I’m a photographer.
I’m putting together a coffee table/photo book of pinball images shot in 2019–2020 (and also a book about punk rock in the 90s)
The printing costs are astronomical in small quantities.
Unless I order 1000 copies, there is no way I can produce a satisfying product that isn’t over $100 - to print.

Now it’s been suggested I do a Kickstarter.

That feels weird to me because it’s like asking people to overpay (over, overpaying comes with perks!) For what is essentially a preorder.

The work is amazing. It’s different in an artistic polished, gritty way.

The advantage to Kickstarter is, if funded, I would have at least enough to pay the printing bill. Making a minimum (750–1000) reduces cost dramatically (offset printing vs. laser).

There could be multiple formats (a 12” x 12” Hardback would be radical). Special edits. Inclusion of framable prints. A post-Covid bespoke shooting session. Etc.

Shooting was an interesting journey and a fun time. It was still hundreds of hours and thousands in equipment to execute. Plus, editing, layout and spreading the word are endless love.

Stern has archives. Interesting. I have Robert Frank style documentary photography that’s been described as ‘dope’.

I ask this here since there are apparently 40 pages already discussing this Avenue.

I did do a ‘teaser ‘zine’ which sold out hella fast. At $25 it ended up covering an equipment repair. Nice to have that camera back but a man’s gotta eat too.

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I looked into a couple Chinese publishers. Has anyone used one? The things that could go wrong....

Any suggestions are welcome. I’m looking to print something ambitious.

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Interestingly enough, I’m trying to publish a book about pinball. Yes, that’s right, pinball.

It’s expensive as heck to manufacture and distribute. I have a 32-page preview ‘zine that sounds expensive at $30 ($25 + $5 shipping), but half of that is printing and packaging. Not to mention time spent actually shooting the thing.

It’s on Pinside and Etsy. What it isn’t is an encyclopedia of games. It’s about the action and it’s about the people. Shot by a professional photojournalist (me).

I bring this up because a reasonable price of, say $50 for a hardback is only achievable is I shell out $30k for 1000 copies or so.

And then I have to sell those. One at a time. 600 just to cover the printer’s bill..

Before that, it’s at least 100 hours of editing, layouts, color correction, blah, blah, blah.

And a thousand more of shooting.

But I digress. I’ve thought about a Kickstarter but even then, the self-publishing economics are heart-breaking...

I’m not commenting to plug my publication. I’m commenting on the ‘why bother’ difficulties and costs.

And, of course, the images are horrible.

Rock on.

XTN
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