Write your own Survival book!
OK, here's an idea, and I would love to hear other Wolves ideas on this topic. When I 1st came into this forum I had an idea of sorts of writing a "survival book" based on this forum:
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...read.php?t=240
Remember this? Anyway, I've got a new idea now and it's a bit more "personal.. There is so much info on this site, not to mention the Army Survival manual on the home page, that anybody could write their own survival book/journal of sorts. Using either a "loose-leaf" binder, or a 5-subject notebook start by adhering alphabetical tabs onto your pages. Then, going back through all the stuff that's been written, start logging it into your own "reference manual". I figure that it would be in three categories: Technical data on how to find, make, or use assorted items, a field section on proper application, and an actual "hands-on" journal of what you've actually done with the knowledge. re. outings, overnights, etc. I'll also be bringing back the thread on the items that have more than one use to add to it. Here's an example of what I'm talking about:
Under "B" you might have:
"BLADED ITEMS."
A. Fixed-blade knives:
1.) Manufacturers:
a.)Gerber (http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php?flash=0)
And so on: You can list under this heading what you might want to look for, knives under $20...over $20; steel quality; pros & cons, etc. Also add headings for Axes, Hatchets, Folders, multi tools, etc.. Some pages off of web-sites like the one on the "Para-Cord Bracelet" could be printed out and added to a section specifically created for it. Tell me what you think!:cool:
Protecting your book, story, video, photos, etc.!
When writing, whether it be for a book, editorial, manuscript, play, movie script, or shooting filming for a video, or movie, or taking photographs, copyright is implied. To make the aforementioned material "legally yours", this is what you need to do:
1.) Before publishing that written material, film footage, or photographs, and to ensure your rights as the owner of said material, a "Master Copy" of the final edited product must be made, placed in a sealed envelope, addressed and return addressed, and mailed to "yourself". You must do this before sending the project out to anyone else.*
2.) Once you receive the sealed package, leave it sealed. The post-mark on the envelope serves as proof that the material inside belongs to you. This will be your main piece of evidence, if needed, in court, to prove "right of ownership!"
*If you send out your material before sending it to yourself, the end user can/could re-write, re-edit, or plagiarize your material for their own benefit. And you would have no legal recourse, because you didn't send it to yourself first.
I learned this years ago, in one of my outdoor writing classes.
About getting published...
If your usling a publisher in the United States the book is going to have to be at least 80,000 words to be considered anything less is considered a short story unless its a childrens book(which would be a good idea and a money maker for ages 10-17). Self-publishing is a good way to start for a new author that is how I did my first book (fiction- a vampyre novel called Cross-Vampyre Hunter) and the publisher I used was first rate. However self-publishing costs money. My first book was published by AuthorHouse and if you tell them I told you about them they'll cut you a pretty good deal. Their webiste is www.authorhouse.com. In the U.S. once you write it down its considered copyrighted, but you can do it yourself cheaply or your publisher should do it and enter it into the library of congress so you get an LC number and an ISBN. PR is the big problem with self-publishing, usually you have to do that on your own. In your area it should sell very well, and a book signing is a great way to get things going. Also at a book signing bring a few sample items form your book that the readers can identify with as a visual helps them and readers seem to love that stuff. Also a bookmark (homemade) by you is a great way to get them interested, it can be as simple as the cover title on one side and the back with your pic and bio, or a hand made leather or natural type. I know this helped me out greatly when I did mine.
Since I have three books published if there is anything I can do to help you out let me know.
Beo,
P.S. A few little notes. Never give up your copyright to a publisher, they may want to offer you a fat check for the rights but then they can do what they want with your book and you have to get permission to do a second or sequel, and second edit the book yourself, if a publisher wants to edit the book and you give them permission they will change what they don't like and can fit it to fit what they want. Thus some of your own writing disappears and their writers re-write what they want losing your words and thoughts in your book. Just some things to think about.
