Friday, December 29, 2017

Just an idea!



Historical Photo:

                   Queenie, the first elephant known to surf, circa 1950

An Idea:
I have been thinking, not a very smart thing for me to do. Since I finished the book called ‘Jack & Sherry’ sub title: A Love Story, now I am just waiting the proof to come in. (I hate this part of the book) I know it is good, with no errors, well maybe a couple but I have a hard time finding them. This one is so good (and since it will be mostly family) it will need no proofing.  On second thought some of the kids graduated college top of their class with awards and honors and all that stuff.  Maybe I better check it out better, some of ‘em may think Grandpa ain’t as smart as they thought. ;-)

A few people have said, “I have a book started about our family, but I could never get it published. I started it to let the family know where they came from.”

Just a few weeks ago an old man told me he had a manuscript written of his life, but had no idea how to get it in print.  I have offered to do that for him. He had been quoted over $2000 to make a book. I told him I needed to read the manuscript, but I knew it would be much less than that.

I am guessing, I could print a 6x9 paperback if the author supplied  a pdf or even a Word document of a manuscript, including photographs, for less than $175. That would include a printed proof sent to the author for corrections.  If the proof did not meet expectations there would be no charge. BUT If the customer liked the proof and wanted to make corrections I would make the corrections once I received the proof back from them. The customer would then get another proof. There may or may not be a charge for the second corrections, but it would be minor.  Payment would only be made if the proof was accepted. It may require two proofs. The payment would include 8 copies of the book. This is assuming a page count of less than 150. All photos even if submitted in color would be b/w. Color would add $ to the cost, I am not sure of the additional costs. I have never used color before.  

OF COURSE there would be no editing nor proofing (you wouldn’t want me to proof your book anyway@!) Whatever the customer  sent is what will print. it will have a simple cover with a photo selected by the author.

That was just a thought of mine. That cost would be just for time involved. And payment only if satisfied with the final product. I have never liked 'payment in advance'. Does that sound logical or reasonable? Now be honest!  ;-)

As I said, I shouldn’t think.  Hahahahahah  

Of course the book would be for sale on Amazon. I could also make it an e-book as a small extra charge (don’t you love an Extra charge line).

Nite Shipslog

Ps: APHORISM : A SHORT,CLEVER POINTED SENTENCE
i.e.
Do you realize that, in about 40 years ...
we'll have thousands of old ladies running around with tattoos?
(And rap music will be the Golden Oldies!)
*****

 Taking fishing to the  extreme ;-)

9 comments:

Mevely317 said...

Methinks you've a new career there!
Like my mother would say, "it's just wicked" what big corporations charge. Mostly, I like how you're always willing to lend a hand-up to others.

Chatty Crone said...

Are you saying if someone has written a book - you could get it published?

TARYTERRE said...

this sounds fascinating since i've wanted to do this but didn't know how to go about it.

betty said...

I think you could add a new title for your resume, publisher. It sounds like a reasonable adventure to get into, especially with all the safe guards built in if he didn't like your work, etc. Go for it and let us know how it turns out!

betty

Paula said...

Wow! You've got it all down pat. I always wondered how you do that.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I have wondered how much it costs to publish a book like yours. Do you really make money when you sell your books? Since you have the know how, it would be nice to help others and I'm sure you'd find people that need help. You make it sound simple, but I'm sure it's not.

Lisa said...

You are a smart man Jack and always amaze me with your talent and time. I think your out jolly riding in your RV then BAM! You wrote a book. I dont know how you do it.
Ive always wanted to write a book but I can barely write a blog post. I just wouldn't know where to begin. I could proably use my life stories and make series. It would be all over the place if it was in one book. It would be go from the good ole days to rebellian, to abuse, to miracles, to dreams and ending in a love story. It would just be crazy.

From 30 dregree Gtown
Lisa

Dar said...

Jack, you amaze me over and over again. YES, absolutely give it a go. You'd make a great publisher, as you've been through the ropes and know the best routes to take. Like Lisa, I also would like to someday write a book. I practically have told my whole life story to a friend or two so writing it down for keeps wouldn't be much different than writing a letter, right? Ha!, letter writing is in the past for the most part but what a concept that would be....hmmmmmmmmm, my wheels are turning.
love n' hugs from up north where we are still cold, cold, cold during nights but the days are warming a bit and the sun is shining bright. Awwww

Glenda said...

Sounds like this guy would be the ideal way to get your feet wet helping others through the process, go for it!!! You'll do great things :)