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21 Apr 2008
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An obvious answer
Writing a book does take a certain amount of talent and resolve. Few people write well enough to be published and of the talented fewer have the resolve to actually finish a book. Not taking a slap at the above authors who have had the resolve and may have the talent. <img> They are in the minority.
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21 Apr 2008
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this is good
Quote:
Originally Posted by onlyMark
If you really feel you'd like to get something published then one easy way out (but not always the best) is the "Print to Order" type of web site, like - Self Publishing - Lulu.com
You write your book, format it with their templates, send it to them, decide on a price for it and voila.
It's free to do, but on the other hand, a lot of the cost per book goes back to the publishers.
There is no marketing either except for people looking at the web site. You can buy marketing packages though.
They will then print off a copy when someone orders it, hence there is no run of e.g. 1000 books printed, it is one by one.
If you are in it to make a lot of money then these are not really the places. But if you are like me, did it for my family and friends out of pure vanity, it seems to work.
For an example have a quick glance at Overlanding 101 and the web site Home for the gallery on the last page. |
Well, I'm on page 106 of this guys .PDF file download book. And, I must say, considering mark doesn’t write books for a living, it’s a fine book. I’ve got to find out how much it cost him for set-up costs because, I’m defiantly thinking about this after my RTW in a couple years.
Not for any big bucks, just something to pick-up in my older years and think back. If I put all my biking stuff in from when I was a lad, leading up to the RTW in a logical format, I could do a good story I think.
must learn how to (or is that “too”) spell first... 
Shaun
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22 Apr 2008
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I’m not sure how this COULD work but...
(1) If all the people who’d done a good trip turned it in to one of these download books.
(2) Then make a posting/advert about it in the Money Saving Ideas, and making travel money forum, with the preface.
(3) We could have a judge, Grant/Sue and Chris Scott for example.
(4) They could then pick the 10/or 15 best/most interesting preface
(5) Ask the author to send it in, for free to the judges
(6) Do some kind of results poll after they review the book with the one/ones they found most interesting
The latest number of members is 14,712 on the HUBB – with that many possible downloads at let’s say £2.50 per book, we could have a yearly competition based point (6)
Once a year, somebody gets to spend a long time on time road.
What you recon Grant Sue and Chris and everybody ?
Shaun
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22 Apr 2008
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That may work but travellers tales, blogs, the ezine covers so many rides already I dont know if people will want to do both or read both.
Always worth a try. A book report on online published books can be done by any one as far as I know and posted in the HU BAR it has the easest rules on the forum. The report may be useful for the writer to point out things they need to work on. Like a proof reading and content review ext.
Any hipe the book gets will be grate for the writer to sell his book to the publisher. Still going to a tight target market. The writer will still need an angle to sell the book. That or do something to get on Oprah.
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22 Apr 2008
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If I honestly reviewed some so called bike travel books I've read I would probably be sued by the author or publisher. It's a minority readership and a lot of the potential buyers would read the review on here. How do you stand legally? I'd like to help people save money buy not wasting it on crap. There is one book where I'm convinced the author didn't even travel by bike as his descriptions of it were bizarre!
I'm always on the look out for new titles though, but non get near to Ted's first book. I read it in the 80's when it first came out in paperback, and several times since, top book. They don't have to be on bike travel if they're really well written. Pete McCarthy's, McCarthy's bar is superb. Driving an old Volvo around Ireland.
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22 Apr 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flyingdoctor
If I honestly reviewed some so called bike travel books I've read I would probably be sued by the author or publisher. It's a minority readership and a lot of the potential buyers would read the review on here. How do you stand legally?
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You use phrases like, "in my opinion", "the author has a unique writing style" and "I personally couldn't recommend" etc and get round it that way.
To be honest though if you think that a site like Amazon invites people to leave reviews, good and bad, then I don't think one can be sued for a poor review as long as it is itself well-written and constructive.
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23 Apr 2008
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What about submitting part of your book to a bike magazine, just enough to make an article but also enough to get people interested in buying the rest of the book. We've already had the discussion that magazines are all out to get something for free, so why not give them something but make them work for you by letting you give your book a shameless plug?
Here's a question for you all. How many people do you think would be interested in subscribing to a magazine at say £25 per year (12 issues), for a mag similar in style and quality to RIDE magazine, but dedicated to long distance overland travel (including bicycles and 4x4's) and motorcycle travel in general?
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23 Apr 2008
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Interesting...
Quote:
Originally Posted by craig76
Here's a question for you all. How many people do you think would be interested in subscribing to a magazine at say £25 per year (12 issues), for a mag similar in style and quality to RIDE magazine, but dedicated to long distance overland travel (including bicycles and 4x4's) and motorcycle travel in general?
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I’d do that for sure, as long as its main focus was long distance overland travel,and not totally full of adverts.
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23 Apr 2008
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I remember a bike magazine from a few years ago about foreign travel, Motorcycle Voyager,I loved it. My mate paid for a years subscription and then it went bust so he got nowt for his money. I'd happily read a title that covered other adventure travel on cycles and 4x4's but I don't know about paying for a subscription. I tend to only read them in the winter I'm too busy in the summer. Then there's the distraction of this site and others too. Have magazines had there day?
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23 Apr 2008
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Motorcycle Voyager
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flyingdoctor
I remember a bike magazine from a few years ago about foreign travel, Motorcycle Voyager,I loved it. My mate paid for a years subscription and then it went bust so he got nowt for his money. I'd happily read a title that covered other adventure travel on cycles and 4x4's but I don't know about paying for a subscription. I tend to only read them in the winter I'm too busy in the summer. Then there's the distraction of this site and others too. Have magazines had there day?
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I still have a copy of Motorcycle Voyager - it sits on a shelf at home to remind me not to subscribe to any more magazines. I got two copies, IIRC, before it went bust.
Yep, mags have had their day.
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23 Apr 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ukiceman
I’d do that for sure, as long as its main focus was long distance overland travel,and not totally full of adverts.
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Good point. Advertising is a necessary evil though some of the bike mags go over the top and contain too many irrelevant and often inappropriate ads, not mentioning any names, especially not SuperBike.
Out of interest, if a magazine was free, say emailed in PDF format but paid for entirely by advertising revenue, would you make the effort to read it?
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23 Apr 2008
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maybe
Quote:
Originally Posted by craig76
Out of interest, if a magazine was free, say emailed in PDF format but paid for entirely by advertising revenue, would you make the effort to read it?
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I think it would be a similar answer, on the Isle of Wight a few years ago (where I live) somebody started a weekly ad, which contained things for sale. It was free but paid for from the things people sold, with a FEW local trade ads. Last time I picked one up it contained hardly anything for sale, and was FULL of ads.
Was more like a free weekly yellow pages but, like you say, the ads are necessary. So the answer to your question is providing the balance was right, then yes.
Why? You thinking of doing one
Shaun
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23 Apr 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by craig76
Out of interest, if a magazine was free, say emailed in PDF format but paid for entirely by advertising revenue, would you make the effort to read it?
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= The Motorcycle Monthly (MCM not MCN), distributed monthly in the UK via various outlets such as cafes, bike dealers etc but it relies on advertising, as ever.
Quite a good read though, in newspaper broadsheet format: it is published by one of the bike mag publishers.
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23 Apr 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout
I still have a copy of Motorcycle Voyager - it sits on a shelf at home to remind me not to subscribe to any more magazines. I got two copies, IIRC, before it went bust.
Yep, mags have had their day.
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you too ? it was a good magazine , i managed to get three copies out a paid for one year subscription and then they went bust !!! . i still wonder who has my money .
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23 Apr 2008
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I think Dan23 scarpered off to SA with all the money! Ha ha. He didn't waste it though he spent it all on girls and coke.
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
I’m not sure how this COULD work but...
Linear Mode
