Ladies and Gentlemen
I have just signed a contract with a major publishing house for my
manuscript concerning U.S. Marines in China from 1819 through 1949.
According to the editor, with all things being equal, it will be on the market
by the end of this year. Of course, those things never move quite like they
are supposed to so it may be Jan or Feb 2001.
That's the good news [for me and perhaps some of you]. Now the bad news: it
will be pricey. It will be directed toward research libraries and
college/university libraries. They are willing to pay out larger sums
than readers/collectors. I've been hesitant to sign this away because I know
there are a substantial number of readers that would like to have a copy. SO,
I signed with them but with a special deal.
They have allowed me to publish a very limited number for my mailing list
ONLY. I cannot sell wholesale as I have previously. I have been planning
to publish it for several months and am nearly ready to go. It will be in
softcover, their's will be in hardcover. It will have numerous photos and
maps, and so will theirs because, essentially, it will be the same book. I
haven't been able to figure an absolute price for my softcover edition yet but
can assure you that their price will be at least twice and probably more. So, if
you wish to wait, that is fine with me. I'll get royalties [not much
unfortunately] if you do. In fact, I intend to sell as many copies as I can. They
do a fine job so it will be quality. So will my version.
Why am I going public? Well, they want a listing of potential organizations
from which to extract customers. Obviously that means Marine organizations.
I'm not up on enough of them [actually any of them]but would appreciate
you listing those that you believe will have members that might want to read
about Marines in China. Examples, but not limited too: 4th Marine
association, 1st and 6th MarDiv associations, China Marines [there is an
organization but I'm not aware of their location] and that sort. Any you can
think of will be extremely welcomed. Members of any org. like Asiatic Fleet or
Gunboat Sailors or the 15th Infantry. I need them all. No Chinese
Communist organizations, please.
Thank you for bearing with me during this berthing period. Send it to this
site or to the brasshat@together.net. Anyway you choose is fine with me.
George B. Clark, PFC (ret)
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