Pool Ball Collecting.

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Hello, ladies and gentlemen.

Hard Knock Cues suggested that a coffee table book of rare and desirable pool ball sets would be an interesting project.

A few friends and I have been discussing the idea. I’d love it to come to fruition but am not kidding myself that our hobby is anything but a niche passion, dear reader… and therefore we are not expecting a bestseller here.

If we were able to produce a very professional product (which we would) I’m thinking sales in the region of 200 books at a retail price of perhaps $20 or thereabouts might be a reasonable ambition.

We’re speculating about 200 pages to the book featuring 100 ball sets on a double page per set… descriptive text on the left, glossy photographs on the right.

What say you?
 
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Hello, FishKnife.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read through the entire thread and offer such kind words.

I also received your many generous feedback responses during the past few days… and they were all sincerely appreciated.

Best wishes and thank you again. 🙏

RC.
 
Rubik's Cube said:
Hello, ladies and gentlemen.

Hard Knock Cues suggested that a coffee table book of rare and desirable pool ball sets would be an interesting project.

A few friends and I have been discussing the idea. I’d love it to come to fruition but am not kidding myself that our hobby is anything but a niche passion, dear reader… and therefore we are not expecting a bestseller here.

If we were able to produce a very professional product (which we would) I’m thinking sales in the region of 200 books at a retail price of perhaps $20 or thereabouts might be a reasonable ambition.

We’re speculating about 200 pages to the book featuring 100 ball sets on a double page per set… descriptive text on the left, glossy photographs on the right.

What say you?
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I would be willing to pre order 10 copies to support such an effort.

I look forward to seeing this happen and appreciate your efforts.
Thank you for considering taking on such a project.
 
I am genuinely taken aback and humbled by your offer, HKC. It is incredibly kind and truly appreciated, sir.

We have only just started to discuss the possibility of a coffee table book, dear chap, so it will be quite a while before anything is ready for potential publication.

I would never be comfortable accepting anyone’s hard earned money without having the book design finished, printed and available for immediate delivery, but will absolutely give you first dibs on any copies you might like should that exciting day arrive, sir.

Thank you so very much, again. 🙏
 
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Rubik's Cube said:
I am genuinely taken aback and humbled by your offer, HKC. It is incredibly kind and truly appreciated, sir.

We have only just started to discuss the possibility of a coffee table book, dear chap, so it will be quite a while before anything is ready for potential publication.

I would never be comfortable accepting anyone’s hard earned money without having the book finished, printed and available for immediate delivery, but will absolutely give you first dibs on any copies you might like should that exciting day arrive, sir.

Thank you so very much, again. 🙏
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You are most welcome.

When and\if the time comes I would be happy to invest in what might just be a collectable in itself some day. As well as a valuable reference resource.

I think the book would also make a fine gift to many in my pool playing circle as well.
 
Thank you so much, gentlemen.

You might indeed be right on the pricing, Alphadog. The thing is though, dear chap, I start from a position of not being concerned about making a profit… as long as I don’t lose too much I’ll be happy just to create something nice.

We’re reasonably confident of being able to handle the necessary pre-production work ourselves… descriptive text, page layout, cover design, photography, etc. This would be time consuming, of course, but I’m retired and enjoy that sort of thing anyway. And it would save a lot of money!

Regards the printing and binding of a high quality 200-page book, tentative research suggests costs in the region of $20 per book might just about be possible based on an order of 200 copies. It could yet prove to be a pipe dream for sure, but I’m hoping that gives the project a fighting chance of getting off the ground.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts. As ever they are much appreciated.
 
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Hey RC,

I always wondering if there was something like this out there already, especially since you started creating those beautiful cards, which would be a great collection in itself for reference and the valuable information that you always supply, so I would also be in on a few books as well. Thanks for all you do for all us pool ball collecting nuts out there. You are a true blessing for all of us. Vince
 
Hello, Vince.

Thank you so much, sir. It is always great to hear such generous feedback, and genuinely appreciated. It makes my efforts worthwhile.

Best wishes. 🙏
 
Wonderful set, Mr L.

It might be true to say that this is my favourite ever set. It is certainly true that ninety-nine percent of every game I have played was with a red and yellow casino set.

I honestly believe this design was genius. For me it promoted an improved standard of 8 Ball perhaps more than any innovation since modern phenolics. It is so much easier to see patterns quickly and keeps one’s play fluid.

Thank you for sharing, sir.
 
Rubik's Cube said:
Thank you so much, gentlemen.

You might indeed be right on the pricing, Alphadog. The thing is though, dear chap, I start from a position of not being concerned about making a profit… as long as I don’t lose too much I’ll be happy just to create something nice.

We’re reasonably confident of being able to handle the necessary pre-production work ourselves… descriptive text, page layout, cover design, photography, etc. This would be time consuming, of course, but I’m retired and enjoy that sort of thing anyway. And it would save a lot of money!

Regards the printing and binding of a high quality 200-page book, tentative research suggests costs in the region of $20 per book might just about be possible based on an order of 200 copies. It could yet prove to be a pipe dream for sure, but I’m hoping that gives the project a fighting chance of getting off the ground.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts. As ever they are much appreciated.
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I suggest you look at Amazon’s kindle direct publishing (kdp) for your book so you don’t have to manage shipping and order fulfillment. It’s how I’ve handled my book.

Like others in this thread, I would also buy a copy. This thread has already cost me plenty of money, although it’s been well worth it.

Good luck!
 
I always enjoy this thread when I see a new post bumping it to the top of the forum.

I am not a ball collector, but I do enjoy this thread. A book on balls would be similar to the Blue Books of Cues... A very cool and important document. Although as originally stated, a niche market.
 
Thank you so much for such generous feedback and great advice, gentlemen. It is truly gratifying to learn that folks enjoy reading the thread.

I certainly will research the Kindle service, Mr K.

Best wishes. 🙏
 
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