Publishing Over the Years

When I first began researching and writing about the history of American Impressionism, especially Cape Ann art, I was generally commissioned by an organization, such as Rockport Art Association & Museum, to coincide with an historical exhibition, sometimes a solo show, like A. T. Hibbard: American Master, occasionally a multi artist show like Harry A Vincent & His Contemporaries. It was the thing, at the end of the 20th Century to publish a hard cover catalogue to accompany a show, but this involved a lot of fund raising as it was an expensive affair to to print a hard cover version, which often went back and forth to China, as they offered cheaper printing.

However, in recent years, I have suggested clients go for POD publishing (Print on Demand) which offers an economical way to produce catalogs, booklets, leaflets, brochures, etc. Not only is it a cheaper alternative to going to a printer for hard cover printing, but you can order smaller quantities and thus avoid the hassle of storing large amounts of books while you try and sell them!

Having tried various companies, I have now settled on an online company called printingcenterusa.com who have offered consistently high quality for an economical price. They offer a variety of options, including paper and cover weights, page size, etc. And if you don't have your own software installed, they offer a free online photo book design tool for saddle stitched books, as well as a photo calendar design tool with different options. Other resources include multiple free templates, grids and layout guidelines to help you get started.  PrintingCenterUSA excels in customer service, ease of ordering, communication and status update, delivery speed, and of course the final product. Check them out for yourself at the links below.