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Chris Saper · 03-26-2002, 12:17 PM

Book Writing

Writing a book for North Light Books was a wonderful experience in all regards, and eye-opening as well. I cannot say enough about the responsiveness and competence of every department involved in the process.

I would estimate that the manuscript production, including art, took about 1400 hours. I had eleven months time in which to do everything, which amounted to somewhere in the neighborhood of 18,000 words and 225 images. This is the standard 128-page book that NLB publishes.

My 17-year background in hospital administration and strategic planning required me to write constantly, both technical documents and issue-oriented work; so as a result, writing is something I like to do and do comfortably. For someone who does not enjoy writing, I think that the process would be stressful. However NLB has a 100+ page manual that shows you how to write and type the manuscript, and a lengthy manual on photographing art suitable for reproduction. It's essential to be able to work with the tungsten light/slide film set-up they suggest.

Although you are paid an advance and royalties, you must repay the advance out of initial sales, before you begin to get a check. This is not the type of work you would look to to retire on (unlike John Grisham's).

That being said, it is great experience to work with such an organized and professional company, that produces such high quality products. The color reproduction was excellent; the editing staff was so good, that when I got my intially-edited work back, I couldn't really tell where they cut out the extra 6,000 words (I actually sent them about 24,000 words).

Before signing the contract I spoke to Albert Handell and Kevin MacPherson, both of whom had similarly excellent experiences with North Light Books.

So I would recommend to anyone that this project would be a good idea, given that you will be able to do the manuscript production and that you have the time available, as there is definitely an opportunity cost, in regard to the paintings which you will not be able to do, due to the time spent at the computer.

Good luck to all, Chris

03-26-2002, 12:17 PM	#4
Chris Saper SENIOR MODERATOR SOG Member FT Professional, Author '03 Finalist, PSofATL '02 Finalist, PSofATL '02 1st Place, WCSPA '01 Honors, WCSPA Featured in Artists Mag. Joined: Jun 2001 Location: Arizona Posts: 2,481	Book Writing Writing a book for North Light Books was a wonderful experience in all regards, and eye-opening as well. I cannot say enough about the responsiveness and competence of every department involved in the process. I would estimate that the manuscript production, including art, took about 1400 hours. I had eleven months time in which to do everything, which amounted to somewhere in the neighborhood of 18,000 words and 225 images. This is the standard 128-page book that NLB publishes. My 17-year background in hospital administration and strategic planning required me to write constantly, both technical documents and issue-oriented work; so as a result, writing is something I like to do and do comfortably. For someone who does not enjoy writing, I think that the process would be stressful. However NLB has a 100+ page manual that shows you how to write and type the manuscript, and a lengthy manual on photographing art suitable for reproduction. It's essential to be able to work with the tungsten light/slide film set-up they suggest. Although you are paid an advance and royalties, you must repay the advance out of initial sales, before you begin to get a check. This is not the type of work you would look to to retire on (unlike John Grisham's). That being said, it is great experience to work with such an organized and professional company, that produces such high quality products. The color reproduction was excellent; the editing staff was so good, that when I got my intially-edited work back, I couldn't really tell where they cut out the extra 6,000 words (I actually sent them about 24,000 words). Before signing the contract I spoke to Albert Handell and Kevin MacPherson, both of whom had similarly excellent experiences with North Light Books. So I would recommend to anyone that this project would be a good idea, given that you will be able to do the manuscript production and that you have the time available, as there is definitely an opportunity cost, in regard to the paintings which you will not be able to do, due to the time spent at the computer. Good luck to all, Chris __________________ www.ChrisSaper.com