Thanks Nell. I think we are going for a paperback (I don't remember anyone deciding), that's what I ask for a quote on. I see what you mean about the matt laminate, gloss would look a bit cheap then...

There is no option for 'perfect bound' on the site... I presume 'unsewn limp' is the same...but I'm not sure.

If we get everyones approval to use Antony Rowe it's probably best for us to ring them and talk it through. The estimate given should be a good guide but will no doubt change a bit once we've decided on all the details.

I have a copy of Nell’s The Golden Web and I find myself fondling it… it’s weighty and smooth and the cream paper is really classy. If our collection could have the same browse-appeal I think we would sell more – certainly to local shops. I’m happy to go with AR.

Nell, many thanks for the advice. We need it and I’m sure we all appreciate it. Keep it coming if you think of anything else.

Guys, I think our biggest problem is going to be distribution. If AR deliver to one address we have to decide who… but then what?

If we’re all going to take a bundle to sell individually, then that person will have to parcel up the books and despatch to everyone else. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to post books so that they arrive at their destination in pristine condition so we will have to invest in proper packaging.

What’s the alternative? They go to a distribution centre? Or all to Amazon? And then how do we divi up the money whenever we sell a copy? I can foresee huge practical difficulties here.

Hope this doesn’t sound too negative. I just think we need to give some thought to the next step.

Dee
x

Maybe if they were all delivered to one address -- someone who would handle Amazon despatches - that's something to think about too -- and some of us could go and pick up copies and others could have them posted?

Does this make sense?

BINGO!

Dee, you're right there will be problems. Ani, has a good point; if one person handles Amazon that will be a start at least.

I guess that one person will end up controlling the stock and sales, and the only easy way to evenly share the money would be to somehow keep it all in one place then divi it up quarterly or something.

I'll have a think... As I said before I will get a website up soon. Perhaps we can use that to help organise sales somehow. I reckon we can at least get our own forum for the site, there are a few free forum hosting sites I think...

I wonder how easy it would be to get a joint bank account in the name of our 'flash collective'... then all payments could go directly to that. (Not sure it's possible without forming a company... and that's a bit drastic)

Do we all have a Paypal account? We could probably distribute the money that way.

And Elspeth has a point. There are, I believe 15 of us, but only 5 or 6 have posted to this thread. Where is everyone else?

Dee

Just an idea - why don't you all simply divide the books between you and each be responsible for selling and distributing your own and keeping the profits from them? I can't forsee a problem with overlapping on outlets unless some of you live close together, but those that do could work that out betweeen you. Keeping good records would be important of course. Copies sent out for review could likewise be divided up so there was no overlap. Sales of books from Amazon or the website (you must have one) could be resolved with a telephone call - from the person you choose to deal with that particular sales area - to each of you in turn as orders come in. Then each would deal with dispatch in turn and the profits could be adjusted through Paypal. (As they'll be paid by Amazon or the buyer into one account through an email address.) I really must stop interferring...

Nell.

<Added>

Or even interfering...

Nell, you are not interfering (however you spell it!) You are sharing your precious experience and we are very grateful. I was imagining a wee jaunt over to London to pick up my allocated pile of books and then selling them from the boot of my car - hopefully having sold out by the time I get home, thus making the whole visit a surreal dreamlike adventure! Of course, I can see this is not as easy for Adam and Sion...

Elspeth
we could try to have a meetup one Saturday in a London location and do the distrib at the same time

I'm still with you! Antony Rowe I'm happy with, too.

I had already thought the same as Nell...that we could each take our share of books and take the money from them. It seems like a simple way to approach it, but I'm not 100% sure it's fair. Some people will find it easier because of their location, and perhaps their other work commitments etc...or even possibly through their cirlcle of friends/ contacts. At the end of the day, the value of the book is in the writing and everyone will contribute equally to that, so really there should be an equal share of the returns for all... but then, shouldn't the rewards be more for those who make the sales... This isn't easy is it .

I guess this is why you don't see too many self published collaborations... I suspect we will muddle through it somehow. In a situation like this, communication and good will are what's needed. Innitially I guess we all just want to get our writing out there, and hopefully our investment back...yes? But if we get a bit of advertising and suddenly start selling more, and don't have a fair system in place, there may be trouble ahead .

I have a few ideas about how we could do it, but I need to think them through more first. I'm sure everyone else must be considering this aspect too. I don't think it's negative, Dee... I agree that it needs thining about. Better to sort this side of things out earlier than later...

Dee or Nell,
How is the lettering(font) in The Golden Web? Is it hypnotic? Will the reader want to lick the pages? I find this can be crucial sometimes when you pick up and skim the pages of a book.

Wow, do I get to call in for a vacation? To London? Can we think up a more exotic place to meet up? Maybe meet up Elspeth in Paris?

We really do need to think about the marketing of this, don't we? Are you guys sure it's possible to set up a joint Paypal account of 15 people? I think the folks at Paypal would find that too risky.

If it's easier to discuss this away from the WW site, we can use this message board -
http://com2.runboard.com/bflashcollective.fmainchat

I don't mind whether we discuss things here or there (it was free). But join the message board if you like (if you're one of the flash book contributors).

Sorry... my last comment sounded bad. Should have said (if you're interested in the flash collection book... I'd be happy for others to join in if they want to. Especially you, Nell)

Sorry... my last comment sounded bad. Should have said (if you're interested in the flash collection book... I'd be happy for others to join in if they want to. Especially you, Nell)

<Added>

Crazy new-fangled computer thangs!!

Bumping this up!...

Let us know if you're OK with Antony Rowe please, contributors...

And visit this message board to discuss http://com2.runboard.com/bflashcollective.fmainchat.t2|offset=10

Derek.