I would like to find out how do I get the rights to a book that is out of print but not in public domain? I have this book that I KNOW would sell tremendously as an ebook due to the popularity of "The Secret". It was published in 1978. It's out of print (I know because I looked for the book on Amazon and it's only available as a used book). The author is dead (his grandson wrote a review for this book and laments that his grandfather is gone). The used book is selling for anywhere between $35 and $300! Has anyone done something like this and what's the procedure?
You would need to make a deal with the copyright holder - could be his wife or family member. You could try contacting the publisher or checking with the US Copyright Office.
Start by contacting the grandson and see who owns the copyright. You should be able to get some sort of royalty payment deal from them. Since they are making no money from it now, they would likely be willing to offer you a great deal to start some income coming in again.