Publishing/printing a book

[D.B. Cooper]

I've written a book and am looking to see if anyone has experience in that field, whether self published or published through someone else. I'm aware of some of the benefits and drawbacks, but am looking for how to approach a publisher and what led to your success (or lack thereof).
I'm thinking of printing a handful of copies as a proof-of-concept, so I'm also looking for any info about any companies that would print and bind a hardcover coffee table book. The pages are 11" x 8.5" (landscape) and the cover would be glossy, similar to a school textbook. It's 289 pages and about 150 of them are full color.
I'm looking to have a quality product in the end, so am trying to avoid doing something strictly on the web or through Staples. This would be printed as a benefit for a local organization, so no money for D.B. I simply want to see if I can do this.
Thanks!

 

[Campgottagopee]

Very cool, and good for you! I have zero experience so no help here.

What's your book about?
Running from the cops?

 

[D.B. Cooper]

Ha! The blurb on the back cover is this:
The People and History Behind Adirondack Boathouses contains vivid full-page photos that are paired with a rich one-page story of former owners, a history of the property or the fascinating heritage of Lake Placid, the Saranac Lakes, and the surrounding region. This captivating journey takes the reader across eight stunning lakes in the Northern Adirondacks, showcasing over 115 of the world’s most breathtaking boathouses.
Each boathouse is presented with a unique story, woven with history and intrigue. From visits by icons like Albert Einstein, Mark Twain, and U.S. presidents, the tales also delve into secrets of the Adirondacks—mysterious disappearances, Adirondack bootlegging during Prohibition, nuclear weapons and the legacies of the region’s Olympic games and athletes.

There is no mention of current owners, property values or anything negative about former owners. Personally identifying info, e.g. boat names on the transoms, have been removed.

 

[Brownski]

Wow. That’s a cool idea. I bet that could sell really well if presented to the right audience. It’s much better than my idea for a coffee table book. I don’t have any tips but I’m really interested to hear what advice people have to offer. Good luck with the whole project

 

[Harvey]

Will you be able to buy it online?

Maybe nysb could help you sell it.

 

[Campgottagopee]

Ha! The blurb on the back cover is this:
The People and History Behind Adirondack Boathouses contains vivid full-page photos that are paired with a rich one-page story of former owners, a history of the property or the fascinating heritage of Lake Placid, the Saranac Lakes, and the surrounding region. This captivating journey takes the reader across eight stunning lakes in the Northern Adirondacks, showcasing over 115 of the world’s most breathtaking boathouses.
Each boathouse is presented with a unique story, woven with history and intrigue. From visits by icons like Albert Einstein, Mark Twain, and U.S. presidents, the tales also delve into secrets of the Adirondacks—mysterious disappearances, Adirondack bootlegging during Prohibition, nuclear weapons and the legacies of the region’s Olympic games and athletes.

There is no mention of current owners, property values or anything negative about former owners. Personally identifying info, e.g. boat names on the transoms, have been removed.

Excellent.

I enjoy reading books about the ADK

I'm currently reading a book, Trails of Enchantment. The book is about deer hunting in the ADK, and is considered to be one of the best whitetail deer hunting books ever written. It was written in the 1930's by Paul Brandreth, or so that's the name on the book. The author is actually a woman, Paulina Brandreth, but wanted the name to be that of a man for fear nobody would read it due to it being written by a woman.

Let's just say, she's killed a lot of big ADK bucks!.

 

[Campgottagopee]

Maybe nysb could help you sell it.

I'd buy a copy fo-sho

 

[Woodski12]

Shoutout to Harvey for being a cool guy and offering to help. That is the greatest and most rewarding power of all IMHO.

 

[Ripitz]

That’s great D.B., put me down for one. Would love to help but I only know about Snapfish.

ADK boathouses and old lake boats are fascinating to see. I love floating around checking them out. Especially the ones with planes.

 

[tirolski]

This boat house is in Hoffmeister on Route 8 on the way up to Piseco Lake in Hamilton County.
https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/boat-house-new-york-modeled-on-mayflower/
Tain’t on the water though.

I do think there’s also a cobblestone seaplanehouse on Piseco Lake. Used to see it when we fished by the island.