JOHN K'S BOOK PUBLISHING OPTIONS / PART 11

John K. / And Others: John, when you write your book on publishing options, you might want to add something I've discovered, though it may all ready be known. Recently, a book was published about Newport, RI---Stensrud, Rockwell. Newport: A Lively Experiment, 1639-1969. The name of the publisher was given as the Redwood Library and Athenaeum in Newport. I live in RI and know that the Redwood Library is not normally a publisher. It is a library for researchers and the general public that charges a (nominal) fee for membership. (I should belong, but I haven't done it yet because I have other options.) Nor does it print books. I believe the author got the library to sponsor his book, and thereby gain publicity, and that the book was printed privately or by a self-publisher that allowed the use of personal imprints. (I have not yet examined the book physically, but will probably read it as the subject is interesting to me.) Then I recalled that about three years ago another book was published by a Rhode Island author: McBurney, Christian M. A History of Kingston, R.I., 1700-1900: Heart of Rural South County. It was published in 2004, and by the Pettaquamscutt Historical Society, in that community. The Pettaquamscutt (Try saying that fast five times!) Historical Society also is not normally a publisher, nor a printer of books. I did examine this book and had researched that the book was printed/manufactured by a book manufacturer in Maryland, though I don't recall its name, and would have to research it again. The author of this book, who was born and raised in Kingston, RI, is a lawyer practicing in the D.C. area. Obviously, the author used his contacts at the Pettaquamscutt Historical Society to get them to sponsor his book for purposes of publicity, and perhaps for other options. To me, these examples present a new way of publishing. If a person can join a library or museum or historical society, and gain some influence with it, his (or her) book might be sponsored by the institution as the publisher, in return for a number of options: Publicity, a percentage of sales, status, etc. I couldn't do this in Rhode Island because it's a tough place socially, and snooty. But I could do it with the museum in my hometown where I believe I'll move within a year. After all, it has exhibits about some of my relatives and ancestors, and needs publicity and funds for its exhibits. It's also a good way to market a book. What do you think, John?