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I keep reading about how much most of you are looking forward to my book so I decided to write this addressed to everyone on the board. I am still waiting on word from a fellow author who thinks he can help me get it out, but it's not a sure thing.  It's not easy for me to sell it right now as I have no free time. I am finishing up a Presley book with a tight deadline and then I am starting a book on The First Edition pretty quickly. I can't put that off any longer as I want them to get some recognition while they are still here and healthy.

So I am reaching out to you. Anyone who knows of an agent, or who knows someone who could make a difference in getting this published with a publisher, please email me edermike@msn.com. Honestly I feel so bad because it's my baby in a way and I would love nothing more than to have people read it. I think the Beach Boys deserve to have some balance in their story too. Jon, Ian and Mark, are doing a great job at this lately, but there is so much exclusive interview material, and uncommon music discussed that I know this has it's own value. I've worked too hard on it, and know there is too good a market on it, to publish it myself. I couldn't give it the quality it would get from a professional publisher at this point because honestly I just don't have the kind of time or money they would be able to give it.

So what do you think we should do? Does anyone feel on line petitions are good, should I forward requests from you all to get it published to the people who may be able to help me? This book is really a product of the excellence of this board and I feel it's time to make it a reality.
Thanks for your time.

A friend just had a book on Rick Nelson published by McFarland, have to talked to them?

What is the title? I've been looking for a good book on Rick. Can you ask him who may be best for me to contact there as far as submitting the book?

How about Da Capo, Mike? They've published many fine show business books through the years, kind of low-profile, usually on more old-school genres & personages, but they might be open to the idea. Sorry, I don't have any contacts there.

I remember that name I think. What have they put out that you read?

Kickstarter!

I've heard of them a lot recently. What is the word on them?

Kickstarter would give you the funds to publish it yourself - I suppose you're looking for a publishing house, so it would not be suitable?

If I had any clout where I work (or indeed, were anywhere near the arts section geographically speaking or otherwise) I'd help you out.  I might have a chat with a colleague who's about to move up to the London office to work on art books. Something might come up.

Besides that, Da Capo would be a very good bet, especially in the USA. Small, music focussed publishing, very prestigious. I'd definitely contact them, they'd probably love a Beach Boys book.

I wish you luck. My forthcoming biography of BREAD received enough rejections to re-wallpaper the house before Helter Skelter Publishing took it up (due out in December). They've already had a few books on the BB's published in the past (by Kingsley Abbott) but are a fairly small house so they won't be looking for new projects until next year at the earliest. Nevertheless, persistence pays off so don't give up !

I won't give up and thank you guys. Helter Skelter and De Capo both sound like good options and I will follow up on it.

You could always try self-publishing. For fairly niche books like yours, it probably makes about as much financial sense as getting it out with a publisher. I've self-published several books if you decide to go in that direction and want advice.

Good luck getting it out there, Mike. Looking forward to it.

I'd love to read it. Unfortunately I don't have any knowledge about this topic. If it helps, I will say that I certainly would buy a copy

Again thank you for the support. After my Elvis book is finished at the end of this month, I will devote a few months to pursuing all the ideas put here or sent to me.

Get a nice self-contained selection or two published in a good venue as an "excerpt from the forthcoming blah blah blah blah." That would help.

Kickstarter is interesting. I recently spoke to an author going that route. You get pledges from people who would be interested in supporting the project, and it goes forward only if you reach the amount you say you need to get the book published. It's a real DIY path, but I'm sure you would find a lot of fans who would kick in some dollars, in return for, say an autographed copy. Persistence does pay off, Mike. It took me a long time and a lot of disinterest before I found a publisher!

Ironically enough, I am currently interviewing Sheree Homer, author of Rick Nelson: Rock 'N' Roll Pioneer. The book has tons of new interviews with Rick's bandmates and friends, including a very rare conversation with Kristen [Kris] Harmon, Rick's wife. She also provided at least 30 unseen photos from her archive. The only thing to consider -- the publisher, McFarland, priced the book kinda high at $35 [paperback, 196 pages]. I still recommend it, though.

Kickstarter could be an excellent route to go.  You should look into it.  As Mark said... you essentially collect donations from people to finance the book.  I know of several musicians who have used similar approaches (not sure if it's the same site) and it's worked out great (Juliana Hatfield and Ben Folds Five).  I would have to believe that there is another interest in the BB that you could raise the necessary funds... and with the world wide web... you can reach interested fans in all sorts of countries.  I, for one, would love to kick in if you went this route.  We've been blessed by several great, new BB books in recent years... and there is always room for another.  I can think of few fan bases who care as deeply as Beach Boy fans!

Well thank you all for giving me info. I will keep at it especally after this month. I have to hit my deadline on the Presley book, but next month I can start shopping it harder.

But please keep us also updated about the Presley-book

That is a fine idea too. I didn't see that before. The Elvis book will be done at the end of this month Rocker and should be out in about 10 months.

Well, Mike, you're in Chicago...and Yuval Taylor over at Chicago Review Press is an editor who has put together a very extensive list of music-related books, both new titles and reissues.  And he does have an interest in California music - two of his recently acquired titles are a biography of Karen Carpenter and an anthology of writing about the Carpenters. I think he has over a hundred music books in his backlist and...lemme check the CRP site....just as I thought - not a single book about the Beach Boys yet. So I'd suggest you get in touch with him at ytaylor@chicagoreviewpress.com. 

Chicago Review Press did Charles Granata's Wouldn't It Be Nice: Brian Wilson and the Making of the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds. Which is not to say they wouldn't do another BBs book.

Forgot about that one. CRP no longer has it listed on its site, and the book appears to be out of print.

Thank you very much for the email. I will be in contact with him.

Mike, have you shared info about this Presley book on the board? Or perhaps on the FECC board?  Big Elvis fan here.  We're both on that board as well!

I talked about it a bit tonight on FECC on the books thread. There are a lot of Beach Boys fans who like Elvis and vice versa. I think it's because people who like them both are really fans of the human voice and what can be accomplished with it. A few excerpts are being printed in The Elvis Files Magazine this first issue and next. Backbeat Publishing is putting out my Elvis Records FAQ as part of the FAQ series-which Jon did a great Beach Boys volume in. It's a lot like that one in format, with the main difference being that each Elvis song released in his lifetime (and major ones that have come out since) gets a review. The reason for this is twofold. One there is a separate book being done by someone else for the FAQ series on Elvis' movies so I don't really touch on those deeply except quick summary's and of course the music in them The second reason each record release is getting so much attention in that because of the spate of bootleg and official releases put out since 1977, Elvis own vision has been somewhat lost. Basically I am trying to put the music back in the context with which he released each record. It's a lot of work but it's going nicely. I haven't done much press on it yet as I am spending most of my time writing it and have to discuss more with Backbeat what they have in mind on that front, but this is the basics on it.

Sounds excellent and I shall purchase a copy when it is released.  I like the FAQ series and I'm sure your Presley book will be a fine addition to the series.   I'll be sure to keep a look out for it!

I'm a pretty big Elvis fan too. I started to collect his albums on cd, but I stopped simply because there is so much stuff out there, from when he was alive, and post 1977 albums, box sets, bootlegs, etc. I just got waaaaay overwhelmed. Your book might be an essential tool for fans like myself.  :)

It will be very helpful that way at least that's the main goal of the book  If you just want one of each master on CD I recommend the very expensive but basically definitive Complete Masters Box Set. It's good because you can hear it all in order, discover what you like best, and either stop there or start collecting specific areas. It also has a book on each album and single.

My quick advise from there, or instead of that, is either to do the vinyl releases that were put out during his lifetime (good reissues are fine like Music On Vinyl or Friday Music), or simply try to get all the classic album releases on FTD CD and or vinyl. Best context for the music I feel. Any title you want to ask me about before you buy it feel free to email me on it. It's very complex which are good or aren't pressing and or mix wise. I'm better about vinyl than CD, but caught up a lot there for the book.

Mike, DaCapo are the publishers of the "current" edition of Steve Gaines' Heroes and Villians.

Sadly, I'm as connected as Al Jardine's guitar lead, but I'll eagerly add my voice to any community based support mechanisms you employ.

Good luck -A

Thanks for the tips, Mike.  :) My problem is that I am what you might call a "purist". My ideal Elvis collection would be every album on cd released in his lifetime, with original artwork and mastering just as it was when it was first released when Elvis was alive. I do have a few box sets, like the complete Sun masters set. I think it was called something like "The young man with the big beat".

Thanks for letting me know a bit more about DaCapo. I feel like I have a lot more to go on now.

Jay the closest on CD you will get is the classic album FTD's. None of the other CD issues have a real sense of that. I'm a vinyl purist mostly but I like them all.  They always include the vinyl artwork and though they have a ton of bonus stuff, the original LP concept is clearly presented. Go to Elvis.com you can get them from the store there. An even better source is theelvisshoplondon.com. The shipping is about the same as is the cost. It actually gets here faster too.

"Young man with the big beat". That one is about 1956 alone. Unfortunately they messed up (like so many times with a Presley-release) when they didn't get the unreleased '56 concert (the one at the Hayride in December) to have the right speed.

Otherwise check out the "Follow that dream" classic albums series. That is fantastic. You get a look into how he worked in the studio for each original album.

Don't want to jump the gun, but I did hear from a publisher today about the book. If all goes well it will be out in January.  Can't reveal anything else yet but I will keep you all posted.

Hell yeah!

Great News! 8)

Awesome man! Fingers crossed!

Thanks!

Congrats! Accepted in early Oct, out in January? Publishers move faster than they used to in this electronic age.

Well I have no commitment yet, but I am pretty hopeful. Yes I guess they do work fast now.

 :happydance

Wow! Yes! Please let us know as soon as you find out! I cannot wait to read this book!

Don't toy with our hearts, I don't think we can take the disappointment!  ;D

I will keep everyone here up to date. As soon as I know something solid you will too. Thanks so much for being behind this.

Congratulations, Mike! Knock on wood  ;D

Thank you I will know by the end of the month.

Mike, don't thank us, thank yourself. It's clear from your posts that you really did homework and incorporated every article and interview written about The Beach Boys throughout their history. That's why we're excited.

I still need to thank you all. I have worked on this on and off since 1994, had it on my mind all through college, worked on it as I was getting into the business, basically my whole career and adult life was directed by my passion for this book. That it is finally making some serious leeway is a dream come true. This board plays such a big part in it all. The majority on here have made it clear that a balanced Beach Boys book away from the Brian and five a--holes stuff, is not only acceptable but welcomed.  I also can't thank authors like Jon, Andrew, Ian, and Mark enough for their tireless work. They also made it possible for people to think that maybe the "other" Beach Boys were actually talented and a big part of why The Beach Boys were so good and why Brian was able to make so many inroads. 

Your modesty is definitely well taken by everyone here, but I still insist that you pat yourself on the back for this one, you earned it.  ;) Can't wait to read the book.

It's really good, too, guys. You'll love it!

Thanks!

Good.   Forward us a copy, Billy, and we'll assess it for ourselves.

Just wanted to let you all know the latest. I did have a company interested but it didn't end up working out. I will be able to put a lot more time into selling it in December, but if anything happens before that I will keep everyone informed.

If worse comes to worse, you could always print the text out, bind it together and sell it to us Smiley Smile member for $5-$10 bucks a copy. :)

It will come out properly I am sure of that now. I just have to have the time to work it, and I will be able to soon.