QUERY: HOW TO PUBLISH A NUMISMATIC BOOK IN 2012

I am enjoying the conversation about paper vs. electronic books, especially because my book on Centennial medals is facing a critical go/no-go milestone: will it be paper or electronic? The mainstream numismatic paper publishers have already informed me some time ago, politely but firmly, that they cannot afford to publish such a large book, all in color, that will cater to such a small predicted segment of the numismatic collecting frarority (there are female collectors, too), but they acknowledged the need for such a book and wished me "great success in my worthy endeavor."

It was Dave Schenkman who first suggested that I put my book online. His rationale, aptly illustrated with his own authoring experiences, was compelling. As a result, though the book is not yet ready for public prime time, I have developed a stand-alone website that presents the book, chapter by chapter, in pdf format, which allows full word search, enlargement of photos to full-screen size, printing, and downloading at no cost to readers.

Since I would not expect to make a profit on a self-published paper book, I can actually save money by giving the book away, and I see many other advantages, among which are:

• There is very little up-front cost (about $31) to be fully "published."
• The maintenance costs are very low (about $7 per month).
• Volunteer editors and proofreaders can easily access the book when it first goes online only to selected persons.
• We can correct errors and omissions as they are discovered, even after going "public," without having to wait who knows how long before a subsequent paper edition might be justified.
• I can Immediately add previously unknown medals (at least to me) as they are brought to my attention by fellow collectors. (I hope there are many!)
• I can include a forum feature that will facilitate discussion and collaboration among fellow collectors.
• The zero cost to readers and open collaboration among fellow collectors should result in greater "distribution" than would trying to flog a $200+ paper book.

I would appreciate any and all comments, suggestions, and criticisms before I take the irreversible step of actually going public.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: MORE ON ELECTRONIC BOOKS (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v15n20a09.html)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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