Great Output: Learn What's Involved in Publishing A Photography Book

In a previous post on this blog, I mentioned that Darius Himes, the lead judge for the Photography Book Now competition presented by Blurb was the co-author of a book entitled ?Publish Your Photography Book.? ?Since then, I have received a review copy of the book and interviewed Himes about the book, the Photography Book Now competition, and his views on the future market for printed photography books.
In the interview (posted on HP?s Pro Photography blog), we discuss whether it is better for photographers to self-publish or have their work published. Himes notes that the book doesn?t answer that question directly: ?Instead, we provide information that could help photographers think about which approach would be best for them. We really want to help photographers understand everything that goes into publishing, from developing a book concept to producing and marketing the book.?

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Himes emphasizes, ?It's important to remember there is no formula. For example, some photographers are simply interested in producing a book as an art object, and aren?t interested in creating a mass-market product. Other photographers have amazing subject-driven projects that might have broad appeal. In that case, working with a publishing company would be the right way to go. It?s true that when you self-publish, you have ultimate control. But working with a publisher means that you are working with a team of experts, who can provide insights and ideas you might not have considered.?

In the book, Himes and Swanson note that ?Successful self-publishers are those who are organized and entrepreneurial at heart, who know their audience, can effectively reach that audience, and have the financial and labor resources available to take on numerous roles.?On my Creatives at Work blog, I have published an overview of the six sections of book, which emphasizes that a photography book is much than a simple collection of printed photographs. Today, photography books are often regarded an autonomous art form, where all of the elements of the book (form, content, and materials) work together to bring meaning to the work.

The book?s first four sections address many of the questions you might have about the benefits and process of developing a photography book.

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Section 1: The Photography Book Phenomenon
Why interest in books as a means of photographic expression is rising (and isn?t likely to disappear any time soon). Section 2: The Nuts and Bolts of Publishing
How to think like a publisher, clarify your goals, develop of strong concept, and review all of the elements of a publishing contract.

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Section 3: The Making of Your Book
How to shape the editorial content, create a design that enhances the content without overwhelming it, and work with a printer.

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Section 4: The Marketing of Your Book
Why you can?t wait until your book is printed to begin planning and executing an integrated marketing strategy. Tips for building mailing lists, creating a budget, maintaining a consistent brand identity, working with a publicist, mailing publicity packets, and using the Internet.In Section 4, the authors also talk about opportunities for cross-marketing. For example, they write: ?If the photographs featured in your book can be acquired as limited-edition prints, or are available to be presented as a collection in a traveling exhibition, it is wise to include that information in all formats of your press materials.?Throughout Sections 1 through 4, you?ll find insightful interviews with publishers, editors, designers, photographers, and self-publishers that reinforce some of the advice presented in the book. Section 5 features case studies of seven photographers who have published one or more photography books.One of the most helpful sections of the book is Section 6, which includes a variety of resources and appendices. For example, Section 6 includes:

• a diagram of the anatomy of a photography book
• a timeline for design and production steps
• a timeline for marketing activities (before and after the book is published)
• a worksheet for preparing for your book
• guidelines for submitting a proposal to a book publisher
• lists of publishers, distributors, and independent bookstores and dealers
• lists of festivals, awards, and trade events
• online marketing resources
• blogs and book art resources

About the Authors

Darius D. Himes was a founding editor of photo-eye Booklist and is a cofounder of Radius Books, a nonprofit company publishing books on the visual arts. Himes is a lecturer, consultant, and writer who has contributed to numerous publications. PDN magazine named him one of the fifteen most influential people in photography book publishing. Himes has been the lead judge of Blurb?s Photography Book Now Competition for the past four years.Mary Virginia Swanson is a consultant in the area of licensing and marketing fine-art photography. Swanson frequently lectures and conducts seminars and educational programs for photographers. She is a respected judge of competitions and awards as well as frequent portfolio reviewer.If you want guidance about how to proceed with a specific book idea, Darius Himes and Mary Virginia Swanson offer one-on-one in-person or Skype consultations. To schedule a consultation, visit: www.publishyourphotographybook.com

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Source: http://greatoutput.blogspot.com/2011/07/learn-whats-involved-in-publishing.html

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