Music journalist Everett True – a key early documenter of the Seattle grunge scene in the 1990s – has launched a new crowdfunded book company, called Rejected Unknown.
A message accompanying the announcement of the new company says: "The new company emerged naturally and spontaneously as a result of True’s disillusionment with an industry wherein hoards of resplendent works never see the light of day. Perhaps, he suspects, because such works are too unconventional, non-conforming, unrestrained, off-color, maybe even downright uncivil." True credits a rejection by Bloomsbury’s 33 1/3 series of his proposal for a book about Daniel Johnston’s Hi, How Are You – the eagle-eyed among you will note that the company’s name is a reference to another of Daniel Johnston’s album.
Announcing his plans on Facebook earlier this month, a team of staff was quickly assembled within a week. The company’s first book project is 101 Albums You Should Die Before You Hear, which is planned for release within six weeks of the company’s creation. The company further adds: "We have two inviolate rules at Rejected Unknown: 1) All contributors are paid, and, 2) Equal gender representation." True is now calling on people to get in touch with ideas. "“If you are one of the 522 writers that got passed over [by 33 1/3], send your original proposal to me. And who knows? If I see enough I find intriguing, I might be spurred into print publishing again," he says. Support the project here and find out more information here.
