My sorority is approaching a major anniversary and is beginning work on a history book. I’ve been asked to serve as the copy editor. In talking to the vice president in charge of the project tonight, I asked who was going to publish the book and she hadn’t gotten that far yet. She had talked to the other National Panhellenic sororities that had put out similar books and didn’t seem to think those publishers would work for us. The end price of the book is going to be in the $50-$60 range, and she described it as in the “coffee-table” type of work.
We are a relatively small and poor group as sororities go. It is my private opinion that we won’t have many members who can afford to pay this much for this book. I asked if she’s considered a “print-on-demand” kind of firm, so that we can have a number of books to sell outright at our anniversary convention, but then won’t get stuck with a huge inventory; later, if a member decides she can afford the thing, she can order one and the publisher will print one then and there.
I wonder if any Doper has worked with a group, non-profit, charity, or the like that has put out a commemorative book and can give me any direction. It would probably be several hundred pages and hardcover, but I am willing to listen to creative ideas.
Thoughts? Thanks in advance.