Non-fiction authors understand the frustration of doing tons of research for a book and then having to whittle it down for publication, often leaving awesome facts and photos on the cutting room floor. This happened to me recently after finishing the book, We Bought A WWII Bomber. I kept thinking there must be something I can do with all this wonderful extraneous material.
Then it hit me. Do a photobook!
After the book came out new facts and photographs came to light. Where could I put all this new information so it wouldn't get lost? Where could I put it so it would be handy to share at presentations?
Do a photobook!
Folks kept asking me things like, where I got the idea for this story? Where I looked for information? How did I know where to look? Others were curious about my research and writing process.
It hit me again. Do a photobook!
There's nothing that says a photobook is just for photos. You can explain your writing process through the pages of a photobook.
And then there are photos taken at my Book Launch, signings, presentations and other events, not to mention awesome reviews and even a national award. Should they get filed away in a box or lost on my computer?
They could but why not put them in a photobook?
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| Photos not in book |
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| Ring made from Bomber Part presented to me at a book signing |
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| Photos of bomber crash given to me at a presentation after publication |
Multiple online companies provide the service for reasonable prices. Once listed on their website you will receive discount coupons for various shapes and sizes. You create the book online after downloading company software. Once you plug in your photos and text and push SEND, the book will arrive on your doorstep most often within 10 days.
Three of the most popular companies are www.shutterfly.com, www.mixbook.com and www.photobook.com. The latter is the one I like best, probably because I've used it the most.
If you'd like to try a photobook from www.photobook.com, I was recently sent a coupon code to pass on to my friends. (I do not work for nor will I benefit from sharing this offer.) From now until the end of 2016, you can receive 60% off on a photobook of your choice by plugging in the following:
Code: PBLOVE2908TG14 Voucher expires 31st December 2016
Check on the photobook website of your choice for additional coupons. There maybe a better offer especially around a holiday.
I'm thrilled with the photobook I titled, The Story After The Story. In it I've collected all the things mentioned above. And yes, it was like rewriting the initial manuscript again, but it was worth it. Now the story of my journey to publication is not only preserved for my family, it's also a wonderful way for me to relive, all in one place, my fun-filled journey writing, publishing and promoting, We Bought A WWII Bomber: The Untold Story of A Michigan High School, a B-17 Bomber & The Blue Ridge Parkway.
One other tip: At every presentation, folks tell me the most amazing stories related to WWII. To preserve those stories and share them with readers, I've added a Stories Beyond The Book link to my website.
I'd love the hear how you've preserved your excess research and photos. Please share, or, if you have questions about my process, leave a comment and I'll do my best to find the answers if I don't know them off-hand.
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Sandra is always willing to answer questions you might have about her blogs or her books. She can be contacted at any of the following:
5 comments:
this is a great idea, Sandra. thanks for passing it along. I'll file it away in my brain in the part that's labeled "after the book comes out." But what a great idea to bring along to presentations too. Actually, maybe I should (optimistically) start creating a folder on my computer now--to be used later. Carol
Carol,
Yes Carol, you should most definitely create a folder for your excess research now, as you're going through it. It will consolidate your research and photos in one place so you'll have it if you need to prove the Historical aspect of your story to a publisher.
Thanks for your comment!
PS
I apologize for the bad photos of the pages. My book is a hardback and I couldn't lay the pages flat to photograph.
Dear Sandra,
What an awesome unique idea. I'm so proud of you and your ingenuity and your willingness to share it with us, your readers.
Thanks again for putting a post about Joan's Elder Care Guide on your blog.
Never Give Up
Joan
Wonderful idea, Sandra. Thanks for the coupon link. I think I'll take advantage of it.
Great Gretchen. You won't be sorry.
Thanks for the comment.
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