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Philatelic Book-writing

I promised to leave a post on the subject of writing philatelic books.

At the recent Europhilex (London2015), I somewhere came across a comment that the apogee of a philatelist's life was to be awarded a gold medal at an international exhibition. Perhaps, if you are a multi-millionaire. And anyway I would dispute that, as award-winning collections can sometimes be “ghost-written” - formed by a professional adjutant who has the time and the predilection to follow the market and hoover up material. Writing a philatelic book goes over and above that and is proof of a personal dedication to a much wider field of research.

This is a labour of love not to be attempted lightly. Here are a few tips on how to get started:

Choose a subject; one in which you will become the acknowledged expert. Look in virgin territory. Going over the same topics is not an option. There is only so much that can be written about the Penny Black.

Try to go beyond the simple description of stamps or covers. It could embrace general, even political, history. Bring in characters which will make it more readable. Social philately is becoming more and more popular and definitely broadens the issue. You may have to consider travelling to access more local and under-researched data.

Be sure of your facts. Once published there are a number of people who will pounce on your book to show how much more intelligent and knowledgeable they are than you. You only have to read the letters pages of philatelic magazines to get a feel for the lengths that some people are prepared to go to prolong disagreements over trivial matters.

The illustration of stamps and covers is essential. I would insist on colour. Do not be put off by printers' insistence that colour is expensive; it no longer is. You may want to depict only your own collected material but, if needs be you will find no limit to the number of people who will be prepared to extend their own material and be proud of having contributed to divulging a subject which is so close to their own heart.

Consult friends and authors. Use them to proof read. Take their recommendations seriously, but ensure that the book is yours i.e. that you are not badgered into writing someone else's treatise. There are books specific to philately to help and organisations interested in expanding philatelic knowledge.

You will need a publisher and a printer. Printing a reduced circulation book can be expensive. The right groundwork will help defray the cost as well as assist in widening appeal in the market. The larger the print-run, the lower the cost per copy. Younger more technologically capable writers may or may not be attracted to self-publication on the Internet. Again there is help available in this regard.

My most important hint: register every single piece of data you use in a footnote with references. There is no comeback if you can prove what you are saying is correct and supported by an accepted source. Let your audience know of your reading and extensive travel. You will be leaving footprints which in the future might be expanded upon by others once, having become exhausted by your efforts, the book finally gives birth. It could take years! Be patient and Good Luck!

Published on 17 Jun 2015 | Mr Malcolm Bentley