How to Publish your Photography Book

Print on Demand services such as Blurb have allowed the every man to create their own Photobooks.  I (Kaitlin a first year MFA student at WSU) personally created a photobook for my BFA portfolio review.  However unless you have a background in Graphic Design or publishing the average person doesn't know what should or shouldn't go into a photobook let alone how certain choices impact the overall feel and look of a photobook.  An even bigger part is how to market the photobook.  If the book is meant for more than just sitting on your mothers coffee table where and how do you get it out to potential buyers?  For this I turn to the new book by Darius D. Himes and Mary Virginia Swanson ...

"Publish Your Photography Book"

By Darius D. Himes and Virginia Swanson

From publishyourphotographybook.com -

Praise for Publish Your Photography Book

This elegantly designed volume on publishing photography books fills a much needed gap. It is written in a clear and accessible manner with inspiring examples and an abundance of insight from notable figures in the industry. Himes and Swanson bring decades of knowledge and experience from their writing and publishing experience. This is the perfect book for students, artists and photographers everywhere.

—Dennis Keeley, Chair of the Photography and Imaging Department at the Art Center College of Design

From Mary Virginia Swanson's website - 
   Princeton Architectural Press:
“We live in the golden age of the photography book. Since the early 1990s, the number of photography book publishers has continued to grow while technological developments have placed more tools for bookmaking directly in the hands of photographers. For the students and working artists who have chosen photography as their primary means of expression, having their own photography book is seen as a passport to the international photography scene. Yet, few have more than a tentative grasp of the component parts of a book, an understanding of what they want to express, or the know-how needed to get a book published. Publish Your Photography Book is the first book to demystify the process of producing and publishing a book of photographs. Industry insiders Darius D. Himes and Mary Virginia Swanson survey the current landscape of photography book publishing and point out the many avenues to pursue and pitfalls to avoid. This expert guide is organized in six sections covering the rich history of the photo book; an overview of the publishing industry; an intimate look at the process of making a book; a close review of how to market a photo book; a section on case studies, built around discussions and interviews with published photographers; and a final section presenting a wealth of resources and information to aid in the understanding of the publishing world. Publish Your Photography Book also includes a number of additional interviews and contributions from industry professionals, including artists, publishers, designers, packagers, editors, and other industry experts who openly share their publishing experiences.”


On another note Marry Virginia Swanson is a photo industry leader for photographers to consult with.  She has a book called "The Business of Photography: Principles and Practices" and frequently travels around where you can meet with her personally or call her for a consultation.

Here is what her website says about consultations:
"Mary Virginia Swanson makes it her goal to help guide photographers towards the strengths in their work and to identify appreciative audiences for their prints, exhibitions, editorial and licensing placement. Swanson has a diverse professional background, having coordinated educational, publication and exhibition programs for a wide range of institutions and businesses in our field."

HOW WE WORK TOGETHER

Mary Virginia Swanson is sought after by photographers seeking to establish professional relationships, and focused marketing efforts, to place their personal work in the fine art arena. Ms. Swanson has assisted and inspired many artists to build on the strengths of their work and gain a broader understanding of the fine art, commercial and editorial markets. To stay current in our industry, and to provide exceptional consulting service, Ms. Swanson attends every major photography event, either as a speaker, portfolio reviewer or juror, as well as gaining continuing education for herself.

Please understand that Ms. Swanson is a Consultant not an agent, lending her professional insights and advice.   She does not make introductions or secure professional relationships for her consulting clients with galleries, publishers or clients in other markets.

CONSULTING WITH PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ms. Swanson will tailor her consulting services to meet your goals, such as:

• Help you in understanding the business of photography and work together to build your “toolkit” toward participation as an informed professional.
• Maximize your investment in portfolio review events, preparing for portfolio review events, and attending gallery expos.
• Assist you in identifying appropriate exhibition venues for showing completed bodies of work.
• Assist you with your research toward prioritizing potential creative clients in the advertising and design communities, if appropriate for you and your work.
• Guide you in preparing your self-promotion pieces.
• Inspire you to stay creative, recognize the strengths in your work, and build upon those strengths.

Overall it should be noted that even though creativity and motivation are keys to success reaching out to others for advice is a necessary step.  While you might want to jump into marketing your photography and photobooks head first I suggest grabbing these two books "Publish Your Photography Book" and "The Business of Photography: Principles and Practices" so you at least have some guidance upon impact!