publishing

March 1, 2009 11:24 AM

How do I go about publishing an art book?

I have a really great idea for an art book. I have several artists and pieces that I am interested in including. I like the idea of self publishing (like from sites like lulu) - but I am not sure if the print quality is perfect. I also would prefer to print on recycled paper. Does anyone know if there are any self publishing sites that let you print on eco friendly materials?

I am afraid to approach publishers because I am scared they might steal my ideas? Can they do that? I've had my artwork ripped off a lot in the past.

I've never published a book before and I am afraid artists won't take me seriously, especially if I self publish.

Any suggestions?

posted by ChloeMills to society & culture (4 comments total)

This wiki-how looks like a rather comprehensive source for self-publishing. If this self-published book goes well, then going to a publisher next time (if you do another book) will be easy and I think they'll have a harder time stealing it. If you have it all well-planned out and are confident, then people will take you seriously, don't worry.
posted by lizbunny at 11:33 AM on March 1

I have several artists and pieces that I am interested in including.

To risk belaboring the obvious, the first step is contacting the artists or their estates with your proposal, because you cannot republish images of their artwork unless they grant you permission to do so. Reputable self-publishing companies won't agree to produce or distribute books that include copyrighted material.

I am afraid to approach publishers because I am scared they might steal my ideas? Can they do that? I've had my artwork ripped off a lot in the past.

I'm sorry you've had artwork ripped off! That must be incredibly angering. But so long as you approached reputable publishers -- or sought the representation of a reputable agent, which is more the way to go when seeking publication -- I think it is highly, highly unlikely that anyone would attempt to steal your ideas. Although ideas themselves cannot be copyrighted, and thus are always vulnerable to being "borrowed," you should keep in mind that professionals in the publishing industry have a million great ideas thrown at them every day. The execution of those ideas is what makes for a success -- and the folks who make a living putting your books into print don't have time to execute the ideas. That's why they continue to turn to writers to do so.

I've never published a book before and I am afraid artists won't take me seriously, especially if I self publish.

Alas, this is very possible. If I were you, of greater concern to me would be the lack of options for distribution and promotion. Building buzz on a book published by a NY house is no easy shakes. To inform people of your self-published book, and furthermore, to make it easily available for purchase, is a full-time job in itself.

You should google for information on the (very few) huge success stories that have emerged from self-publishing. The lengths those writers went to in order to promote their books is truly staggering -- and even so, it generally took some uncannily lucky turn of events for their books to become well-known and profitable.

I don't mean to discourage you. Just -- do a lot of research into the business aspects of this venture before you decide to go the self-publishing route. And don't count out trying the more conventional route simply because you're afraid some dishonest sort might scoop you.
posted by artemisia at 12:51 PM on March 1

I helped one of my in-laws with self-publishing. Though, it wasn't his book, but that of a late cousin of his, who requested in his will that a book of his be published. I did the cover. I forget the company but it was one of the biggies out there, ex libris, iuniverse, or such. I was pleased with the outcome, and it provided a nice "souvenir" to other relatives.

There will always be others that will sneer at your work, so self-publish, published by God Himself, makes no difference there.
posted by forrestal at 1:18 PM on March 1

"I have several artists and pieces that I am interested in including.

To risk belaboring the obvious, the first step is contacting the artists or their estates with your proposal, because you cannot republish images of their artwork unless they grant you permission to do so. Reputable self-publishing companies won't agree to produce or distribute books that include copyrighted material."

As per this -- I guess publishers would take me more seriously if I got artists on board first - but didn't know if artists would be interest in till I get a publisher on board.

But yeah - I was obviously going to get permissions and contact all the artists before using any of there work!
posted by ChloeMills at 1:58 PM on March 1