Hello chaps, got a quandary. As some of you know I’ve been busy working on a book project (The WWII Operational Flying logbooks of W/C Roland Beamont, DSO* DFC*).
What they consist of is scans of all pages of his logbook relating to his operational tours with 87, 79, 56 and 609 squadrons and 150 and 122 Wings. Underneath each logbook page are extracts from ORB’s, combat reports, newspaper cuttings and other accounts, plus a goodly few pages of photographs from all periods of the war. (And a couple of pages with sections from his post war logbooks – 1st flights on prototypes etc). 320 pages, just shorter than A4.
Anyway, we’re having them done as hardback with colour dustjackets and gold blocked hard covers and launching them at Legends from the TFC area. we’ve got an isbn so can sell them through other people etc and perhaps library usage. the thing is, we have no idea of the size of the market that it will sell to. Any ideas? The decision is between 609 and 1000 copies. There’s only a grand in it, so it’s not a financial consideration – I just hate the idea of having boxes of one book lying around.
Oh, and pricing. We’re decided on £25, so not too expensive.
Any ideas and input gratefully received! Cheers chaps.
mark
By: Jagan - 14th May 2006 at 03:15
While I had suggested going for 1000 earlier, it didnt strike me that I could leave the extra ones unbound and binding them later if the demand goes up.. good one Moggy!
By: wildcat - 13th May 2006 at 18:48
Will not make it to legends this year, but can I pre-order two copies?
I am working with people closely connected with Roly’s EE/BAC days and I know they are all going to want copies as well .
Snapper, I reckon on going for the 1000. As Moggy said breaking even at around the 650 mark.
Roly was a well known and respected pilot both during and after the war and there are many folks out there who who inspired by him. There is sure to be a lot of interest up here in the North West.
As an aside Eric Bucklows ( also ex BAC Flight testing crew) book ‘Coronation wings’ ran to 2000 copies of which he has sold over 1000 to date.
By: Moggy C - 13th May 2006 at 18:35
If you sell less than 609 you’ll be a grand worse off having ordered 1,000.
For every one you sell over 609 you’ll be about £22.50 better off. Breaking even on the increased quantity around copy 653.
Me I’d print 1,000. Make up and bind 609 and see how it goes. You can always bind the remainder if sales go well. It’s less to junk if they don’t. Leaves the option of a cheaper paperback version too.
Moggy
By: Barnowl - 13th May 2006 at 17:04
Well i’ll be asking for one as from the missus for our upcoming anniversary…
It’s only 6 months, but hey, little victories!!
Sign In
May 13, 2006 at 4:24 pm