Wish all German books were translated to English (was: Jagdgeschwader 5 - Volume 3)

[Ruy Horta]

Focus...

This discussion started because on more than one occasion an author was criticized because he choose to (first) publish in german. As an enthusiast I really strongly object to this negative approach.

I really think that this is not the right way to go about the fact that one - we all have - has personal limitations.

But you are right, I do not wish to beat a dead horse, so I will personally not continue to pursuit the matter any further.

[Erik Mombeeck]

Hello
thanks for all these interesting reactions.
Regarding John's one (Maybe it is the time for authors like yourself to band together and form an independent publishing house aided by people like myself and those on many forums to support you not only by buying the books but in other way - (think out of the box!).

I find this difficult to do. I think that the greatest help for small self-editors like us would be to have good distributors in Europe as well as in USA. But, like we said before, the kind of subject we chosed does not attract much book sellers. So, we stay with the unsold books in our garages. A pity for the enthusiasts... and our cars.

best regards

Eric
www.luftwaffe.be

[edwest]

If I may add a few words. Writers, whether of fiction or nonfiction, usually do not enter the field with the intention of learning about printing or distribution. They simply want to have copies of their work get into the hands of those that are interested in similar things. There is also the problems of dealing with publishers, their contracts, and limitations they may impose on the contents.

However, the approach to everything must be to solve problems and get answers to questions. Not guesswork or negative comments. As far as books published in languages other than English, my reply would be "Isn't that better than nothing?"

As far as people banding together to get their books published, well someone would still have to have the knowledge to deal with printers and distributors and make a living while doing it. There is also the concern that even among a group of like-minded individuals, there might be a development to modify the contents to save money. And who would finance these books?

It can be done. I currently work for a small, independent publisher of fiction books. It is hard work. In my case, I understand printing and distribution but it takes a while to learn. However, unlike the books being talked about here, there is no need to interview people or go to archives.

I agree with Ruy. Complain less, find ways to do the things you want to do. And finally, from my own experience, in publishing, as in much in life, there is no guarantee of success. (Becoming a plumber or electrician would get me a better income but I don't want to do those things.)


Regards,
Ed