance when Dr. Rowe and top executives negotiated six- and seven-figure contracts.

Hugh has been given a seven-figure contract for three new novels, but now, after the first one, he seems to have writer's block.

Even so, the Yankees thought enough of his talents to sign him this winter to a seven-figure contract.

In early 2006, Canavan signed a seven-figure contract with Orbit to write the prequel and sequel to The Black Magician Trilogy.

Nyman's teammate and fellow Utah native, the Olympic gold medalist Ted Ligety, received a seven-figure contract for similar ad space.

His career has been dotted by accusations of starting fights in bars and other public places, rumors of a drug investigation and severe financial problems despite a seven-figure contract.