Publishing a book on folk music - UK

Subject: Publishing a book on folk music - UK
From: Tradsinger
Date: 17 May 18 - 05:19 AM

I am seeking to have a short book published of my folk music collecting, with an appendix of 25-30 songs. I have had one offer for self-publishing but ideally I am looking for a firm that will also do the marketing and distribution. Please message me with suggestions. Thanks.

Tradsinger

Subject: RE: Publishing a book on folk music - UK
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 May 18 - 12:51 PM

Hi Tradsinger..it might be better for people to post info here, so we all can learn. Thanks.
Joe

Subject: RE: Publishing a book on folk music - UK
From: beardedbruce
Date: 17 May 18 - 01:03 PM

I used Xlibris, but they charge. They will do marketing, for an extra fee. US, UK, Aus.

https://www.xlibris.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?Book=546662

Subject: RE: Publishing a book on folk music - UK
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 17 May 18 - 02:22 PM

Tradsinger,

You explain very little as to what you are trying to do or achieve. You do not mention what your 'short book' will be about, other than your 'folk music collecting'.

Is it simply a vanity publishing exercise, as the offer for self-publishing suggests? Or is it something more substantial as your mention of a firm that will also do the marketing and distribution indicates.

Without giving us more detail, I can't see any way for us to help.

Subject: RE: Publishing a book on folk music - UK
From: beardedbruce
Date: 17 May 18 - 02:47 PM

Okir publishing is a cheaper per volume cost, but has extensive marketing add-ons.

Subject: RE: Publishing a book on folk music - UK
From: Tradsinger
Date: 17 May 18 - 05:18 PM

OK, you wanted more information. I have been collecting from sources singers in southern England and the USA for over 40 years now, and have amassed a stack of recordings. The British Library Sound Archive now has a copy of all these recordings in digital form and sometime soon they will put them all on line. I would like to publish a book at the same time which recounts my reminiscences of the performers I met and gives some background on them. The text of the book is written and runs to about 30,000 words. Steve Roud has agreed to write a forward for the book.

I have had experiences of self-publishing in the past and find that after an initial flurry of selling, it settles down and you are left with boxes of books you are trying to sell.

This is why I am looking for a publisher who will do the marketing and distribution, not just the printing. I don't intend to make any money from the venture but feel I have something to say that some people might be interested in.

Does that clarify things?

Tradsinger

Subject: RE: Publishing a book on folk music - UK
From: GUEST
Date: 17 May 18 - 06:32 PM

"I have had experiences of self-publishing in the past and find that after an initial flurry of selling, it settles down and you are left with boxes of books you are trying to sell. This is why I am looking for a publisher"

Good idea - that way, it's the PUBLISHER who's left with boxes of books that THEY are trying to sell!!!

Seriously, though, it sounds very interesting. Maybe EFDSS would be interested, or at least have some good suggestions? Good luck with it.