When Jean Collins wrote her book about South Kelsey, she included research that stemmed from her interviews with current residents as well as a lot of painstaking research in the archives of a great many institutions. By adding genealogical information as well, she personalised what could have been a very dry book. Her anecdotes lifted the historical interest, but it was the photos and the stories behind some of them that really ‘iced’ her book for us, as publishers.
I was already persuaded to consider her book as one of general interest – but seeing the photos persuaded me that there was something that would have great appeal, beyond the straight forward historical value.
If you are considering writing historical reference books – what key feature will make your book stand out from the rest?
Is it about a previously unpublished subject?
Is it a new slant?
Will it have pictures never published before?
Does it feature information that is presented in a unique and original fashion?
There must be many people who have lived all their lives in the same area, who have stacks of family photographs and postcards to illustrate their memories. What a wonderful way of preserving the experiences of elderly relatives, if they could be persuaded to write them down! Younger family members could contribute facts and figures …it could be another best-seller!