More Reprints, Maybe

I am, actually, working on original material for publishing, but it's a slow process. I'm also once again looking at a variety of books to reprint in various subjects (e.g., archaeology, origins debate, comic history, etc.). I've just ordered a batch of older books to review, via interlibrary loan, and will see if any of them look commercially viable.

Technically, I'd like to put out another 20 reprints by the end of the year, with an average sales potential of 100 copies a year. That may be difficult with solely online sales, but it is possible with the right book selection. That's about what my reprint of The Compleat Angler runs, though that has far more UK sales than any of my other reprints achieves. Natural Theology was doing about that until the competing paperback came out. Hopefully that will rectify itself now that Amazon is showing the price change to $11.00. (About as cheap as you'll get for a nice paperback copy of that book -- good addition to the origins debate bookshelf for anyone interested in the history of that subject.)

Review Copies for Cryptozoology Titles

Someone asked me about review copies recently, which is an interesting subject that probably deserves a lot more thought than most small publishers actually give it. I've stopped sending out review copies for most of my books, especially for reprints. I have kept track of sales for certain titles and have a pretty good idea of the impact that published reviews have had on sales. It's interesting, but overall, reviews really don't have much influence on my title sales. The only caveat I would put there is that a review in a publication with a large distribution would probably have a noticeable impact just because of the numbers game. But, for example, even the most frequented cryptozoology blogs and popular cryptozoology newsletters are not large enough to create that kind of publicity; thus, a mention of one of my cz titles on those venues may turn a few sales, but not enough for me to readily distinguish it from "background" sales coming from personal marketing efforts (my website and my StrangeArk mailing list). Generally speaking, those who are most serious in cryptozoology pursuits will hear about the books from that direction; and most readers should be familiar with my personal inclinations within cryptozoology, so already have an idea of what to expect in terms of quality and scope for my personal books.

Some publishers have started issuing electronic (PDF) review copies, rather than paper copies. That might be an option for me in the future. The problem with POD, of course, is the high print cost; so, for example, a copy of The Great Sea-Serpent has a print cost of about $10. Can't afford to send out dozens of those even if there was merit in it. But, PDF's can be sent by email without too much of a problem. But even then, it comes back to 1) are there enough sites or publications that even review the kinds of books I publish, and 2) are their readers made up of book-buyers or just casual enthusiasts who enjoy belonging to the cryptozoology community?

What would be a significant boon to both cryptozoology and cryptozoology publishers, I believe, would be a stand-alone website dedicated to cryptozoology books: fiction and non-fiction. Pertinent data, summaries, cover images, purchase information for publications without online access, etc., would all be of interest. (Maybe even forums for personal reviews?) Preferably, it would be operated by more than one individual, so that a wider range of books comes into notice; and, should probably be operated by someone other than primary publishers/authors, just for objectivity's sake. At present, I don't think there is any current site that covers even just the cryptozoology and cryptofiction books published within 2006-7.

Recipes, Finally

For some time, I've been wanting to put out a book or two with a culinary emphasis. (Yes, I watch Good Eats.) There are so many cookbooks on the market, of course, and I was looking for something a bit more interesting than a collection of casserole recipes. (But someone already put out a herpetofaunal cookbook, so ...)

I've talked a friend of mine, Matt Adams, into putting together a collection of simple, but classy, recipes and techniques for single guys who are looking to impress a date with dinner. Step-by-step instructions (and photos) should make this a great gift for any guys you know. The book is in the writing stage, but we hope to have it available within a few months.

Price Change for Natural Theology

Given the interest in the origins debate over the last few years, I had reprinted Paley's Natural Theology. Initially, it sold fairly well, then began slowing down. Didn't think much of it, until I recently reviewed the Amazon page, and realized that Oxford Press had put out an edition in the meantime, which is undercutting sales. So... I've sent a price change (down to $11.00) to my printer, which should set my version lower than the (discounted) Oxford paperback. It will probably be a month before the price change feed get picked up by the online booksellers.

Blue Tiger

The reprint edition of Caldwell's Blue Tiger has been sent to the printer. As there really is only a chapter or so on this strange tiger in Caldwell's text, I added an additional "appendix," by Roy Chapman Andrews, on the hunt for the maltese feline from his perspective.

Sea Monsters Unmasked

I've sent a reprint of Henry Lee's Sea Monsters Unmasked to the printer, should be available within a few weeks or so. This is a much shorter book than Oudemans' Great Sea-Serpent, will retail $11.95.

Also working on a few reprints of Abraham Lincoln-related anecdotes.