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Post by dun4u on Jul 5, 2007 12:12:13 GMT
About 4 years ago I wrote a little book called 'An Introduction to Local Showing'. It was a small paper-back which sold for £4-75p and was a great hit with people who were just starting out in pony showing at Local Horse Shows. I had 500 printed at my own expense, which I could just about afford then, and the returns have come back in dribs and drabs. My main outlet was on e-bay and I now only have two copies left. see: cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=016&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=260133621220&rd=1&rd=1I have now written a revised edition with different photos and more chapters covering other Classes and general info. about Horse Shows. It is now with the printer who is preparing an initial copy for me to proof-read before I place an order with him for another 500 copies. Problem is I haven't got that much money spare in my a/c to pay for this printing and wondered how I could go about finding a publisher who would be willing to take on the job for me. You will see by the positive feed-back on e-bay that the original book was very popular and I have this lovely contented/proud feeling when I read 'Thank you for the book. We won our very first rosette last week, thanks to your advice'!! I Judge at quite a few local shows and can see where competitors have improved over the season just because of my little book. As far as I know it is the only one on the market which covers un-affiliated showing. I sent a copy to the BHS Bookshop but heard nothing back. I suppose I could always try 'Dragon's Den' but I don't think my elderly nerves could stand the strain!!! So, is there anyone out there who could come up with a feasible suggestion, please?
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Post by bellabella on Jul 5, 2007 12:34:08 GMT
Problem with publishers is getting your book viewed in the first place because every new synopsis has to compete with hundreds new prospect landing on their desks every day. Also, they tend to want not just a one off book to invest in a new writer, but will seek a deal for several books. Go on line to Amazon and buy yourself the 2007 Writers and Artist Year Book. This is the writers bible and has an entire section dedicated to self publishing. Also, sections on all the agents and publishers. I would have thought Allan and Allan, who dominate the equine book market would an ideal to start. There books are situated in every tack/saddler shop. Sadly, to self publish, you will struggle to get a price on printing and binding, and you have to look at the selling price being split 3 ways, 1/3 cost to print, 1/3 profit for the selling shop and the other 1/3 for marketing cost and profit. It all adds up at the end of the day. You could always print and bind yourself and that way you print books on demand and dont end up with a boxes of your book piled in the spare room. Double sided printers are available and do a bit of research on line on this subject and you could find you could pick up a printer yourself and be running them off in a matter of days. I would be hesitant about having a book run made by a printer unless you have confirmed orders or that you are a ruthlessly good self marketer, and prepared to take your book in hand and offer it for sale to your local book shops, equestrian shops, catalogues, equine charities, etc, etc, you will best know the road to travel around your own equestrian community and whether you feel you can comfortably exploit the market, sell your book and make a profit. Dont forget the internet, books can be sold on the internet and sites like Horse Gossip, albeit perhaps not accessed by the local pony clubber, new comers and the like who might make best use of your book, but could be a great stocking filler for christmas and birthdays for all horsey enthusiasts. Check out www.maxisangels.co.uk for an on line book. Best of luck.
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Post by bellabella on Jul 5, 2007 12:36:47 GMT
Problem with publishers is getting your book viewed in the first place because every new synopsis has to compete with hundreds new prospect landing on their desks every day. Also, Publishers tend to don't tend to want a one off book to invest in a new writer, but will seek a deal for several books. Go on line to Amazon and buy yourself the 2007 Writers and Artist Year Book. This is the writer's bible and has an entire section dedicated to self publishing. Also, sections on all the agents and publishers. I would have thought Allan and Allan, who dominate the equine book market would an ideal place to start. Their books are situated in every tack/saddler shop. Sadly, to self publish, you will struggle to get a price on printing and binding, and you have to look at the selling price being split 3 ways, 1/3 cost to print, 1/3 profit for the selling shop and the other 1/3 for marketing cost and profit. It all adds up at the end of the day. You could always print and bind yourself and that way you print books on demand and dont end up with a boxes of your book piled in the spare room. Double sided printers are available and do a bit of research on line on this subject and you could find you could pick up a printer yourself and be running them off in a matter of days. I would be hesitant about having a book run made by a printer unless you have confirmed orders or that you are a ruthlessly good self marketer, and prepared to take your book in hand and offer it for sale to your local book shops, equestrian shops, catalogues, equine charities, etc, etc, you will best know the road to travel around your own equestrian community and whether you feel you can comfortably exploit the market, sell your book and make a profit. Dont forget the internet, books can be sold on the internet and sites like Horse Gossip, albeit perhaps not accessed by the local pony clubber, new comers and the like who might make best use of your book, but could be a great stocking filler for christmas and birthdays for all horsey enthusiasts. Check out www.maxisangels.co.uk for an on line book. Best of luck.
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Post by Book reader on Jul 5, 2007 17:10:34 GMT
You could try David & Charles, Brunel Industrial Estate, Newton Abbot, Devon. They put out horse book of all subjects. If they can't help they may be able to point you in the right direction.
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Post by Dee not signed in on Jul 5, 2007 18:19:08 GMT
Hi,
I am going through a similar situation, although I am getting a fiction book published. Bellabella has given sound advice. Definitely get the writers and artists yearbook it is worth it's weight! I must warn you that it is not an easy industry to get into. Not only is it difficult to get a publisher, it is now difficult to get a decent agent. You may well make more money by self publishing but it is a risk...
I'll have a look at your book myself as I am new to showing and could use any tips I can get!
Good luck!!!
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Post by dun4u on Jul 10, 2007 11:13:13 GMT
Thank you all for your useful advice. I have contacted J A Allen Bookshops and am now in the process of getting this second book finalised and will soon be sending it off for their approval.
I am 99% certain that there is no other like it on the market at present so, hopefully, they will see that it would be a useful addition to their very extensive range of horsey books.
Wish me luck!!!
Thanks, again.
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