RUPERT EVERETT - EVERETT AUCTIONS AUTOBIOGRAPHY

British actor RUPERT EVERETT is auctioning off publishing rights to his upcoming autobiography.

The 45-year-old MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING star has high hopes for the tome, his third literary effort.

Everett's literary agent ED VICTOR says, "Rupert wants the book to be a contemporary version of DAVID NIVEN's THE MOON'S A BALLOON.

"He's taken the unorthodox step of requesting to meet every publisher taking part in the auction. So he's flying over to London from Miami tomorrow (04MAY05).

"As the book is not ghost-written, it's very much a personal project for him."

And he promises fans will be enthralled with Everett's tales: "Rupert's led a pretty colourful life. He's best mates with MADONNA and fantastically well-connected, so there'll be some great stuff in there.

"Added to which, it's some of the best writing I've seen in years: both witty and profound at the same time."