{"id":4922,"date":"2019-02-28T17:14:46","date_gmt":"2019-02-28T17:14:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/media-archive.blackartinamerica.com\/?p=4922"},"modified":"2019-03-07T12:05:54","modified_gmt":"2019-03-07T12:05:54","slug":"10-tips-for-self-publishing-art-books-and-catalogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/earthexhibitions.org\/media-archive\/?p=4922","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips for Self-Publishing Art Books and Catalogs"},"content":{"rendered":"

10 Tips for Self-Publishing Art Books and Catalogs<\/b><\/p>\n

Self-publishing is becoming more and more popular across just about every industry imaginable, and this includes the art world. Why, you ask, would a visual artist be interested in publishing a book or catalog? Well, one of the biggest reasons is because a book or catalog offers access to an artist\u2019s work to people who might not be able to afford it otherwise. \u00a0It can serve as a portfolio and can also be used for artists pursuing faculty jobs and hosts of opportunities. Many are deciding to take the time spent pursuing agents and publishers and use that energy to do the necessary research to successfully self-publish their own projects. Aside from that, one of the primary reasons many choose to self-publish is because it\u2019s much easier to maintain creative control of the project. The flip side of that, though, is self-publishing has what can be a rather high learning curve and the author has to be able to finance the project in its entirety. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Book:<\/a>

Book: Charles White, A Retrospective<\/p><\/div>\n

-Be concise \u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Remember the art is the focus of an art book or catalog. The book should give insight into who you are, your accomplishments as an artist, and the art. <\/span><\/p>\n

-Hire a professional graphic designer<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

If you are a graphic designer or dabble in graphic design, by all means, go for it. However, if you don\u2019t have graphic design experience and have no understanding of concepts such as white space and knowing how much text to include \u2013 hire someone. If you dabble and know that your work is not quite of professional quality \u2013 hire a professional designer. If you are a graphic designer, but looking to publish a work of your visual art or design work, you may still find it helpful to hire someone and have them execute your vision \u2013 should your budget permit. This allows you to focus more fully on other aspects of the process. <\/span><\/p>\n

-Create a budget<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t wing it. Create a budget for your project. When self-publishing, all of the costs are yours. A budget should include items such as: design and layout, content creation (if needed), professional editing, purchase of barcode and ISBN, proof copies, and printing and shipping costs. Use this list as a starting point, but do your research on what else should be included in your projected budget. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Soul<\/a>

Book: Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power<\/p><\/div>\n

-Trust the process<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to understand that just because you\u2019ve poured your heart, soul, and bank account into the project \u2013 it just might not be a best seller overnight. \u00a0There will be benefits, but you may not be able to see them immediately. It may even be a year or more before you start to reap the benefits of your labor. Some artists see an increase in sales after the book while other artists experience new connections or professional relationships and opportunities that lead to money as a result of the book or catalog. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

-Hire a professional editor<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Even the best authors have editors. In fact, many have an entire team of editors. \u00a0Of course, you can proofread your own work, but that only goes so far. You\u2019re familiar with your own work, so it\u2019s easy for your mind to auto correct typos and mistakes. Proofread carefully and then hand it off to an editor. Additionally, if you\u2019re creating a catalog, there isn\u2019t a lot of text, so the errors will be much more glaring than they would be in a narrative work. As with every aspect of the self-publishing process, do your research on editors. Please don\u2019t make your decision based on who is the cheapest. \u00a0You don\u2019t necessarily have to go with the most expensive one you come across, but remember \u2013 you get what you pay for. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

Book: The Art of Elizabeth Catlett by Dr. Samella Lewis<\/p><\/div>\n

-Know the difference <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Know the difference between a catalog and a book. \u00a0A catalog is essentially a souvenir of a body of work that includes images, an artist\u2019s statement, and an introduction or foreword by a prominent figure in the art world. It should also place your work in a wider context by presenting details that help provide a framework for the art such as information about the time period or other circumstances that speak to the background of the body of work or collection. \u00a0A book has more of a narrative flow and includes much more written content than a catalog. <\/span><\/p>\n

-Research printers carefully<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Finding a reputable printing company that does high quality work is one of the most difficult aspects of the self-publishing process. Do your due diligence. Take time to research printers and ask for samples of their work. For example, if your work is going to be a hard cover, coffee table style book \u2013 find printers who specialize in those and are willing to send a sample(s). Printing quotes are typically based on a book\u2019s page count and dimensions. You should start researching printers early, but you\u2019ll need to know the final dimensions of your book and have at least a general idea of the page count. \u00a0Many also find it helpful to find a local printer vs a printer overseas or many, many miles away as it also makes the process a bit smoother sometimes. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Dorsey,<\/a>

Catalog:Resistance Works by Najee<\/p><\/div>\n

-Get a proof copy<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Not getting a proof of the finished product is one of the biggest mistake authors (and sometimes even publishers make). Even if everything has been laid out perfectly, paper and ink options have been discussed, etc., sometimes things can still go wrong during the printing process. If you get a proof of your book first, you can catch things like that before the final book is printed. \u00a0Remember items such as ink and paper quality should have already been assessed during the printing company selection process. <\/span><\/p>\n

-Be humble <\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Avoid trying to list every place that you\u2019ve ever hung a painting or every person who owns your work. \u00a0Padding is easily recognized by seasoned readers and\/or art connoisseurs. Don\u2019t create false connections. Let your work speak for itself. Don\u2019t try to use the names of other artists, etc. to validate your work. It won\u2019t work out well for you. \u00a0Don\u2019t misrepresent who you are and what you\u2019ve accomplished. One instance of this instantly calls everything else into questions \u2013 even if it\u2019s true.<\/span><\/p>\n

-Books and catalogs don\u2019t sell themselves<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Once you have the finished product in hand, there won\u2019t be any fireworks or magic that happens. You\u2019ve gotta put in the work. Of course using social media is a given, but don\u2019t stop there. Use it to introduce yourself, set up meetings and ultimately forge relationships that you can develop further offline. And remember, even if immediate sales don\u2019t happen, the relationships you form can potentially bring in much more money on down the line. <\/span><\/p>\n

For more tips and info on self-publishing, join the mailing list at <\/span>www.urbanedgepublishing.com<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Visit the museum gift shop for art books and catalogs from BAIA<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Browse and shop for fine art from our growing network of artists, collectors, estates, galleries — specializing in works by Black American artists with great values on premier art.<\/p><\/div>\n

START COLLECTING ART<\/span><\/h1>\n

Sign up for our\u00a0free\u00a0email course<\/u><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>on how to begin your collection.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dr. S. Alexis Anderson graduated from Bennett College with her B.A in English, has her M.A in Technical & Professional Writing from Georgia State University, and a PhD in Rhetoric and Composition-also from GSU. She is the Head Sista In Charge (HSIC) at her company – Get It Write Consulting and also serves as the Executive Director at one of only two historically black theatres in the state of Georgia – The Liberty Theatre & Cultural Center, Inc in Columbus, GA. When she ain\u2019t busy writing or being a servant leader, \u00a0you can find her kickin\u2019 \u00a0it with loved ones, \u00a0listening to good music, sipping Remy VSOP and sprinkling her Black Girl Magic. If you need help getting your words \u00a0together, hit her here:\u00a0info@getitwriteconsulting.com<\/a><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

Would you buy stock in BAIA if you could? Well we invite you to join us in becoming a monthly supporter, starting at just $3 a month and up\u00a0YOU<\/b>\u00a0become a stakeholder and begin to help us transform lives through art. We are growing the BAIA team and will use your contributions to hire more team members for the purpose of creating more educational and marketing resources for schools and universities about african american artists both past and present.
\n\u200b
\nReview our list of rewards for becoming a BAIA\u00a0Patreon<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\/ patron supporter. Your monthly contribution has lasting benefits. \u2014 \u201cWhat will your legacy be\u201d \u2013 Dr. Margaret Burroughs<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

We Appreciate Your Support<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Share this:<\/h3>