Author spins her entrepreneurial tale at
November Book Fair
A Self-Publisher's Saga
Author spins her entrepreneurial tale at
November Book Fair
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Authors , have you ever dreamed of having more control over your work and profits? Edsey’s humorous presentation of an entrepreneur’s struggle to start a new business will delight and instruct inspiring self-publishers with insights on PR, distribution, and more.
Edsey grew up in a family of eight children. It was no surprise that the outside of her house wasn’t decorated for the holidays or that the aluminum Christmas tree found a well-guarded home in the playpen. But her parents, like thousands of others, packed the kids in the car each holiday season for their annual trek to see decorated Christmas houses.
As an adult, Edsey realized that there was a need for a book that would lead viewers to the best displays and answer the questions so often asked when arriving there.
With the help of local newspapers, librarians, city clerks, postal workers, police and neighbors, and weeks of dizzying drives up and down neighborhood streets, she accumulated a list of almost 400 eligible displays. Over the course of several years, she interviewed the decorators and narrowed the field to nearly 250 locations.
She used her abilities as an art director to take the majority of photos herself. During five chilly holiday seasons she spent nearly every night photographing outdoor decorations, logging over 10,000 miles in her car in the process.
Edsey not only discovered hundreds of outstanding displays, but was consistently amused by the delightful tales of the charming people who created them. Anxious to share their entertaining stories, she decided to try to publish a book on the topic.
With her knowledge of the printing industry and background in graphic design, Edsey wrestled with the option of publishing her own book. "I liked the idea of having more control and more profit, but more work had its drawbacks," she said. As the publishers (who she was certain would be fighting over her proposal) replied one by one with form-letter rejections, her decision became clear.
In 1994, she established Tabagio Press. After completing the writing and photography of her book. Edsey, a graphic artist, proceeded to design, sell, and market it as well. To date, The Best Christmas Decorations in Chicagoland has sold nearly 12,000 copies while enjoying excellent reviews and widespread media attention.
Edsey’s five-year project took her down paths never imagined: nightly under-the-wire runs to O’Hare Airport for the last FedEx pick-up, the liberal whittling down of her Book Expo exhibit to avoid union fees, calls to the Department of Streets and Sanitation to determine how a 60-foot semi could bypass viaducts to deliver the books to her home. Nevertheless, her publishing adventure "provided an education no school could offer," she said.
In addition to continuing her publishing efforts, Edsey is current a self-publishing consultant and lecturer, and teaches courses in publishing at Columbia College.
If you already have a book published, here’s your opportunity to display your wares. All are welcome to distribute their books or tapes at this event. A book table is free to members and only $10 for nonmembers. Indicate your interest by sending in the form. Space is limited and authors must reserve their tables by Nov. 10.
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To order your copy of The Best Christmas Decorations in Chicagoland, contact Tabagio Press, P.O. Box 578913, Chicago, IL 60657-8913, phone (773) 404-9402; fax (773) 477-4169.
Price is $21.95
+Sales tax (IL residents only) .0875
+ $3 per book shipping
For MasterCard/Visa orders: Include charge account #, expiration date, and authorized
signature
All orders will be shipped via U.S. mail book rate. Allow two weeks for delivery. For rush
orders,
please call for shipping.
The Best Christmas Decorations in Chicagoland is also available at stores throughout
Chicagoland.
Author Interest Form for Nov. 14 Book Fair
Mail or fax to Peggy Grillot, IWPA President, 1310 W. Dexter Lane, Hoffman Estates, IL 60194; phone (847) 706-3504; fax (847) 706-3599 by Nov. 10.
Yes, I’m interested in having my books or tapes at the IWPA Book Fair. I understand that I must be present personally. Members’ book tables are free; nonmembers pay $10.
Name: ____________________________________________________
Street/City/Zip: ______________________________________________
Phone:____________________________ Fax:______________________
Book/Tape Titles: _____________________________________________