| The
best place to start is to find some postcards with similar
pictures. On the back should be the address of the publisher.
Send a nicely-printed sample to the publisher and see if you
get a response. If they have an email address or web site
listed, you could contact them beforehand to see if they're
worth the effort.
Unfortunately, it's likely that you won't
get a reply since most publishers probably get many such submittals
and already have an arrangement with one photographer, or
a few photographers. It's easier for them to work with a small
number of photographers as there's less work -- less accounting,
less checks to write, less hassle with terms, etc. Hopefully
though, they'll be interested.
They may offer you a one-time license, to
use the image indefinitely. The payment may not be much, perhaps
$100, but at least you'll get your picture published.
If you're more motivated by seeing your work
published than getting any money, you could offer to license
the image for free, or in exchange for some finished postcards
to give to your family and friends.
Note that you would offer to "license"
the image rather than give them the "copyright".
With a license, the publisher can use the image according
to the agreed terms, but you still retain the copyright so
you can use the image yourself.
If you have a digital camera, you could send
a digital file on a CD. The best format is a "RAW"
file straight from the camera, or, if not, a high resolution,
unmodified JPEG. For film cameras, don't use or send print
("negative") film -- it flags you as a novice. Use
slide film, preferably something sharp like Fuji Velvia, but
don't send the original until something has been agreed --
if you send an original slide on "spec" you probably
won't get it back.
Bear in mind that postcard publishing --
like other types of regional publishing -- is often small-time,
local, and niche-orientated. There's not a lot of money to
go round, personal relationships count, and publishers don't
stray far from the niche that works for them.
Also, they may already have a postcard with
the same picture as yours, they may not see a market for your
image, or they may simply not be printing new cards at this
time.
As with anything, originality, color, and
quality count. Publishers are looking for something that is
not just as good as their current offering but is better,
that will add to their line-up, that will attract buyers and
fly off the shelves.
You could, of course, make your own postcards.
This requires some effort, time and up-front money to do the
printing and distribution. On the plus side, postcards are
the lowest-cost way to tangibly publish your own work. Why selling
my photo on-line? | How
to Sell Your Art | How
Can I Sell My Photo As A Postcard? |
How To Sell
Your Photos | Where
To Sell Your Photos | How
To Sell Your Photo To A Magazine |
How
To Put Your Photos On The Web | Photos
You Can't Sell |
