--- In JoanCrawfordHerLifeInLettersBook@yahoogroups.com, "vogelworld"
<mvozus@a...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Everyone -
>
> Well, I'm 80 per cent certain that I'm going to publish "Joan
Crawford: Her Life In Letters,"
> myself. I have the completed manuscript, the photos, the foreword
from Joan's grandson,
> Casey, and permission from Joan's daughter, Cathy. I'm tired of
waiting for a publisher.
>
> I figure I have my website - www.michellevogel.com - and I have a
lot of contacts to
> promote the book too. The more I think about it, the more I think
it's a good idea - BUT....
>
> I'd like your opinion too. For instance, how many books do you
think I could sell? This is
> something that I have to think about if I'm doing this myself
because all the publishing
> decisions are on my shoulders. I'd appreciate your expert advice
because I know that
> everyone here has Joan's best interests at heart and you've all
been a great support of my
> book from the get go.
>
> Looking forward to your thoughts....
>
> Michelle x






Michelle, Well, I tend to feel like the poster
before me, I'd love to be able to buy the book sooner than later,
which I think you said would at the very least probably not be
anytime this year, if you went the traditional route and continued to
search for a publisher.

I'm sure it's safe to say everyone in this group is interested in
purchasing a copy, or we wouldn't be a part of this particular group
of Joan fans on yahoo. I know I want a copy, and I guess self
publication is a unique way of owning and staying true to ones own
literary vision, and it would put the book out there faster, whereas
the seach for a suitable publisher may take a couple of years or may
never be found.

However, going the self publishing route one wouldn't be able to
be certain that your book would reach the greater audience of Joan
fans out there that I assume you would want to reach with your book.
I guess that would depend on advertising, whatever form that took.
One would think that a website, for example would be a useful tool in
reaching large numbers of people, maybe even a website for the book
alone.

I suppose that what it boils down to is, that like you say, it is
indeed a crap shoot. Either road that you choose, your book will be a
welcome addition to our own Joan collections, and it will be I'm sure
a valuable contribution. One that's not been made before, her life in
letters. This isn't much help I'm afraid, but it's just some of my
thoughts upon reflection.

Michael