After years of circulating my proposal to write a comprehensive book about Tori Amos' landmark album Boys for Pele, I've learned that agents and publishers aren't sure if anyone wants this book that readers--and listeners--need. (The irony that Tori received similar blowback while making Pele is not lost!)

While it's true that this album has been discussed in media quite a bit, it has yet to receive the well-earned treatment of an authoritative book encompassing everything from recording sites, Jungian concepts of grief, and the history of female record producers. The standalone chapters are classroom-ready while still accessible to nonacademic audiences. I’ve chosen not to self-publish because I need— and readers deserve—professionals who can help with layout, promotion, image licensing, etc  

Since Pele's release in 1996, it's remained sacred for me as an individual, a member of the Tori Amos fan community, and a music journalist. Writing this book is my highest tribute and greatest hope that others will find the album's magic when they need it most. 

I created this petition to show that there is reader demand for Blood Roses: The Myth and Making of Tori Amos' Boys for Pele.  By signing below, you are signaling that readers want a true companion book to their favorite album. 

Here is some more information--please sign the petition first before clicking out to these links. 

There is full text of my proposal on my substack.

Drowned in Sound published an excerpt from my introduction as a 20th anniversary retrospective. My editor and I received thanks for it from several members of Amos' team and let me know they'd sent it to her directly as well.

Lastly, here is my latest query letter. The data is from 2022. 

Tori Amos’s landmark Boys for Pele album turns 25 in 2021. Amos enjoys an explosively rabid fan base. SPIN called Amos "the ultimate cult artist” [for her albums’ tendencies to go platinum quickly, even without hit singles. She has over 100,000 Twitter followers, 52,000 YouTube subscribers, and, according to Similar Web, her official website has averaged 50,000 daily views during the last month.

Boys for Pele debuted at #2 on both the US and UK Billboard charts, was certified platinum, and earned a Grammy nomination for “Best Alternative Album.” Tickets for its promotional tour of nearly 200 dates sold out in less than a day, making her tour one of the highest grossing of that year.

 The album is a narrative of healing. I wish to explore how Amos’s quest for wholeness after a breakup led to a groundbreaking album no one else could make--and the lasting impact of that album.

 Having interviewed Amos four times, I have excellent access to her and can get exclusive content for this book.  (An earlier version of this proposal was a finalist for the 33 1/3 book on the album, and Amos’ PR team sent me praise for a published excerpt.) The first half of the book is a deep dive into the spiritual and psychological story of the album. I quote from writers like Jean Shinoda Bolen, Clarissa Pinkola-Estes, and Robert Bly to reinforce my writings on archetypes, loss, and healing.In the second half, I’ll explore her recording processes, incorporating interviews with musicians who worked on this album to discuss her bold creative choices, such as the heavy use of the harpsichord, the recording sessions in a tiny Irish church. 

 I have an MFA in creative writing from University of Alabama. My music journalism has appeared in many places, including Salon, The Week, bandcamp, No Depression, Tricycle, The Rumpus, The Quietus, PopMatters, and Drowned in Sound. I’ve also held editorial roles at PopMatters and The Rumpus. The album has been written about, but never so thoroughly or with so many educational applications. 

Finally finally you will be asked if you want to chip in after you sign. That money all goes to Change who allegedly uses it to promote this petition (no evidence). Feel free to decline altogether or support me directly or give to RAINN instead.