talkmagic.co.uk

I have been pondering over a few original ideas of mine lately and some of these are at the ready to publish as effects stage.
I'm sure many of you are in the same position (creative bunch that we are ) so then it came to me...
Why don't we collectively write a book and get it published.
If we give one original effect each I'm sure we could come up with quite an entertaining and valuable tome.
I know some of the members here have had material published before so these could help with this if enough people are interested

This is still only a basic idea at the moment, just wondered if it would be worth pursuing.

I'd be happy to contribute!!

I'd help but I'm not very creative..There have beens some great ideas on here though. I'm sure I have a journal smowhere that has a routine or idea that could be good enough.

Are you willing to put monthes, if not longer in researching each effect to make sure it hasn't be published before? We're always moaning on TM about originality so you'd have to do that properly!

The idea is good!

If it's an E-book, the cost is zero, only time spent on research, editing and lay-out.

But if it's a printed book, then somebody has to research, edit, lay-out and then have it printed and that might cost quite a bit. Then somebody has to store the books and pack and post them as they sell. Is there anybody ready to do that? Perhaps one of the Magic Shops that advertise below in TM forum?

I the ebook idea. I'm not very learned in the area of publishing but gunarkr makes some good points. Lenoir also makes a good point.

gunnarkr wrote:But if it's a printed book, then somebody has to research, edit, lay-out and then have it printed and that might cost quite a bit. Then somebody has to store the books and pack and post them as they sell. Is there anybody ready to do that? Perhaps one of the Magic Shops that advertise below in TM forum?

If you want to go down the 'real book' route, Lulu are apparently quite good for doing all that for you

Would we have one focus on the book(stage, close-up, card, coin, mentalism) or would it be a grab bag of effects?

If you made it a "real" book, would you make enough money to actually make money with it. I'd buy a hard copy just because it would be cool to have...

I'll throw my Nine Of Clubs trick in
Ok, no, seriously, I would put something worthwhile forward.

Some valid points have been made. If we were to do it then downloadable .pdf would definitely be the most cost effective method although IMHO I dont think you can beat having a well produced hard copy of a real book, although it would be expensive.
How about doing what Jeff Pierce did with 'The King Has Left The Building With Amnesia' This was first brought out as a limited edition of 100 numbered copies then later brought out as a downloadable .pdf. Doing this you have the best of both worlds and the production price could be kept to a minimum.
As for originality I think the best way would be for any contributor to do their own research on their effect and (if necessary) provide the correct disclaimer, originator, or inspiration for the effect.

I'll contribute my 21 card trick!

I'll give Phoenix Flash with alternate handling by another board member.

I'd be happy to contribute something.

There was talk of this before, a few years back now I think. Hopefully something will come of it this time, there are a lot of creative people on TM!

You maybe don't have to contribute something original - we could each write one A4 page on our favorite trick, why it's a favorite and how you PERFORM it.

It's the performance that counts and this could perhaps capture more from the members.

I'd also recommend some rules such as you have to have been a member for a certain period of time or made so many posts etc. otherwise you could be inundated with entries.

Presentations are far more important than the method. However, with that said - you must still research your effect properly and credit where possible, even if it is a lowly ebook.

Why not just take the Royal Road to Card Magic as the base line, and everyone add their own versions of the classic effects - but dressed up in new boots and panties so to speak?