Leveraging exposure for a new edition?

[Greg]

Greetings to all,, My name is Greg Guma, a writer based in Vermont. Over the years I've written and published about a dozen books, from small press and self-published. The most recent is Dons of Time, a sci fi / historical novel, published by Fomite Press. One of the earliest was The People's Republic: Vermont and the Sanders Revolution, which was well-reviewed regionally. It's still available because I bought the remaining copies from New England Press, the original publisher, which closed shop just as Bernie Sanders' campaign was taking off Last spring. So, I'm selling those copies, but here's the rub.

Even though I am getting numerous interview opportunities -- from major print (NYC, WaPo, etc.) and radio to CNN, Politico, and international press -- without any push or marketing plan, and am viewed as a primary Sanders source, I can't secuire a suitable reprint or new edition. The book is constantly being referenced (and its content mined by journalists and other authors), but bookstores won't take the 1989 edition (there are less than 200 copies left, out of a 5,000 run), reviews are impossible after 26 years, and a new edition would obviously spark renewed interest and higher sales. Plus, it's time sensitive.

So, how can I turn all the current exposure into a new edition (with an epilog covering his congressional highlights and launch of the presidential race)? Any thoughts? I've already turned down several short run offers, and think that the book needs (and deserves) a national platform.

[Christina]

Hi Greg. You noted that you bought the remaining copies, but not the rights. If you own the rights, then you can easily republish as an independent author (thus giving yourself the opportunity to have worldwide distribution, and not just national), or you can attempt to find another small press. Given how long it would take to get a small press to release your book, and given that from what you have said, you have a built-in market, self publish both an ebook and print.

But, if what you're asking about involves securing the rights, I'm afraid you'll want to have a lawyer review your original contract. Hope that helps. :)