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Interview

We have been asked numerous questions about our latest book, Michael Jackson: For The Record,
and about the way we publish our books - so here are some answers!

How did the idea come about to write For The Record?

We've toyed with the idea of compiling a Michael Jackson A-Z for years, but the sheer
enormity of such a project, and the fact it would never be truly complete, has always put us off.
However, it struck Chris an A-Z of Michael's songs - released and unreleased - would be more manageable,
and that's where the idea of the book originated. We originally planned to call the book 'In The Attic',
but agreed 'For The Record' was a more apt choice.

So where did you begin writing the book, and how did it take shape?

We started with all the officially released songs, including collaborations, before adding
unreleased stuff later. During the course of writing the book, as always, new ideas came to light: adding
TV performances, remixes, significant demos, alternate versions, chart information, quotes,
and so on. Initially, we envisaged a book running to 200, maybe 250 pages, but before we knew
it we had 300 pages, then 400. It was actually an enjoyable experience, seeing the book evolve,
and come together so nicely.

What was the most difficult part of the book?

Two difficulties immediately spring to mind: one, deciding what to include and what to leave out
(this changed numerous times during the research and writing of the book!), and two,
trying to check and double-check the countless unreleased songs Michael has been involved
with over the decades. Hopefully, our judgement was correct more often than it wasn't.

Another hard section was the remixes, and trying to ascertain which were official and which weren't -
we think we've got most of them, but no doubt one or two have slipped through the net.

How long are the entries giving background information about
Michael's released and unreleased songs?

It all depends on how much info we found: some entries are very short, just a line or two,
while others where we had lots of information run to 3-4 pages.

Did Michael Jackson supply you with any information?

We wish!
But no, this was a strictly unofficial book, and we gathered all the information ourselves,
aided especially by the ever growing internet community.

How did the book's cover come to light?

The cover always starts with a search of picture libraries, for a suitable
photograph - in this instance, Chris found a picture of Michael we both loved in Corbis's library.
Once we had secured permission to use the photograph (and paid a hefty fee!),
we planned to design a simple cover ourselves (as we had done with our previous
books), but one of Craig's contacts mentioned her boyfriend Jamie Martin designed
video game sleeves for a living, and said he'd be willing to do a cover for us.
Naturally, we jumped at the chance, and to say we were delighted with the cover Jamie
designed for us would be an understatement - it's fantastic!

How do you cope with the expectations of Michael's fans?

It's a challenge! We know we can't please everyone, that's impossible.
However, we can and do strive for 100% accuracy, and we think most fans will
appreciate our efforts, and that's what makes it all worth while.

How have you found self publishing?

Our books aren't actually self published, as such - they're published as eBooks and
print-on-demand (POD) books. This means books are downloaded or are only printed against
firm orders, whereas with self publishing a given number of books are paid for
(by the author/s), and printed up-front.

To self publish, say, 1,000 copies of a book, can cost several thousand pounds (£ sterling) -
with no guarantee one copy will be sold. POD is generally less expensive, and it's actually cheaper
now to publish a book with our publisher, Authors OnLine Ltd, than it was when we started:
the standard services currently costs £525, while the enhanced service (which includes
proof reading and cover design) is £1,225. Another significant cost for us, has been the
cover photograph(s) for each of our books, which we have purchased from either Rex
Features or Corbis picture agency.

Once a POD book is published, however, the author(s) can purchase as few or as many copies
as they wish, and further copies of the book are only printed against firm orders (through the publisher,
or an online retailer like amazon, etc.), so no-one is left with boxes and boxes of books no-one
wants to buy. It's unlikely, but not impossible, a POD title will recoup what it has cost to publish it,
through sales and royalties - certainly, each of our books has left us with ever deeper holes
in our pockets!

Any other potential books ideas?

Craig: Yes - but not Jackson related! I'm working on my second novel, on and off (more
off than on, at the moment!), and keeping the mjjcharts web-site up-to-date is keeping me busy.
However, Chris and I have discussed revising and up-dating For The Record in the future -
especially given how well the first edition has been received. We've also been approached by an Italian
fan site, who are keen to translate and publish The Early Years - we've given the
go ahead, and are looking forward to hearing the translation is complete.

Chris: I think For The Record will be my last book, but who knows - an inspiration
can change all that. I'll continue to keep a record of any new material, in case we do decide to
up-date For The Record one day, but in the meantime most of my energy and focus
has been on the Thriller tribute site, which we now plan to expand to include
similar information relating to other eras of Michael's career.