Calisthenics, a self-publishing testimonial

I self published a book on Calisthenics in 1995,
and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

The birth of the concept

Calisthenics is an Australian sport and is a combination of gymnastics, dance, song, and acting. Pupils compete in teams in theatres. I have a background in calisthenics and my daughter has done calisthenics since she was four years old. My friend of fourteen years, Jeannne Wootton, is one of Australia’s leading coaches in the sport and was awarded a national championship in 1975.

At a barbecue one night we were discussing the absence of calisthenic books on the bookshelf, and I said "Why don’t we write one?" and that was the birth of the book – as simple as that.

During a two-hour conversation we developed a clear vision for the book:

Many action photos

Aimed at readers aged twelve and above

Chapters based on information from technical experts, but expressed in laymen's terms.

Publisher vs. self publishing

I was encouraged to self publish because the publishers I contacted wanted to dictate how many photos I could include and were very concerned about being able to reach the market. I however knew

Where the market was and how to contact it
What the market would like
There was no other reference book for calisthenics.

I also had the $33,000 to invest.

Before I decided to self publish, I contacted the Writer’s Society of Australia and they referred me to course on self publishing, other people who had self published, and a self-publishing consultant. I heeded their advice and believe that the cost was well worth it.

I was offered off-shore printing at discounted rates and assured that it could be organized through an agent. However, I was concerned about quality control, and so I selected a local printer whose work I had seen, and who seemed interested in the project and prepared to offer me help with the printing technicalities.

Content

Accuracy of content was of course essential, and we contacted content matter experts for various chapters. I was surprised at how willing people are to donate time and information for a book. I offered fees to all, but no one accepted. They all just wanted acknowledgment in the book.

We employed a professional dance photographer to take photos at calisthenic competitions and concerts. This was a large expense, but we knew that the quality of the photos would be a major draw card for the book. From over 4000 photos, we selected 220 for the book.

The text was compiled using WordPerfect. This was a mistake, as the software was never intended to be used for such a large work with graphics. It was slow, layout less flexible, and often froze. I would recommend any self-publisher save time and headaches by investing in a more accommodating publishing package.

Editing

A friend, a student editor, offered to edit the book. I gleefully accepted but then became emotionally distressed because of the volume of changes she was making. I originally thought I could write and resented her input but grew to realize that editing is an essential component in glossing up work and correcting grammar for every author.

She continues to edit my work today.

Reaching the market

We launched the book at a cocktail party in a theatre that was at the time regarded as the home of calisthenics, and we sold over 200 copies that night at discount. We invited influential people within the sport (directors, adjudicators, committee leaders) and club officials who would then be agents in their clubs for the sale of the books. Books were offered to clubs for sale with a commission retained by the club.

Conclusion

To date we have sold over $42,000 worth of books and still have over 1000 copies stored under a staircase in my home. I regard the venture as a highlight of my career and a very proud moment—but you need to

Know the market

Know where the market is

Know how to get to it.

And above all you need to be prepared to invest money to produce a professional job.

Good luck!
Lynne Hayward

Orders can be placed by emailing
hayward@netlink.com.au
Cost is $25Aus plus postage

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