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Author Topic: Book publishing  (Read 5170 times)

Nat Coalson

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Book publishing
« on: March 25, 2008, 01:52:42 pm »

I've been asked by a large publisher to author a book for them and I am inclined to pursue the opportunity.

This is my first time dealing with a publisher... does anyone have tips or suggestions regarding important issues, questions to ask etc.?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
« Last Edit: March 25, 2008, 01:53:00 pm by Nat Coalson »
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Nathaniel Coalson
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peterpix2008

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« Reply #1 on: March 25, 2008, 03:23:19 pm »

Quote from: Nat Coalson,Mar 25 2008, 01:52 PM
I've been asked by a large publisher to author a book for them and I am inclined to pursue the opportunity.

This is my first time dealing with a publisher... does anyone have tips or suggestions regarding important issues, questions to ask etc.?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!


Most larger publishers have a standard author contract and don't vary it much, especially for a first time author.  I'd check out their list and see what the books look like as to design and print quality. You might also contact some of their  authors to see how they are treated. Writing books is harder that it appears and likely will not generate a huge return but it can be great fun and challenging and should add to your reputation when you are doing workshops, etc.
A book that can be updated periodically (ie second, third etc. editions) is probably better than a one shot project.

Good luck

Peter Randall
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[span style='color:blue']Peter Randall[/span]

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Colorado David

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Book publishing
« Reply #2 on: March 25, 2008, 09:34:56 pm »

A friend of mine has written a couple of books providing both text and photography.  He negotiated an upfront lump sum and a reduced royalty.  This can be a more profitable arrangement for a niche book.  He was also able to negotiate to keep ownership of his photography and maintained the right to reuse the text in edited form in magazine articles or electronic media.  I have another friend, a New Testament theologian, who has written a number of books.  His living comes from lecturing and teaching not from book sales.  If you do public speaking, it is always a positive to have a book to sell in the back of the house.

Eric Myrvaagnes

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« Reply #3 on: March 25, 2008, 11:50:31 pm »

Nat,

I have nothing practical to add, but I want to encourage you to go for it. I like your writing style, which is very clear, to the point, and not condescending or overly obfuscating.

Do let us know when the book comes out.
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-Eric Myrvaagnes (visit my website: http://myrvaagnes.com)

Chris_T

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Book publishing
« Reply #4 on: March 26, 2008, 09:36:04 am »

Quote
I've been asked by a large publisher to author a book for them and I am inclined to pursue the opportunity.

This is my first time dealing with a publisher... does anyone have tips or suggestions regarding important issues, questions to ask etc.?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=184184\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
In another thread about online publishing (or other purposes) requiring high resolution digital files, I raised my concerns:

"You are probably publishing your best work and sending the publishers high resolution files.

Do any of the services tell you how they would protect your high resolution files, during the process and after a book is published? IOW, should these files fall into the wrong hands, can you hold them accountable?

If you are not concerned, why not?"


If your book requires digital files, it would make sense to ask the publisher these questions. Your files will go through many hands and computers, and it just takes one unscrupulous person to copy them and reproduce unlimited prints with ease. Unlike traditional publishing, this is a new wrinkle. Yet few photographers seem to care.

If you do ask these questions, would appreciate to hear how the publisher responds. Best luck.
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Chris_T

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« Reply #5 on: March 26, 2008, 09:41:38 am »

Oops. Just noticed that you provide a digital printing service. So perhaps *you* can answer my questions.
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usathyan

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« Reply #6 on: March 26, 2008, 09:45:35 am »

I would be interested in seeing a "Making of <your book>" soon....
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Umesh Bhatt [url=http://w

Stuarte

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« Reply #7 on: March 26, 2008, 09:48:24 am »

Great news Nat - and couldn't happen to a nicer guy!

A few weeks ago I bought some books from a photographer who commissions and publishes books in the UK - Eddie Ephraums is his name.  I found him very helpful and open-minded, and I suspect it would be fruitful if you connected with him.

Eddie Ephraums details are here and his project Developing Vision & Style is well worth a look

Good luck!
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