Welcome to the ACE Index, the
definitive web directory for locating
camera equipment, used cameras, photo
labs, camera repair
and photo equipment manufacturers in
36 countries.
This is an archived message in our
photography forum
In Reply to: Photography Book Publishing Questions posted by Shirley on July 10, 2000 at 07:30:28:
: I have a wonderful (at least I think so) idea for a
book....what I need to know is this:
: 1. Do I need a release for photos taken of people's property
(such as a car) that may be published?
: 2. Do I need to do slides vs. prints?
: 3. How do I find out information on publishing? such as where
to go...how to present
: I am rather new to photography but have won a few contests and
have been told I have talent. I really want to try this.
Posted by bob eagelston on July 13, 2000 at 04:04:41:
Shirley - by all means try to interest a publisher in your book. But if you don't have any offers, don't rule out the so-called 'vanity press'. My cousin wrote a beautiful autobiographic novel many years ago. She just wanted to get it in print and was willing to promote it herself. She had it published by a New York City published whom I won't name but whose name sounds very similar to 'Vanity', and she was very happy with the results. She thought their prices were fair and the book looks great! In either case, best of luck and keep on shooting!
Posted by bill on July 10, 2000 at 12:22:56:
1. I believe that the law is vague on the subject of releases
needed or not for personal property. I think that if you took a
picture that had someone's generic looking car they probably
wouldn't have a legal case for compensation. However if they had
done something to the car to make it truly unique and having the
car in the picture makes the photo commercially viable then you
should get a release. I think the same holds true for other
property, such as a house. I am not a lawyer but have read
articles on the subject.
2. Generally publishers want slides.
3. I don't have experience with presenting material for
publication but suggest that you assemble a portfolio of photos
you have for your book and other photos too (to show your range)
and knock on doors. If they reject your idea they should at least
be able to advise you on improvements, etc.
Posted by krf on July 10, 2000 at 17:04:37:
Bill's comments regarding questions 1 and 2 are on target. The best way to get information about book publishers is to get a copy of Photographer's Market or Writer's Market, which are updated each year and are available in any major bookstore. Each lists virtually every publication that buys material from freelancers, how to contact them, and submission guidelines. Beware of the so-called "vanity press", the category of publishers who make you pay to publish your work. They make their money off of the fees they charge up front and spend little if any money promoting the finished product, which the author/artist/photographer ends up getting stuck with. Some people want to see their work in print so bad that they will pay those fees and try to sell their books themselves (that's where the "vanity" in vanity press comes from). And some unscrupulous publishers of this type attempt to pressure people into signing up by making a lot of exaggerated and/or false claims about the proposed book's potential. Advertising and promotion are crucial to making a book sell, and mainstream publishers make sure that the work they buy has sales potential. These publishers pay YOU to publish your work and rely on book sales for their income. That's why you see so many established authors and artists on book-signing tours, even though you would think their reputation alone would sell their books. Be careful and good luck.
end of archived message
[ Post New Message ] [ View Current Messages ] [ FAQ ] [ Photo Magazine ]