How to Get a Photography Book Published

Why It Is So Difficult To Get a Photography Book Published

Major publishing businesses that put out the big named photography books tend to only be interested in big named photographers who have put out successful books in the past. It is virtually impossible to get a major publishing house to take a chance on a photographer who is untested in the book selling marketplace. This exclusive atmosphere is getting worse as the publishing industry feels greater economic pressure from the expansion of the Internet. A photographer who has never published a photography book has a better chance convincing a small publishing business to take a chance on them. Even though the odds are better, they are still slim. Small publishing businesses might back a new photography book if they are convinced that it will sell and make them money. That means the photography book must be exceptional and marketable. The final alternative for those who want to publish photography books is to self publish. This can be expensive and risky, but also can be rewarding and profitable if done correctly.

The Decision Whether To Get an Agent for a Photography Book

There was a time that literary agents were a necessary part of getting a book published. They have the contacts with publishers and can open doors that you can't get through yourself. This is no longer true, especially when you are dealing with photography books. Literary agents often help authors edit works of literature to make them more marketable. This is not as important with photography books. An agent will also take a healthy cut out of your compensation for their services. These services include lobbying for you with publishers and negotiating contracts. Having an agent may be the only way to get your photography book considered at a major publishing house. If this is the path you wish to pursue, then an agent may be what you need. If you decide to use an agent, get one who specializes in photography books. Take a look at popular photography books on the market and find out who the agents who handled them are. Approach them directly with your idea and see if they will take you on as a client.

Approach a Small Publishing Business for a Photography Book

Small publishing businesses are often more willing to take a chance on a photography book by a photographer who has never made a book before. However, they will want to see credentials. It helps if the photographer has a well established career, is widely known and has a thick portfolio of work in periodicals or newspapers. It also helps if the photography book is on an unprecedented subject. The photography book must stand out from everything else on the market. It does not make sense for them to publish a photography book that looks like a bunch of others on bookstore shelves. Keep in mind that advances and profit potential are much more limited with small presses. They do not have the promotion and marketing muscle as the major publishing businesses and will print fewer copies of the photography book. The good news is that small publishing businesses are far more approachable than the major publishing houses. Contact them directly with your idea and make sure to have an impressive presentation prepared.

Self Publishing a Photography Book

Self publishing a photography book is simple these days thanks to websites like Lulu.com and Blurb.com. These self publishing web sites have special sections devoted to photography books. They allow you to design and publish your photography book with a staggering amount of flexibility and options. You can make the photography book in various sizes, in a multitude of styles, different designs, as many pages as you want, and with the binding and cover of your choice. Lulu sells 20 page paperback photography books for $14.95 for 9 inch by 7 inches and $15.95 for 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches. 20 page hardback photography books sell for $24.95 for 9 inch by 7 inches and $25.95 for 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches. Blurb prices start at $12.95 for a 40 page soft cover photography book, $22.95 for a hardcover with dust jacket and $24.95 for a hardcover with Image Wrap. Additional pages and features cost more. Publishing your photography book through one of these websites is a good start, but there is little room for a profit mark up at those prices. It is a good idea to make a few books on one of these websites and see if you can attract interest in your photography book. If you think you can sell a few hundred copies, work with a print shop to make a bulk order. The more you order, the lower your per book cost will be. Just make sure that you are not stuck with too many unsold copies.