Info about publishing

Many people in Montana know, “The first person to be killed by a grizzly bear in a National Park was a tourist who was using his umbrella to poke a little cub up in a tree.” I say “many” people because details of that incident are found in the very popular book “Montana Wildlife.”

Besides being a wasteful way to spend precious vacation time, poking wild grizzlies is not good for umbrellas. In that 1907 Yellowstone incident, it didn’t matter about the ruined umbrella because the owner didn’t need it anymore.

“Montana Wildlife” includes history of management in Montana as well as excellent biology on our birds and animals, along with important effects of politics on those creatures. The book was published back in 1982 by Montana Magazine. Main author is my friend Bert Gildart, assisted by my friend, Jan Wassink, and they did a fascinating job digging out old pictures, writing, research and photography. Gildart, by the way, is the Glacier National Park Ranger who shot the grizzly bear that killed the girl at Trout Lake in 1967.

Got to wondering if the current corporate owners of Montana Magazine and Far West Publishing were still selling the “Montana Wildlife” book as they’d done for years. A call to the headquarters gave me bad news, they are not printing any more. “It is done.” I feel that book should still be available. Also felt that way about my books put out by those same publishers; however I feel the Gildart book is more important.

Apparently, publishers have formulas to determine if they continue a certain book. Obviously they look at sales, timelines, competition, etc. The folks there are judged by guessing right with other people’s money. We’ve all heard stories of authors being turned down by publishers, then finding one who makes them a “best seller.” Jack London had hundreds of rejections before anyone would publish his writings.

Personally, I recall driving to Helena to meet publishers in 1996 after the head honcho showed interest in doing my first book of “Glacier’s Secrets.” Had sent him a proposal and examples of my photos. Three editors, the art director and sales manager joined me around a large table. After awhile there was agreement they’d take a chance on my book.

Then the subject of how many to print came up. The boss pointed out 5,000 was their usual run for that type of “coffee table” book. Feeling good about having my own book, I must have also felt powerful, because I calmly said, “Only 5,000? Hell! I can sell that many in Kalispell.” They agreed to try 7,000. (Later there were two more press runs.)

Then came talk about money. The chief publisher said I could take five percent on each book sold, or they’d pay me $5,000 up front and I would get nothing more. Wisely chose the percentage deal.

When Far Country stopped printing my books it upset people and I was constantly asked about it. I called Helena to ask why and they gave me “sort of an explanation,” having to do with the economy and demand. Talked them into selling me publication rights. That is why, since spring of 2009, almost 2,000 people have been able to get “Glacier Secrets” Vol. II. Technical problems prevent my reprinting that popular first “Secrets” book, so I’m telling folks who want one to go on the internet. Quite a few have had success.

I’ve talked to Bert Gildart about his getting publishing rights to “Montana Wildlife.” Maybe he’ll do it, maybe he won’t, but like I asked him, “If your book isn’t out there, how in the world will new generations know they shouldn’t poke grizzly bears … with umbrellas?”