Thank you for your kind words, Geoff. I’m glad you like the book.
As for the thorny topic of book pricing, I appreciate that some write as a hobby, but professional motoring writers need payment.
In the past when I've been approached by other publishers to write a book, the fee was non-negotiable and pitiful. It was then followed up by some cynical flannel regarding ‘legacy' and 'doing it for the exposure’. (Ironically from an employee who - one would hope - is paid for their work.)
On one occasion my fee would equate to 0.08 pence per word, without any mention of payment for sourcing images. And yes, that does read correctly and it is not a mistake - 0.08 pence per word. Never mind the research process and the question of any resultant expenses was not clearly answered.
When image sourcing was mentioned, more disappointment arose. I was last quoted a truly terrible £500 (at magazine rates that is enough for just 10 images). Yet when I was offered said figure, I was told that if I didn't spend it, then I got to keep it! So, unsurprisingly, some authors either take their own photos or have to blag them if they want to comprehensively illustrate a book. (Compare this with 'Aero Dynamic' where we had professional photographs and two touch-up teams working on them.)
Factor in mediocre repro and layout plus cheap printing/binding, and there is little incentive to write a cut-price motoring book.
All of which is why I feel lucky to have worked with a publisher such as Butterfield Press. A company which not only matches my levels of enthusiasm for the subject, but is intent on pushing quality levels in the right direction - up! I hugely appreciated the trust which was placed in me to research, plan and write the Racing Department's story. I was not patronised or messed about, only helped - and going on the positive reviews we have received, we’ve done a proper job.
How many copies of ‘Aero Dynamic’ would’ve sold for £47.50? Well, without wishing to sound blunt, that’s an easy question to answer - zero - because it wouldn’t exist.
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