How do I have a Great American Mystery Series book set in our community?
In general, agree to buy the first 1,000 copies at $7.50 each. You also agree that you will have no editorial control over the book.
What is the total cost? When does it have to be paid?
The total cost is $7,500 plus shipping and handling, delivered to your location. One-half will be due when the books are ordered; the other half due upon receipt of books. If you sold over 500 books at $14.95 you would cover your cost, plus still have 500 books in stock to sell at any price you choose. Some communities have used this project as a fundraiser, others have used it as a promotional program and others have used it as a combination of both. You would also agree to cover the expenses of research, which means that you reimburse the author for travel and lodging expense plus a research fee of $500. Research costs usually amount to less than $1,500.
What is the retail price of the book?
The publisher's suggested retail price is currently $14.95. Once the book is on the market, it is probable that some large book retailers will discount the book price.
Who is the publisher?
Great American Publishers. On the Web at www.greatamericanpublishers.com
Do they publish just the 1,000 books that are sold to us?
No. Several thousand copies are published and distributed to retail book outlets. They are available online at amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Wal-Mart, etc. Many libraries also purchase copies.
How long do you stay in the community for research?
Generally, three or fours days are sufficient. Usually, the local contact arranges interviews for the author. After the research visit, there is Internet-based research, telephone calls with local residents and email correspondence.
How long does it take for the book to be written and published?
The research and writing process generally takes 12 weeks, and the same amount of time for editing and printing. From research to delivery of books takes about 6 months. A project started in May should result in books delivered by Thanksgiving (just in time for Christmas).
Do you mention specific local businesses in the book?
Yes. This is done in consultation with the local contact. It is noted that some businesses that were mentioned in previous books have since gone out of business. Care should be taken in this regard.
Do you help promote the book in our community once it is published?
Yes. After publication I will come to your community for a day of promotional events at no additional cost to your organization, except travel expenses.
What if we wanted to order less than 1,000 copies?
At this point, it is not economically feasible to do the project with less than 1,000 copies ordered.
Can we order additional copies if we sell out?
Yes. Your organization would be treated as a bookstore and given the usual discount.
What if we wanted to get a sponsor?
It is up to you how you want to pay for your order. Some communities have had sponsors order a large number of books, for example a hospital in one town ordered 100 books.
What if a sponsor wanted to have an advertisement page or a recognition page in the book?
A page or pages with sponsor advertising is acceptable. Also, a page near the front of the book stating that the book was made possible with the support of a certain sponsor is acceptable.
What if we don't like the book?
Sorry. You have no control over the content of the book. Nevertheless, as I have done in the past, I will provide a rough draft to the local contact person for review and commentary. It is not my desire to write a book that you don't like. On the other hand, I am not writing a book that I do not have complete editorial control over.
What if the book doesn't sell?
The success of the project will be based on a good book and your promotional efforts. If it does not sell there will be no refund.
Has it been successful in other communities?
The level of success in other communities has varied, depending on several factors. I'll tell you about the worst-case scenario first.
In a certain community the Main Street program was revamped (new Board and manager) while the book was at the printer, and the new local Main Street board president was not happy with the book. After consultation with the publisher, we mutually agreed to void the contract. Ironically, that book went on to have good sales in the community, but the books were bought from the publisher, not the Main Street organization.
In another community, the Main Street manager enthusiastically supported the project, promoted the book heavily and sold over 500 copies in advance. That community now has a book on the market about itself and it effectively did not cost them any money. So those are the two extremes.
My goal is very simple. I want to write a book that will inspire people to come to the community to visit the places mentioned in the book. Does this mean that local tourism will drastically increase? I certainly doubt it. But it will showcase the community.
I receive mail from all over the country from people who have read books in the series. There was enough interest outside the United States that the German publication rights were sold to a foreign publisher. The project has been written about in numerous Mississippi newspapers and magazines and at least one national magazine about mystery writing.
If you need more information, email me: phil@philhardwick.com.
Here are links to two articles that may be of interest to you:
Sunday Morning With Phil Hardwick - The Clarion-Ledger
Biography of Phil Hardwick (Starkville HS Writers Project
About Phil Hardwick
