I just started thinking about trying to contact some 'local publishers' about licensing some of my images for print. I have read a couple NPN articles that touched on aspects of this, but the term 'local publishers' has got me wondering exactly who they are?
My first inclination was to type "publishers seattle calendar" or "magazine publisher wa" in google to see what came up. I found that to be getting me no-where at a dizzying rate! So how do I go about finding the elusive local publisher? Who wants to print my photographs? Who do I want to print my photographs?
I haven't sold a photograph yet, so I'm an extreme newbie... to illustrate the fact--I was just searching the internet to figure out what a 'tearsheet' was (I found that mysterious word on a national calendar publisher's website)! I'm just looking for a way to get started. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Posted by Steve Foss on November 15, 2007 at 1:38 PM
Brian, a tearsheet is a full page torn out of an actual publication (newspaper, magazine, for example) where one's work has appeared. For example, when submitting newspaper award entries, we would submit tearsheets, not the entire issue of the newspaper.
Local publishers are small publishers. Local, to my mind, means they don't circulate in large numbers or through great distances. Local publishers can be weekly or small daily newspapers, shoppers, tourism circulars and in some cases small magazines and small book publishers (we have two of the latter here in Ely, pop. 3,700). Some local publishers also produce calendars. Regional publishers include somewhat larger book and newspaper and magazine publishers. By regional I mean those that circulate over multi-state areas. I'd consider a Washington Outdoors tabloid or Washington Tourism magazine a regional market for nature photographs. In Minnesota we have the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, a small glossy magazine published monthly by the Minnesota DNR. That's one example of a regional publication.
The place to find these local publishers is through your chamber of commerce, because local publishers are businesses and the chamber will know who's out there and have contact info for them. If you're going into business, joining the local chamber of commerce is not actually a bad idea.
Posted by Carl Battreall on November 15, 2007 at 4:00 PM
One way to find local or regional publishers is to take a pad and pencil and go to your local indie bookstore (not a big chain, they often refuse to sell local publications). This a great time of year to do this. Write down the contact info of every publication that you could possibly have images for (calendars, books, magazines). Then go online and email each publisher asking if you could be put on their image request list. They may ask to see samples (like the tearsheets describe by Steve) but often your website will be enough (make sure it is looks sharp and up to date). Then sit back and hope someone request an image that you have in your files. Respond quickly to any request because the request go to all the photographers on the list. National publications often have a list you can join, the majority of the famous high end nature calendars are by invitation only.
Hope this helps and good luck,
Carl
Posted by RL Potts on November 15, 2007 at 8:25 PM
Thank you very much for your information! That gives me a great starting point--chamber of commerce, bookstore, Northwest Travel... here I come!
I've really jumped on the internet bandwagon--I forget there are other assets out there from which to get info. I'd really like to do business in a 'personal connections' sort of way so your advice, most notebly about the chamber of commerce, seems a really appealing route.
If I'm allowed a follow-up question in this thread: What format would a request generally solicite of an image? Would they likely ask for a small jpeg file via e-mail or is there some standard out there that I don't know about?
Thanks again for your help--The newbie really appreciates it!
Posted by Steve Foss on November 15, 2007 at 10:51 PM
Brian, the image requests vary by the client. Some want full-size tiffs on CD, others want low-res images e-mailed so they can sort them and then request only the ones they want to use. It just depends on each individual publication editor.
I should also say that in contacting each of your potential clients, you're taking the first step in establishing what you should look at as a long and fruitful relationship. If you treat all your contact with publication clients that way, even though you may get almost all negative answers at the start, you'll be building a dialogue over time with each of them, so it's best to remain helpful, upbeat and positive during each contact.
Having been a newspaper page designer and photo editor myself, I always preferred to deal with someone who acted in a positive, professional manner and helped me with whatever I needed.
Many larger magazines have "wants" lists, or a list of image requests they e-mail out to their regular stable of photographers. In most cases, if they put you on such a list they knock off some other proven photographer, so the better quality the mag, the harder it is to supplant one of their regulars on that list. That doesn't go for every mag, just a generalization.
Publication is an easy game to get into at the local level if you do good work, because local publishers are always strapped for money and always are looking for solid work they can get without spending a big chunk of cash. The higher you go in the publishing world, so to speak, the harder it gets to sell images.
"Local" means lots of things, especially as the size of a town grows. Seattle and its burbs are going to be quite different than small town Alaska, so your best strategy is likely to be different than mine. But for me, a personal visit to the publisher's office is always the best first contact. I don't even bring pictures. I introduce myself as a photographer and express an interest in learning more about their pub(s) and photo needs. Most are quite complimented by your interest and happy to spend time talking about themselves. Only in the end do I ask permission to send or bring by examples of my photos, also asking about what format they would like to receive them in. If at all possible I prefer to bring them back rather than send them. I know I've forged a new relationship if the photo show is arranged to occur over lunch.
It's all about personal relationships, and if the publisher feels you're supportive and interested in their efforts, plus enjoys you personally, they're going to think of you next time they need photos. Don't overlook the likely prospect of last-minute assignment shooting. They can't get the shot they need, so they call you to check your files or send you out to harvest the needed shot. Respond quickly and professionally when those come along, because they'll push you to the front of the feeding line.
Steve: Thank you very much for your generous responses. You've answered my questions and more. Every point you mention brings a few new questions, but I'm getting ahead of myself! I have some great ideas to get me going. Thanks.
Hank: That's exactly how I'd like to do business: personal, friendly and mutually beneficial. I appreciate you taking the time to respond--I find it really helpful.
The personal, face-to-face touch is where eCommerce really breaks down in dealing with "local" businesses. It can't compeat with a smiling, willing, responsive face sitting across the desk from the publisher.
Discussion
8 repliesMy first inclination was to type "publishers seattle calendar" or "magazine publisher wa" in google to see what came up. I found that to be getting me no-where at a dizzying rate! So how do I go about finding the elusive local publisher? Who wants to print my photographs? Who do I want to print my photographs?
I haven't sold a photograph yet, so I'm an extreme newbie... to illustrate the fact--I was just searching the internet to figure out what a 'tearsheet' was (I found that mysterious word on a national calendar publisher's website)! I'm just looking for a way to get started. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Local publishers are small publishers. Local, to my mind, means they don't circulate in large numbers or through great distances. Local publishers can be weekly or small daily newspapers, shoppers, tourism circulars and in some cases small magazines and small book publishers (we have two of the latter here in Ely, pop. 3,700). Some local publishers also produce calendars. Regional publishers include somewhat larger book and newspaper and magazine publishers. By regional I mean those that circulate over multi-state areas. I'd consider a Washington Outdoors tabloid or Washington Tourism magazine a regional market for nature photographs. In Minnesota we have the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, a small glossy magazine published monthly by the Minnesota DNR. That's one example of a regional publication.
The place to find these local publishers is through your chamber of commerce, because local publishers are businesses and the chamber will know who's out there and have contact info for them. If you're going into business, joining the local chamber of commerce is not actually a bad idea.
Hope this helps and good luck,
Carl
I've really jumped on the internet bandwagon--I forget there are other assets out there from which to get info. I'd really like to do business in a 'personal connections' sort of way so your advice, most notebly about the chamber of commerce, seems a really appealing route.
If I'm allowed a follow-up question in this thread: What format would a request generally solicite of an image? Would they likely ask for a small jpeg file via e-mail or is there some standard out there that I don't know about?
Thanks again for your help--The newbie really appreciates it!
I should also say that in contacting each of your potential clients, you're taking the first step in establishing what you should look at as a long and fruitful relationship. If you treat all your contact with publication clients that way, even though you may get almost all negative answers at the start, you'll be building a dialogue over time with each of them, so it's best to remain helpful, upbeat and positive during each contact.
Having been a newspaper page designer and photo editor myself, I always preferred to deal with someone who acted in a positive, professional manner and helped me with whatever I needed.
Many larger magazines have "wants" lists, or a list of image requests they e-mail out to their regular stable of photographers. In most cases, if they put you on such a list they knock off some other proven photographer, so the better quality the mag, the harder it is to supplant one of their regulars on that list. That doesn't go for every mag, just a generalization.
Publication is an easy game to get into at the local level if you do good work, because local publishers are always strapped for money and always are looking for solid work they can get without spending a big chunk of cash. The higher you go in the publishing world, so to speak, the harder it gets to sell images.
"Local" means lots of things, especially as the size of a town grows. Seattle and its burbs are going to be quite different than small town Alaska, so your best strategy is likely to be different than mine. But for me, a personal visit to the publisher's office is always the best first contact. I don't even bring pictures. I introduce myself as a photographer and express an interest in learning more about their pub(s) and photo needs. Most are quite complimented by your interest and happy to spend time talking about themselves. Only in the end do I ask permission to send or bring by examples of my photos, also asking about what format they would like to receive them in. If at all possible I prefer to bring them back rather than send them. I know I've forged a new relationship if the photo show is arranged to occur over lunch.
It's all about personal relationships, and if the publisher feels you're supportive and interested in their efforts, plus enjoys you personally, they're going to think of you next time they need photos. Don't overlook the likely prospect of last-minute assignment shooting. They can't get the shot they need, so they call you to check your files or send you out to harvest the needed shot. Respond quickly and professionally when those come along, because they'll push you to the front of the feeding line.
Hank: That's exactly how I'd like to do business: personal, friendly and mutually beneficial. I appreciate you taking the time to respond--I find it really helpful.
Off to work I go!
The personal, face-to-face touch is where eCommerce really breaks down in dealing with "local" businesses. It can't compeat with a smiling, willing, responsive face sitting across the desk from the publisher.