I find it awkward to abandon politics and post a more personal diary, but here goes. Anyone who cruises here has seen how difficult it it to get a book of any kind published, let alone sold. The title to this diary is the title of my book, one I have been working on for four years: The Moon has been Eaten, Images from a Year on Easter Island.
Actually, we spent almost 2 out of the last 4 years on the island. I did my B&W photography while my wife painted. I found outfits anxious to take the book on, as long as I put out a "Limited Edition" of 500 myself and managed to sell it. Otherwise - zip. So I'm doing just that - no guts, no glory. I'm using a little money I made on Apple stock to pay for the printing of 500 hardback, on fine paper, tritone (almost twice as expensive as cmyk), 98 images with anecdotes, Rapanui titles, Spanish translation, DVD included with music, videos, pdf of book for readers, color screensaver and more, AND an original print (book size) of image of buyers choice.
This week my promotion flyers go out, I just posted everything on my site(s) on line. I know I can't put a link like that directly here, but it's the site listed in my profile: jamescraigphotography.com
The most I will actually ask for is as many "like"s as I can get on my Facebook book-page (Facebook button on site page). They help a lot. I hope any of you who go to the site enjoy the images. Of course books can be pre-ordered, or order form downloaded. If you know anyone who might be interested - PLEASE direct them to the site. Also, the screensaver - set for now for up to 30" display / MAC only, but that will be updated - is a free download and contains 250 color images of the island and its people.
The title comes from the title of one of the images in the book, the old Rapanui phrase for a lunar eclipse. There is also a link there to the Island Blog which I am just rebooting for our 3 month trip beginning in 3 weeks.
As far as getting my money back, I will have to pre-sell 360 of these things to break even. If not I'll just assume a fetal position in the nearest closet, drink cheaper wine and stay home for a while. I should add that this trip it won't cost us anything beyond food and transportation to stay on the island - we have wonderful friends there. If not, we could not have afforded to return after the first year.
Wish me luck
Go Bama - we'll be back for looking where we can help in January