The unusual story of how I wound up getting my book published

[NY_Dan]

On 3/25/2015 I received a PM from a fellow RFF member I’d met a few times at local RFF meetings in New York City. Philippe, a.k.a. lamefrog on RFF asked me if I was interested in having a book made with my photos. I’d printed at least 12 Blurb books, and while nice to do, the black and white printing and quality can’t compare with a book printed on high quality paper with duotones and with the involvement of an editor and designer.

So of course I responded that I’d love to do a book. Seriously, I was somewhat suspicious that someone was playing a joke on me — it was that unexpected. Philippe told me he had a publishing partner, designer and photo editor. Well, roughly 6 months later the books arrived and they look fantastic. The photos printed much better than I could’ve imagined. The inset photo, foil stamping, red end sheets — everything came out great.

The publishing company is InkBooks, and the website is inkphotobooks.com Their goal is to work with photographers and print more high quality photo books. I was lucky to be the first book — the test book to work out any production issues — fortunately there were no kinks, and everything went smoothly.

A limited edition of 500 books were printed. You can read the specs on the RFF classified ad. I hope many people get a copy. Not for me, but for Philippe and his partners so they can go forward and print books for other photographers and get things going. I’m very grateful to Philippe and InkBooks and still can’t believe it happened.

Myself as well as Philippe and InkBooks welcome all questions and comments.

Thanks.

 

[fdarnell]

It looks very well made. Copy ordered. Not sure how you did it for $38 and 500 copies. Gives us all inspiration! I can't wait to see it and the duotones.

And I forgot to add 96 pages! I pay close to $20 for horse sale catalogs single color perfect bound softcover printed on crappy 50b offset, roughly the same size, 6 x 9.5.

Good luck and thanks for forging new territory for RFFer's.

 

[JChrome]

I did see the book in the classifieds. Congratulations to you, Philippe and InkBooks!

Looking forward to more projects from them!

 

[rhl-oregon]

Fabulous and deserved, Dan.

Thanks to Philippe for making it happen. I hope we see more RFF-related imprints featuring individuals as well as group collections, thematic anthologies, and more.

I'm going to take my bowl of pennies to the credit union and convert them to the down payment, then take the rest from savings ;-)

 

[Richard G]

Well done. We live in great times.

 

[photony texas]

Great to hear NY Dan, congratulations...
I'm looking forward to more from Inkbooks in support of the many great photographers we see on RFF.
Just purchased and can't wait to get it.

 

[danielsterno]

congrats Dan- well deserved- I grabbed one…..-Dan

 

[lamefrog]

Thanks everyone for the comments and for ordering the book. Today and last night's orders are shipping tonight. Enjoy the book and I hope you give us feedback after it arrives!
--
Philippe

 

[rfaspen]

I saw the books in the Classifieds. I intended to get one even before I read this great story. Now all the better!

So exciting.

 

[maxmadco]

Congratulations on the book, you must feel great about it.
I have one on the way.

 

[xyz3450]

Dan, my congratulations too. I have ordered your book & look forward to seeing your excellent work in printed form....

 

[Timmyjoe]

That's really cool Dan, congratulations.

Best,
-Tim

 

[NY_Dan]

Thanks guys, but the credit goes to Philippe and his partners at InkBooks. They did the editing, designing, and put up the money to get the book printed. Their goal was to make the best book possible, and to work with more photographers in the near future -- not profit. I'm very happy with how the book came out.. It was sheer luck that my book was the first. I know there are many people on this forum who have a body of work ready to go, and who are every bit as deserving. And I feel an obligation to be active and help the books get out there so InkBooks can continue.

 

[Robbie Bedell]

Thank you for this Dan. I was so unhappy with my Blurb book, the poor quality and the high price, that I refused to attempt to sell it as I was afraid of upsetting people. You have provided good news today! Robbie

FYI, I made the book free to see...The quality of the real
l book is horrid.

http://www.blurb.com/b/5011341-paper-windows

 

[Robbie Bedell]

Can't find the website...just goes to your book...Great Book! Ken Hansen told me about it a while back...

www.robbiebedell.photoshelter.com

 

[NY_Dan]

Can't find the website...just goes to your book...Great Book! Ken Hansen told me about it a while back...

www.robbiebedell.photoshelter.com

... I've known Ken Hansen since 1980, back when I was an assistant photographer in NY & LA. He's always been a great guy. Loved his photography stores on 34th Street and on Broadway. One of his salesman, and a former photo store owner too is Louis Shu -- I live about 5 miles away from him.

 

[airfrogusmc]

CONGRATS DAN.

Well deserved.....

 

[Ko.Fe.]

This is really great, Dan!

 

[Robbie Bedell]

... I've known Ken Hansen since 1980, back when I was an assistant photographer in NY & LA. He's always been a great guy. Loved his photography stores on 34th Street and on Broadway. One of his salesman, and a former photo store owner too is Louis Shu -- I live about 5 miles away from him.

Yes, he told me about your book and praised it highly. Great stuff! How does Ink Photobooks work? Do they contact you or is it another self publishing platform? I can't find anything about it.

 

[raid]

Great! Thanks for their link.