Regional Food Issues Book – Any Interest?

[Tom B.]

Appreciate the feedback. There aren't any delusions about a high print run for this. It would be a trade book, not mass market, with this audience as one of the main targets for sell-through.

[toppcat]

I've sent a note and encouraged others to do the same. I really hope this comes off. I have a copy of a 2009 Hot Wheels book done by F+W in what I assume is a similar style to the proposed regional book and it't fabulous.

Can F+W print to order or do they have to do a run of x copies?

I would add, after reading the TOC, that I hope all years of a particular set such as Post, are used, not just certain years. That may be your intention, I just can't tell.

Well-good luck with this!

[Rich Klein]

The advantages is that the articles have probably been already written for SCD and thus no extra writers cost.

I'm glad there are no delusions on print run.

I will still say I anticipate a sell through between 500-750 copies

Rich

[steve B]

I'd be interested, but the final decision would come down to the book itself.

The chapters shown look like more of an "adventures in collecting" sort of thing, which I like if it's well done.

something with some depth and entertaining to read at a decent price point works for me. Or extremely in depth at whatever price. Interestingly enough at least a few of the more price guide like books about stamps have migrated to an online book. interesting progression, great catalog at $100 from the authors, no update expected- update expected, to be discounted for the original buyers - Updates sent electronically but free to original buyers - Catalog online and partly updated on occasion. Not so hot for those of us who prefer actual books, and spent the money, but overall better for a segment of the stamp hobby. (Specifically those who collect worldwith postage meter imprints- yeah, those machine printed usually reddish things that pay postage on your bills etc. Some of us actually collect them.) Talk about short sales expectations

Steve B

[lutherlafy]

My favorite sets are the mid 1950s regional meat & wiener sets.
Trying to get scans of all my favorite sets.
Still need a couple Esskays, several 1954-55 Hunter wieners.
Let me know if you think you might can help.
Book sounds good.

[insidethewrapper]

Will it cover regional sets or all food issues ? I thought Post Cereal was more than regional.

I think a complete food issue book would be good. This would cover all the regional meats etc. but also cover in depth Kelloggs, Post, Wheaties etc.

[Rich Klein]

I just received an email from Krause (F&W) with the 2011 Standard Catalog, the last one with "modern" pricing and the 2012 Standard Catalog for $14.95 each.

Three things,

1) At that price point, I encourge all hobbyists to pick up each book

2) Those prices also prove my point about book publishing. We already had a comment about how he would purchase this book at the "right" price. I think F&W will find that even selling 1000 copies, which to me is the absolute max at $19.95 retail won't really bring much profit to them. From reading the TOC, the only cost will be the actually printing of the pages since they still presumably own their own printing press in Iola.

As a corporation, I'd consider what the cost is to bring back the SC in full form at a higher price point and see if I can recover some of my monies that way. Plus after that, THEN prices can go on line for a fee as well.

3) I want it understood that I'm never against any hobby work -- but I don't want a work like this to be pubilshed at F&W to almost be a death knell. F&W could make much more money with some common sense.

Rich

[theseeker]

Originally Posted by insidethewrapper

Will it cover regional sets or all food issues ? I thought Post Cereal was more than regional.

I think a complete food issue book would be good. This would cover all the regional meats etc. but also cover in depth Kelloggs, Post, Wheaties etc.

I second this. Expanding it from regonial issues to include all the major food issues would greatly add to the appeal. Both the regional and national food issues have been glossed over in the past, so a book devoted just to them would work at a higher price point-- for me.

I hate with a passion what has happened to the publishing industry. Reading books, newspapers, hobby price guides, and magazines on line simply isn't the same in terms of its depth, scope ,and enjoyment. Just as the remote control added to the ADD problem, the internet ushering in the demise of the print industry is adding to the dumbing down of America.