Update On Gnl Book On Counterfeits - The Good News

Just a hasty note.

The "rush" order of the proof of the hardback book from Ingram Spark in color arrived today. The quality is slightly better than black and white and the color in the pictures helps quite a bit. Some of the pictures were originally black and white so those remain the same.

The only problem I see with the copy I got was slightly bent corners - possibly caused by the packaging which was less than the best. It was acceptable for a proof but not for a finished product. I have ordered other books from them before that were better packed.

The text is identical to the B&W version except for one correction which will only matter if you are a member of the Schuldt family. The B&W version missed the c in their name. Many apologies.

The book will be available for direct order - price will be set by IS based on a discount from the list price of $169.95. This is similar to Amazon so I have no idea what they will cost finally.

The book is slightly thicker than the B&W copy (different paper as well as covers).

For anyone ordering the book - you should also order the CD copies of the files which have to come directly from me. I am still working on those because of a last minute computer crash that occurred while I was accessing some of the files. There are at least 3 files now corrupted or missing and I am doing a picture by picture comparison to get them right. A back-up file when re-installed on a PC actually restores all of the files well but the names can become corrupted as I just learned today so some files are now duplicated while others are in never-never land.

I hope to correct the discs before I leave for AZ. If I do I will bring as many copies as time allows.

Anyone at the AZ meeting of the USMexNA will have the opportunity to have John Lorenzo and myself autograph your copy.

Mathieu - None of the printers who produce on demand books will add CDs along with the books for shipment. That option does not exist. These books are printed locally by regional printers to same money on postage. Orders for the European markets are printed there. They are printed in England for the UK and in Australia for that market. That is done to save on shipping costs. The PDF file is sent to each printer when a book is ordered and the book is printed at that location. It does have the potential for variation in final quality - but to keep costs low it was the only way possible.

Regarding postage issues here is an example, Gordon Nichols one of my fellow authors lives in Canada actually just a few miles over the border. I tried to send him a proof copy of the Black and White book that I had ordered - so he could help with proofing. The cost for postage was $28 for that one book - six books for $127. I checked the rates with UPS and FedX and they were a few cents HIGHER in each case.

Gordon then ordered a copy through Amazon Canada and was told they were "out of stock". He then called Amazon US and they waived shipping costs so he got the book at the discounted rate for the day and shipping was free. That was a net savings to him in that case.

In the US 1 to 3 books can be sent anywhere in the country for $15 and for 4-6 it is $30. Weight is not a factor because flat rate packages IN THE US are volume based up to 70 pounds. The boxes used will hold ONLY 3 copies of the B&W version. I need to check to see how many hardbound copies will fit in the same box. The hardbound copy is 1/2 by 1/2 inch larger. If they will fit great - if not we are back to parcel post rates which combine volume and weight.

So, provided the hardbound books fit, I can re-mail 1-3 books with CDs for $15 extra plus the costs of the CDs and mileage and re-packing. I figured the cost would work out to $20 for the first copy and $5 each for copies 2 and 3. Then $20 for copy 4 with 5 and 6 at $5 each etc.

The cost for me to mail a book to anyplace outside the US is very expensive so shipping all books to me to include the number and the CDs is really not advisable. But I would do it if someone really wanted me to sign and number the copy for what the post office charged.

I will number and sign any book that goes through me. These books will be numbered from 1 up. I have been thinking that I will block out numbers based on total orders reported by Ingram so that I can limit the total number sold. I was planning to block out numbers from 500 downward. However, if someone orders a book directly and contacts me about ordering CDs I can then assign an actual number in sequence for their order. This is only for hardbound in color. The B&W version has no indication of numbering (see page 2). Copies of CDs for B&W versions will be actual cost based as well.

Nothing in this entire process has been really easy. It will be worth it if the book generates the dialog needed to move the science of Counterfeit Detection to front and center instead of relying on blind faith in experts.

Mathieu The rules were exactly the way you stated when Amazon printed hardcover books. They stopped doing that so I had to go to another printer for the hardcover version. This new printer can handle overseas requests locally according to their site data.

I will be handling only orders where the buyer wants me to do so in order to sign the book. I will of course sign books at the Convention in Arizona and at every show I attend.

swamperbob, will you be attending the Whitman Baltimore Winter Expo (Oct 30 - Nov 2, 2014)?

GNL Hardbound is NOW up for sale at Amazon Books. For overseas buyers just wait as you did with the softbound version - it will be there shortly at Amazon Books U.K..

So let me see if I understand correctly.

I buy the hardcover version from Amazon (or possibly directly from Bob). I can bring it to Arizona for the USMEX convention for a John Hancock from two of the three authors, if desired. Bob will also number any such books signed.

I can also buy a CD/DVD with photos independently of the book. Will these discs be available for purchase at the USMEX convention as well?

I'm a bit confused on the whole procedure.

I purchased a softbound copy from Amazon yesterday for my reference library estimated to arrive next week.

I look forward to learning about these.

-MV