Many valid points are raised in John B., Lara, and Mr. Frailey's posts. Present economics would suggest that to do a high quality photo intensive rr book is a break-even for the author. It shouldn't be this way but the publisher holds all the cards (especially the large publishing houses) Probably the only way these books get published at all with a retail price around the $50.00 mark, is through photographers sharing their work in exchange for a book. There should be a concerted effort to change this but the railfan market is quite small and the larger publishers could easily live without doing our books. How about about the smaller specialty houses like Morning Sun Books etc? Do they make money? On the other hand, magazines make money and should pay competitive rates for photo use. Magazines are frequently thrown out after a month and your photo with it. Books are "forever" and are the ultimate way to share your work in one manner. Quite some time ago we had a discussion about the life of your work after you pass on and a presence in a book would lend a bit of immortality to your photography. I'll stop rambling as I am venturing into wild speculation. We have (or had) some other book authors on board: what are your experiences?
Mike Gardner --> SPORRS: Serious Photographers of Railroad Related Subjects
