Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Roger Pearse · 01-26-2008, 07:01 AM

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Originally Posted by DCHindley

What you are proposing is essentially self-publication (sometimes called "vanity press" publication, but usually when associated with one's own unique work unless you want to take credit as an editor).

I think so too, although vanity doesn't come into it. I don't want any credit (which will be non-existent, as you rightly point out), and I have no interest in publishing books. It's merely the only way I can think of to get the dollars necessary to fund further translations. I'd rather not plaster my name all over it, in fact, although I will have to put something small somewhere as editor, I expect.

Quote:

There are a number of such publications out there, mainly because mainstream publishers are interested in volume only (i.e., unless they can sell hundreds of thousands of copies they won't even give you the time of day) ...

Which of course isn't the case for Eusebius.

It might be possible to smuggle it (or a cheaper version) into Christian bookshops somehow. Not sure how, but the audience is right.

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...and academic publishers like Brill sell principally to university research libraries for hundreds of dollars a pop and have no interest in works that won't appeal to this market.

I'd like to sell to that market too, if I can see how.

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However, I have noticed that Oxford Univ Press has published works that do not fit neatly into these two categories as long as they deal with the "classics" (which can include something as obscure as selected excerps from Epiphanius' _Panarion_ by Philip Amidon).

See if you can identify some authors who went this route, and try to contact them to find out what they did to prepare and if they can offer advice.

Interesting thought, not least since I've swapped emails with Philip Amidon.

But the problem is mainly money. If I give the work to Oxford they will want ownership of the copyright (which would prevent me putting it online when sales dry up, and keep it out of most people's hands for 100 years) and will only pay a small royalty (so I won't even get the money back unless they sell loads).

All the same, it might be worth opening negotiations, I agree. After all, if they could sell enough to get the money back, and *would* agree to me holding copyright, then we could do business. Won't know unless I ask.

Thank you for the suggestions.

All the best,

Roger Pearse

Roger Pearse · 01-26-2008, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuart shepherd

I'll pay as much as $40.00 for the book when you get it done.

No need to answer back...just keep me in mind.

Thank you for the info, and, yes, I will keep you in mind. When the book is ready I'll let people know collectively and individually.

It should be a really useful volume. What amazes me, given the number of 'bible problems' that people think up and discuss, is that no-one has ever troubled to translate this collection of them. Probably the Syriac put them off. Well, it doesn't put *me* off!

All the best,

Roger Pearse

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