Guns of the Colt Forum...Book?

[twaits]

Do you guys think a photobook of "Guns of The Colt Forum" would have a market outside of our community?
There are so many nice Colt's pictured here with so many forum members having really nice photo skills.
If one was to compile these images in a book I think it would be very interesting. It could have text written by some of our members in their own words describing their firearms. Perhaps break it into sections similar to how the forum is broken up.
I wouldn't mind doing it myself but I would need some guidance as I've never attempted to publish anything.
Thoughts or opinions on a project like this?

[Old-Colts]

I think that even though these pictures are posted on the Internet (basically free access by anyone); in order to compile a book of these pictures that would probably be sold, albeit enjoyable by all Colt collectors, the task of seeking permissions (making it legal) and get captions generated would be a daunting task.

And then there is the possible distribution of royalties to contributors; yikes!

[diamondback22]

I Think thats a really good idea..i just got a book on savage pistols in the mail today, the main reason i purchased the book was the color pictures..some of the colts on here are very rare and im sure many people would love to see them..

[twaits]

I think that even though these pictures are posted on the Internet (basically free access by anyone); in order to compile a book of these pictures that would probably be sold, albeit enjoyable by all Colt collectors, the task of seeking permissions (making it legal) and get captions generated would be a daunting task.

And then there is the possible distribution of royalties to contributors; yikes!

This is why I would ask for people to submit pictures to me with their permission to use the images. I wouldn't really expect to make much if any money on the project. It would be a labor of love so the only compensation given to contributors would have to be credits for their images. I know any image I post here I don't mind if people use. I'm flattered if people want to use my photos actually. If I could do this and just break even I would be happy.
But I am definitely open to everyones pros and cons and I truly appreciate any feedback given.

[Old-Colts]

This is why I would ask for people to submit pictures to me with their permission to use the images. I wouldn't really expect to make much if any money on the project. It would be a labor of love so the only compensation given to contributors would have to be credits for their images. I know any image I post here I don't mind if people use. I'm flattered if people want to use my photos actually. If I could do this and just break even I would be happy.
But I am definitely open to everyones pros and cons and I truly appreciate any feedback given.

I agree with your approach and I believe that would be agreeable with most potential contributors! Just make sure you completely understand the legalese before you go forward! Good luck if you decide to pursue this; I wouldn't mind having a book like that myself!

[rusty37874]

twaits,-- While I applaud you for your willingness to tackle this project, I think it would be near impossible to do in your "Spare Time", as If I am correct, you still work. I have two personal friends (Who were both retired) & had available funds for unforeseen expenses, attempt to get out a book on 1877's, both projects never materialized. Both said there were huge hoops to jump through when you get serious about it. I wish you good luck if you ever decided to pursue this project.--It is for sure a full time endeavor.

[montegomx70]

I want to see a book titled ''the guns of kidsopris''.

[JudgeColt]

I have a wet blanket that I will throw out.

With no experience in publishing, it would be a task of gigantic proportions. In addition, so few of the pictures here are properly lit and arranged so as to be "book" worthy. If the just "raw" photos from this site were used, it would not satisfy most. There are already many books that show rare Colts properly presented. There would be little interest in the Buba-engraved Police Positive Specials, run-of-the-mill common Colts, "new"' Colts and the like, that dominate the photo section.

I do not think it is an economically feasible project. Of course, if I were offered enough royalty for my photographs, then I might change my mind.

[kwill]

My blanket may be a bit warmer. There are plenty of ways to self-publish these days that make it pretty easy, if not cheap. Here's an article to get you started: Self-publishing a book: 25 things you need to know | Fully Equipped - CNET Reviews. My wife is a pretty good photographer and has published several books of her photography this way. Here's how I would approach it:

1. Solicit as many photographs as possible. Include some language in the solicitation that gives you permission to publish the photograph. Get the serial number and proper description (perhaps a copy of the factory letter, if possible). You'll need to specify a certain DPI/resolution that will reproduce well. The publisher can help you with the proper specs, depending on the size book you want to print.

2. Edit the collection of photographs and arrange them in a logical sequence with good captions.

3. Lay out the book using Adobe or whatever on-line tools your publisher supports.

4. Order a small quantity. A large format, hard cover book may cost you $50-$75 apiece to print. If you are confident that you can sell 50-100 of them then the price will go down.

Regards,
Kevin Williams

[Buckspen]

I have put together several small "books" on Colts, Brownings and Randall knives. If you don't get too ambitious, it isn't hard to do. I started off using a service called "Winkflash" which will print and bind the book for you. There is a limit on pages, relatively small if I recall and I found editing to be difficult. Then I used Microsoft Word and incorporated photos and text and found it easier than Winkflash. I had the first Word books sprial bound, but lately I am just getting them three-hole punched for putting in a binder. It is not inexpensive. Quality color printing for a 50 page book can run the cost up to $30 or $35. I use Office Depot for printing and try to wait for a discount coupon which helps.
So far, I have done a book on all the Colt .22 single actions, the New Frontier .22s with cross-bolt safeties (volume I and II), a Browning handgun photo book, one on Colt manufactured holsters for the .22 caliber single actions and one on Randall knives. These are specialized books and not large. I have also found that the market is very limited! I have yet to meet my expenses on these, but it's been fun doing it.
I'm also in the process of putting together a book on all the Colt .22 single actions that were sold in the Greg Martin Colt Archive auctions, but am still waiting on the last of the photos from GM/HA.
I spoke with the representative of Blue Book Publications at the last Colt Collector's Association show and got a couple of tips from him. The most important was NOT to use Microsoft Word in preparation of a serious book. Use some type of dedicated publishing software instead. I still use Word because it's easy and I don't plan on getting very serious about this.
I did look into the self-publishing/print-on-demand business mentioned by Kevin Williams, but found it to be much more than I wanted to get into. Nevertheless, this could be a route to getting it done.

- - - - Buckspen