Book Review: 88 Secrets to Selling & Publishing Your Photography

I don’t have as much time to read as I used to, but when it comes to nature photography and the business of nature photography, I try to make the time. When I heard a little bit about Scott Bourne’s book, “88 Secrets to Selling & Publishing Your Photography,” I knew this was one that I wanted to read; it did not disappoint. It’s compact, concise, easy to read and right to the point; a great reference for almost everything you need to know to get a start in or fine tune selling and publishing your photography.

Scott, a pro photographer who teaches at and directs Olympic Mountain School of Photography and is editor of Photofocus Magazine, shares valuable insight drawn from thirty years experience in the field of photography. “88 Secrets” is divided into three sections that encompass helpful tips on getting your work seen, dealing with customers, promotion, submissions, getting published, and making sales. Although a relatively small book, it’s just packed with useful ideas for those looking to improve their photography business by employing the usual as well as highly creative marketing techniques.

Those with little or no business experience will find brief explanations when needed, yet at the same time, this additional information does not encumber a person more advanced in business. A broad range of readers with similar interests will enjoy this reference book.

The appendix includes sample materials, such as a photography resume, press release, and query letter, which I found extremely helpful in illustrating some of the business tools covered in the book.

“88 Secrets” is an easy read, filled with tips to give photographers an edge in the photo business. The relatively low cost of the book (around $12.95) makes it a bargain investment for the potential return in your photography endeavors. A great addition to the photo books library! Olympic Mountain School Press (ISBN 0976187809), 132 pages with illustrations.

88 Secrets to Selling & Publishing Your Photography can be purchased on Amazon.com.