Russ, sounds like you intend to keep busy for the foreseeable future.. Don't be too upset over the fact that these books do not sell in large numbers. We are selling to a "discriminating clientele" (i.e., a small demographic base...). you at least know just how many books you have sold; in my case I have found that most editors are very reticent to tell the author just how many copies they have sold (unless it's a royalty deal, when they have to account for all copies). To make you feel good, my smallest run was 41 copies (40 of which I bought myself for family and friends, and one, count it, one copy sold to "the public"! That was a sort of autobiography I did as a "vanity" thing). At the other end of the scale the book I did for Squadron sold about 2000 copies, but Squadron does inexpensive books and they have a great marketing and distribution system. All the other books were somewhere in between. Anyway, I agree that we are doing this more to spread the word and share whatever knowledge we have, organize data, and try to present it well. My compliments to you again for your work on Italian military subjects. Ralph
Thanks for the interesting post Ralph. Yes, it appears that it is a small demographic base. I suppose since I'm mixed in it (so to speak), on most occasions, it can seem bigger than it is. Certainly, the fire-arms collectors are a much much bigger collecting fraternity than just militaria collectors. Some carry over, back and forth, but still stratified in some ways. Interesting, and I can understand it certainly. For myself, I love my firearms (antiques), but also enjoy studying the uniforms, personal items, etc. and read the history, but that is me. Some folks are strictly firearm collectors or just badge collectors, etc, etc. Ralph, I recently read a book by Austin Kleon, called Steal Like an Artist, concerning creativity, the process, making money or not, etc. and why we need to do what we do (create). What I came away with it was what you said, basically, we have a need (to create), do it for yourself if you have no-one appreciating your process and it's ok. ...oh, make sure you have something to pay the bills and then create. Interesting read and my synopsis is a bit short and crude. Anyhoo, thanks for sharing and my enthusiasm has not diminished. I'll continue as it fulfills an inner need I have. haha Sorry gents, for getting heavy! haha
Best to All, Russ
Thanks for the interesting post Ralph. Yes, it appears that it is a small demographic base. I suppose since I'm mixed in it (so to speak), on most occasions, it can seem bigger than it is. Certainly, the fire-arms collectors are a much much bigger collecting fraternity than just militaria collectors. Some carry over, back and forth, but still stratified in some ways. Interesting, and I can understand it certainly. For myself, I love my firearms (antiques), but also enjoy studying the uniforms, personal items, etc. and read the history, but that is me. Some folks are strictly firearm collectors or just badge collectors, etc, etc. Ralph, I recently read a book by Austin Kleon, called Steal Like an Artist, concerning creativity, the process, making money or not, etc. and why we need to do what we do (create). What I came away with it was what you said, basically, we have a need (to create), do it for yourself if you have no-one appreciating your process and it's ok. ...oh, make sure you have something to pay the bills and then create. Interesting read and my synopsis is a bit short and crude. Anyhoo, thanks for sharing and my enthusiasm has not diminished. I'll continue as it fulfills an inner need I have. haha Sorry gents, for getting heavy! haha
Best to All, Russ