University of Death

A rock'n'roll rollercoaster of a novel

My novel novel 'University of Death' satirises the music industry and is named after the band at the centre of the action.

It takes a slice through the music industry: from the boardroom to the stage; from the studio to the record fair.

The story explores how fans relate to their favourite bands, how businesses use technology to manipulate consumers, and what would happen if the music industry disappeared overnight.

Although the novel includes fictionalised cameos from some well-known pop stars, the story focuses on those who are at the bottom of the industry and trying to claw their way up. The band University of Death was big in the 80s, but is stuck on the nostalgia circuit today, with shrinking audiences. Two of their fans who play an important role in the story are in an amateur band called Goblin. They're desperate for someone to listen to them and to get a record deal. There's so much written about fame already that it was more interesting to look at talented people who aren't famous yet or any more: the z-list. Find out more about my inspiration in this Q&A.

In this modern conspiracy theory, a record label plots to sell computer-generated music to fans by hacking in to their computers. But when the software isn't up to the job, the future of the whole industry rests on one man: Dove, leader of University of Death. Start reading the sample chapters now.

'University of Death' is self-published and exclusively available through Lulu.com.

Reviews

	"Raising a number of surprisingly sophisticated issues, this book is enjoyably cynical about the seemingly cold-hearted and impenetrable nature of the record industry and peppered with a number of highly comical cameos from the cream of rock'n'roll, which ensures that it never feels like heavy going." - Lewis Heritage, books reviewer, Record Collector magazine issue 350 (June 2008)
	"A fun novel about the problems faced by musicians in making their mark on a music industry that's falling apart. A bitter satire that works its way up to a memorable finale." - Metal Hammer magazine (September 2008)

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About the author

Sean McManus has over ten years' experience as a professional writer. He has written for magazines including Making Music, Melody Maker, Future Music, Internet Magazine and Business 2.0. His previous books include Small Business Websites That Work and The Customer Service Pocketbook (co-authored). 'University of Death' is Sean's first novel.

How to order

'University of Death' by Sean McManus is only available through Lulu.com. Your copy will be professionally printed and despatched to you when you place your order. The book is 380 pages in 6x9" Royal format and priced at £9.99. You can pay by credit card or Paypal using a secure server.

Online press coverage

• Interview at Mass Customisation blog