The challenges of publishing your own photobook

Hello Elja, I recently published a photo book. That's anything but difficult. Selecting the photos and writing a text is most of the work.
That publishers don't want to do this is because a certain print run is needed to keep the cost per book low. If you only want one, you can always have one made at CeWe. I had 80 printed and sell or give them to anyone who wants to know something about street photography. The book is in German, but for the Dutch I include a translation in the same format.
Difficult? no. Expensive? somewhat. but fun? Yes, absolutely.
Give it a try. or have a look at my site for an example.

Liesbeth Verkade wrote on Tuesday 15 April 2025 at 17:56  | reply

Very recognizable, Jan. I have been making photobooks via CeWe for at least 15 years, first in the Netherlands, now in Germany. Making a good selction and and good layout takes time, but it is also a lot of fun to work on. Not difficult, then.
Last year I made a book with my most cherished photo"as a coffee table book in A3 format. This can easily be printed in a larger edition to sell/give away.

Hi Elja.

Making a photo book is a particularly enjoyable activity, as is looking back through and viewing it. We/I have already made many, including quite a few as gifts for one occasion or another. Those are in the 18-18 format and with a 'softcover'. A great format for showing photos and a gift that does not put the recipient in an awkward position.
On a regular basis there is a promotion that sometimes offers up to 50% off and/or sometimes free shipping. A great opportunity to replenish my stock.
Almost always I write something with the photos: a short story, a poem/verse etc.

Kind regards,
Hans