One of the first disappointments during the publishing process with McFarland was their decision not to have a dust jack type cover, and to use just plain old library binding. Now for McFarland it makes sense, they do not market their books, and if they do at all it is strictly with universities and colleges.
So anyway, though the binding is clean, durable, and high quality, I still could not help but try to imagine what it could have looked like.
As I have some Photoshop skill (I made most of my own maps by the way, talk about saving money!) I took about 20 minutes and came up with a hypothetical cover art sample. So here they are, first McFarland’s cover and of course, mine (I went without color, but just imagine the possibilities!):
The 11th Wisconsin in the Civil War
A Regimental History
Christopher C. Wehner
ISBN 978-0-7864-3210-3
photos, maps, appendices, notes, bibliography, index
248pp. library binding (7 x 10) 2008
Available for immediate shipment
Description
This volume details the Civil War experiences of the 11th Wisconsin Volunteers as they traveled more than 9000 miles in the service of their country. The book looks at the attitude prevalent in Wisconsin at the start of the war and discusses the background of the men who comprised the regiment, 72 percent of whom were farmers. Compiled primarily from the letters and diaries of the men who served in the 11th Wisconsin, the work focuses on the firsthand day-to-day experiences of the common soldier, including rations (or lack thereof), clothing, disease, and, at times, the simple act of waiting. The 11th Wisconsin lost more men to disease than to battle, so their story presents an accurate picture not only of the heroic but also the sometimes humdrum yet perilous existence of the soldier. Appendices provide a list of occupations practiced by the men, dates of muster into service for the regiment’s companies and a copy of a sermon delivered by George Wells after Lee’s surrender in 1865.
About the Author
Christopher C. Wehner is a history teacher in Colorado.
Hey Chris, — I certainly understand where you are coming from. Authors want their books looking sexy on those bookstore shelves. Still, you put quite a bit of work into this so don’t let that get you down. People are going to read and review it and it will serve to improve our understanding of the men who served in Union ranks. In the end that’s all that matters. Hope the school year is winding down for you.
Kevin you’re absolutely right and I am happy just to have found a publisher!
C
Hi Chris,
Congratulations on your new book! I understand your frustration with not having the final product be as good as you had hoped it would be. I chose to publish my own book independently rather than through a traditional publisher. It gave me complete control over what went it and what didn’t and the overall look, including layout, photos, and cover design. Of course going the independent route also meant I had to promote and market the book myself, which can be fun and stressful at the same time. I hope your book sells out!
Hey Kevin, I wouldn’t say I was disappointed with the book at all, it is a very nice looking production, high quality, and I am very proud of it.
Thanks for the comments!!