On the subject of this much discussed autobiography ... what follows is a bit like tittle-tattle and, I guess, should be treated as such but nevertheless I found it interesting.
I was drinking in a pub localish to the Albert Hall pre-gig and behind me there was a group of around 6 people discussing this very subject.
I’m afraid to say for around five minutes I ignored my companions and shamelessly earwigged on the group's chat – I’m sorry whoever you are, but really, you weren’t being very discreet and we were all standing outside on a public highway!
It seemed they worked together for Random House and two of them worked on the Ebury Press imprint – that which published Simon Goddard’s book. The group discussed that the autobiography is very much a reality, has been written, and is currently being shopped around by Morrissey’s representatives. They said curiosity is high among publishers but genuine interest not so widespread. Not being treated as a commerical enterprise but rather a matter of prestige. The elder of the two gentleman was however quite passionate on the subject and claimed Ebury were one of two houses with firm offers on the table (when asked by one of his chums he claimed to know the identity of the other publisher but refused to be drawn).
He described having met Morrissey’s “manager” the previous day and had just that afternoon written Morrissey a personal email outlining why they should publish the work and why he himself should be Morrissey’s editor. He explained that Morrissey did not attend the earlier meeting but would instead judge by this email whether they are worthy publishers. If he likes the email Morrissey will meet with the prospective editor along with his management and, face-to-face, read from the manuscript (none of which they have seen - despite assurances it exists)
When asked by one of his chums what was in the email he replied that he was too embarrassed to confess as it was somewhat on the sychophantic side. Also, when pushed on the size of the offer he said he could say but then he’d have to kill the questioner ...