"TV Tie-Ins" is a scholarly work that explores the evolution of paperback books that were written about particular programs. Written by Kurt Peer, it features both the history of these books (until 1990) along with a master list of every book that was found within this genre. Since this was published in the late 90s, all of this research was a lot more difficult to come by compared to how it could be done today.
The book begins with a summary of how television tie-in books became part of the fandom landscape. Back in the mid-1950s, these kind of books started to appear, and their hey-day was the early 1960s- early 1970s. Other tie-ins such as lunch boxes and games are not included in this volume along with ones that were for television specials. Also only books published in the US are included even if the show wasn't American. There are two types of tie-in books: original stories and novelizations. Original stories exist in the universe of a particular show, while novelizations are written word versions of episodes (some are multiple episodes in one volume). Unfortunately this book isn't "exhaustive", as the records some publishers kept weren't complete. Over 350 shows are mentioned over a period of 35 years and 50 different publishers. The author collected these books along with doing part-time research on the topic.
Here is what is in the book soap operas specifically as this is the thrust of my blog. (If anyone wants details about any other shows mentioned I can be contacted.) The main thing listed for soaps are the Pioneer novelizations from the 1980s. All My Children has four items listed. Three from Joves from 1980/1981 and a combined Pioneer novelization. Another World has Ballantines novels from the late 70s (2 books, one with an alternate cover), which look to be all about the Steve, Rachel and Alice triangle. Fourteen Pioneer books are also listed. As the World Turns only has 14 Pioneer novelizations. Four Pioneer books are listed about Capitol, more were written but never released due to the cancellation. Dark Shadows had over four pages of information), and even a cookbook was published. Days of Our Lives had 14 Pioneer books in the 80s, and one other novelization from 1969. The Doctors had one book from 1970 (and Elizabeth Hubbard along with others are on the cover). The 1969 Edge of Night book is listed, which was written by the show's head writer Henry Slesar. General Hospital had two books by Lancer published in the 60s, three books by Awards published in the 70s and three Pioneer books. Guiding Light had the 1967 Agnes Nixon penned book along with fourteen volumes by Pioneer. Two Love of Life books are mentioned: one from the 60s and the other from the 70s. Only two volumes by Pioneer are mentioned for One Life to Live. Search for Tomorrow had one book in the 60s with two different covers due to a logo change. The Secret Storm had one book in the 1970s. The Young & the Restless had two books in the 70s (one focused on Chris and Snapper, the other on Brad and Leslie). Fourteen Pioneer books were also released.
Primetime soaps were also included. There are nearly two pages of entries on Dallas novelizations. Dynasty only had two novelizations listed. Falcon Crest had one book. Knots Landing had 12 books by Pioneer listed by title along with a note that there may be 14 in total. The short-lived soap Paper Dolls had one novelization of its pilot. Peyton Place, which was based on a book, had the original book by Grace Metalious along with Roger Fuller sequels.
Basically this book is for book geeks, or people who really like lists of things about television. Since it goes only goes up to about 25 years ago (ugh 1990 is 24 years ago)...most of these books aren't part of my collection. What I found amusing was how there is a note in regards to Star Trek books (which I used to collect) and how a full list isn't included. Frankly that could be a book on its own, especially if you include every book series that has been published in the last 30 some years. Novelizations and other tie-in stories are still being made though these days it is more likely to be within the scifi/fantasy realm. That being said "The Bold and the Beautiful" is coming out with tie-ins this year, so I felt it was a valid topic to discuss on the blog.
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