Post made in response to a deleted comment from another member regarding the difficulties facing traditional photo book publishers and why photographers might choose other avenues such as Kickstarter for getting their book printed by methods other than one-off inkjet. Good luck to all photographers in their self-publishing efforts. 🙂
1) If a publisher doesn't choose to publish a photographer's work, there is most likely no connection to this choice and the quality of the work. A publisher will publish work that has a measurable market. Books retail for 8 x cost -- which is a terrible ratio. Cd's are 12x. At 8 x, distribution and bookstores take over half. The math is bad. If a photographer has a solid sales reputation then the publisher can make an informed business decision, and what doesn't sell right away will sell in the publisher's back list. Look at my favorite photo book seller Steidl -- they publish the best, with top quality, and for photographers whose work is in high demand and they do conservative runs. So an unknown, even of very high quality is a hard sell.
2) Yes, books can be viewed online or as an e-book -- but the viewing experience and impact is different. Fine traditional prints would for many be ideal, followed by a quality printed book. It's up to the individual to buy "this chap's" book or not. I find calling a fellow photographer a chap to be condescending -- whatever.
3) Why pay for another photographer's expenses -- well again, that's up to you. I imagine if you contribute the retail cost of a book, you would receive a book -- hopefully signed. Support levels generally come with incentives. Of course if you don't like the photos, then don't get involved. If someone else wants to help don't be a party pooper 🙂 -- it's their money to do with as they please.
4) As for sharing profits -- reread #1 -- book profits? LOL!
5) If you want others to help pay for a book of yours, then shoot shoot shoot, and prepare it, and put it on Kickstarter or elsewhere and see where it goes.
As for me, I don't know if I will or wont contribute -- I'll take a look and see. If I don't buy, I still hope the photographer is successful with his efforts -- rising water lifts all boats. Personally I like Blurb books -- I get a printed book, albeit of lesser printing quality, but I can be more productive and move on to the next books -- I don't have to spend a huge amount of time pursuing the holy grail -- a publisher, or have books in remainder bins -- selling books is hard -- much easier to sell Gary Fong flash gizmos 🙂
