Hi GCA-ers,
Thank you to Philip, Melvyn and Andrew for your interest. I'm pleased with how the publication has materialised.
It is a sad, limiting fact that upon the release of each volume in the “Golf Archie” series, PRICE always rears its ugly head.
Everything is stacked against these projects getting off the ground. Unlike the turfgrass industry, one cannot charge what due investigation reveals to be sustainable. The buyers don’t wear it. By contrast, the price range for new publications in the “turf” world is $150-500, with many perched around $200. Turf publishers set these high prices because of the acknowledgement (by all stakeholders) that it operates in a niche market. Print runs, accordingly, are set very low. Surely the golf-course architecture industry is every bit as much a niche market. Perhaps, even more of a niche market?
In spite of the thrill of the work, and the enjoyment that stems from working with the most decent people imaginable, each volume takes one just that little bit closer to bankruptcy. It’s a tug-of-war, and it’s pure mathematics: Vol. One (2003) retailed at Au$90.00. Over the course of the following three volumes, the cost of producing these books has almost doubled, yet Vol. Four (2008) is retailing at Au$70.00 (Au$20 cheaper) five years later. Although it would prove unpopular for future volumes, I may need to consider implementing what the turf publishers do; namely, halving the print-run and tripling the price. Pumping out Golf Archie Vol. Four at Au$70.00 is among the most irresponsible things I’ve ever done in business.
Mindful of the litigious potential of the airwaves, let me just say that the presence of Amazon is (toned down) a win-loss scenario. For Andrew Hastie: it’s a huge win, enabling him to get a quality 384pps book for “nicks”. It virtually fell off the truck, mate! For niche publishers … Amazon plunges the knife and then twists clockwise and anti-clockwise in equal parts. Moreover, it sells the perception that $22 is “the price”. When I try and sell the book at a more realistic price, it seems, by comparison, to be excessive. Hmmm. Granted, the firm does assist with exposure.
Over the course of the series, all combinations have been trialed, such as doing without distributors in UK and USA, purely making do with deliveries from Australia. The results have been variable.
The availability of Golf Archie Vol. Four is as follows:
1. US deliveries:
Pelican Publishing can supply anywhere in North America for the usual US postal rates;
2. UK deliveries:
Aurum Press can supply UK readers;
3. Australia and other countries:
I can supply from Australia
Note: personalised copies are welcomed and can only be supplied from Australian stock.
Limited edition:
The numbered, leatherbound edition (100 copies only) is available from Australia. Priced at Au$300.00, the Lim/Ed contains a Tip-in Page of Authenticity at the start of the book. Thirty enterprising golf enthusiasts, worldwide, have reserved a number for life. These include Justin Ryan (Mr 4), Scott Wood Jr (Mr 14), Dunlop White 111 (Mr 49), Ian Lawson (Mr 50), Mark Rathert (Mr 52) Todd Housteau (Mr 61), Pieter Roef (Mr 66), Mike Nuzzo (Mr 69) Gerald Stratford (Mr 95), to name a few. In addition the Golf Archie series, they also possess the same numbered Lim/Ed copies for The Sandbelt, Favourite Holes by Design and Links Golf.
Special offer on 4-book purchase (dispatched from Australia, only):
The Vols. 1–4 set (standard edition) is available for Au$180, plus postage. The $100 “set” discount compensates purchasers for the anticipated $100-120 postal charge to non-Australian destinations.
P Daley contact:
fswing@bigpond.net.au
www.fullswinggolf.com.au