BOOKS & CATALOGS

A few years ago, at a trade show dedicated to photography, a French printer said to me: "You know, Mr. Fayt, there are two types of photographers in life: those who have a book and those who don't". A sales argument as big as a house, but one that touched my ego as a great lover of art books.

You might say that this represents a certain budget, and you'd be right, especially if like me you love beautiful things.

Yet since then, I've published two of them: the first is out of print and the second is still making ends meet. The explanation is simple... Neither cost me anything, yet both sit in hundreds in beautiful libraries around the world.

But more than just an extra income, you need to see your future book as an investment in your reputation, as a business card, as a gift you can give to your customers, to the galleries you covet. It'll give you a whole new dimension, and in the end, a single book represents just a few euros... For less fortunate art lovers, it's a chance to treat themselves to a sample of your work in the meantime...

"In the end, there are two types of artist... It's up to you to decide which one you want to identify with.

 Ideally, your book should be paid for before it goes to print. We're in the 21st century, and there's no shortage of financing solutions. Remember, you're going to sell it, and sooner or later you're going to recoup your investment.

Several solutions are available:

1 - Find a publisher:

There are plenty of them. It's up to you to find one that likes your work. If you're not well known, there's little chance he'll finance it for you, but the chances are not zero. He'll give you the benefit of his network. Nevertheless, you'll gain almost nothing, apart from the pride of seeing your work distributed.

2 - Participatory financing

This is probably the most common solution in self-publishing. I've used it myself for my own projects. You need to motivate your friends and acquaintances, who will then share your fundraising or pre-sales campaign with others. You also need to appeal to the media to get as many people as possible involved. There are a lot of tricks I can share with you if we work together.

3 - Your work has value

If you manage to "seduce" a printer or sponsor, this can lighten the bill considerably. A gallery, a brand or an institution can contribute to the costs in exchange for a defined number of copies of your work.

4 - Self-financing

You don't have to worry about financing the printing of your book, but the task seems daunting, so let me help you.

Whichever route you choose, what I can offer you is expert advice on your project, from financing to printing. I'm also at your disposal for any photographs you may need to include in your book.