Pari Danian Discuses Publishing Nontraditional Books
I am thrilled to introduce you to an artist who has taken her skills into the world of books. Pari Danian is a sculptor, photographer, and cuisine artist who now adds to her resume the word author. She recently published The Palatable Plate. To call it a cook book is understating what is in reality a work of art.
Pari takes you on her journey of publishing this unique book and gives her advice to authors who might have a nontraditional vision for their book. But to give you a better idea of how the art and culinary worlds collide to create this masterpiece, take a look at this brief video:
If you live in the DFW area, you're in for a treat. This Saturday, March 12th, Pari will be signing copies of her book at the Plano Creekwalk Village Barnes & Noble at 801 West 15th St, Suite E, Plano, TX 75075. The signing starts at 2 PM. I'll be there and both Pari and I would love to meet you there.
Now, on to Pari's post...
Pari Danian Discuses Publishing Nontraditional Books
Creating The Palatable Plate- Cook Like an Artist was a serendipitous journey. I created the book to feature my hand made ceramic plates that are shaped like an artist's palate. I wanted to use the book in my show in January of 2010. The decision to write the book was abrupt and there was little time between construction of the plates and creating the book.
That was the reason why I didn't take time looking for hired help. I decided the whole book would be my own doing. So after the firing of the ceramic plates was complete, I cooked the food, styled the frames, and photographed it. From frame to frame, all the flower arrangements are different. I took over 10,000 shots in ten days, using the available light.
Once the book was done, I sent it to a printer in California who printed one copy for me at $110. I used that copy in my show with my plate display. I panicked when my book got more attention than the plates! I had not thought of any marketing or mass printing up to that point. I'd like to share some of my experience with you from what I've learnt:
When an idea hits and it is a good one, do not hesitate, don't let the idea get cold. Install it while it's hot.
Self publishing is great: 1) if you want to have artistic autonomy; 2) if you know your angle for marketing.
I found printing in USA to be a better service, better ink quality, especially for a cook book. I made sure the book was printed using non-toxic inks.
Taylor publishing and Freisen are the best choices for printing books with a lot of color pictures.
Do not print high volumes. Print a small volume to be used as samples.
If you have a color book that is too expensive to print, create "Blads". A Blad is a ten page flyer that looks just like your book with sample content. You can then mail them to prospective buyers, who then might ask for a complete sample book.
If you don't have the marketing knowledge and you can't afford a PR person to represent you, attend marketing workshops or join writer groups to learn more.
Allocate two to three hours a day for your marketing purposes.
Turn your book to an ebook right away. Pubit.com is a good place to start.
Pray lots!
In the spirit of the upcoming Persian new year on March 20th, I am holding a book signing for my latest book, The Palatable Plate, Cook Like an Artist. This is my way of putting a peaceful foot forward to share the beauty of the ancient and rich culture. I have gathered various recipes passed down from generations, then adapted them for everyday use. The spices have physical and mental health benefits that have only recently been discovered by the Western nations.
I hope The Palatable Plate opens the door to a whole new philosophy of cooking with artistic passion.
Pari Danian
Pari takes you on her journey of publishing this unique book and gives her advice to authors who might have a nontraditional vision for their book. But to give you a better idea of how the art and culinary worlds collide to create this masterpiece, take a look at this brief video:
If you live in the DFW area, you're in for a treat. This Saturday, March 12th, Pari will be signing copies of her book at the Plano Creekwalk Village Barnes & Noble at 801 West 15th St, Suite E, Plano, TX 75075. The signing starts at 2 PM. I'll be there and both Pari and I would love to meet you there.
Now, on to Pari's post...
Pari Danian Discuses Publishing Nontraditional Books
Creating The Palatable Plate- Cook Like an Artist was a serendipitous journey. I created the book to feature my hand made ceramic plates that are shaped like an artist's palate. I wanted to use the book in my show in January of 2010. The decision to write the book was abrupt and there was little time between construction of the plates and creating the book.
That was the reason why I didn't take time looking for hired help. I decided the whole book would be my own doing. So after the firing of the ceramic plates was complete, I cooked the food, styled the frames, and photographed it. From frame to frame, all the flower arrangements are different. I took over 10,000 shots in ten days, using the available light.
Once the book was done, I sent it to a printer in California who printed one copy for me at $110. I used that copy in my show with my plate display. I panicked when my book got more attention than the plates! I had not thought of any marketing or mass printing up to that point. I'd like to share some of my experience with you from what I've learnt:
When an idea hits and it is a good one, do not hesitate, don't let the idea get cold. Install it while it's hot.
Self publishing is great: 1) if you want to have artistic autonomy; 2) if you know your angle for marketing.
I found printing in USA to be a better service, better ink quality, especially for a cook book. I made sure the book was printed using non-toxic inks.
Taylor publishing and Freisen are the best choices for printing books with a lot of color pictures.
Do not print high volumes. Print a small volume to be used as samples.
If you have a color book that is too expensive to print, create "Blads". A Blad is a ten page flyer that looks just like your book with sample content. You can then mail them to prospective buyers, who then might ask for a complete sample book.
If you don't have the marketing knowledge and you can't afford a PR person to represent you, attend marketing workshops or join writer groups to learn more.
Allocate two to three hours a day for your marketing purposes.
Turn your book to an ebook right away. Pubit.com is a good place to start.
Pray lots!
In the spirit of the upcoming Persian new year on March 20th, I am holding a book signing for my latest book, The Palatable Plate, Cook Like an Artist. This is my way of putting a peaceful foot forward to share the beauty of the ancient and rich culture. I have gathered various recipes passed down from generations, then adapted them for everyday use. The spices have physical and mental health benefits that have only recently been discovered by the Western nations. I hope The Palatable Plate opens the door to a whole new philosophy of cooking with artistic passion.
Pari Danian
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