Which path to take?

[yarndog]

I am writing a book on a barbeque tour I took, meaning I visited a number of cities and ate barbeque restaurant in those cities. As I always do on trips I did so much more than just go to a city, eat barbeque, and leave. For instance in St. Louis I took in a Cardinals game. I am viewing my book as more a travelogue that encompasses everything I did on my trip, highlighting of course, my barbeque stops. The editors are adamant my book is strictly a barbeque book and should only discuss my experiences at the restaurants and strip everything out. The believe my book should be modeled after Guy Fieri's show Diners, Drive-ins, and dives, where he shows up at the front door of a business, reviews the restaurant and eats the food, then in the next episode he shows up at the front door of the next restaurant and reviews it, etc. My struggle occurs in that I want the book to encompass the whole story of my trip, with barbeque as the reason I went on it. They would throw out going to the Cardinals game because I didn't have a conversation with everyone around me about barbeque, I went to enjoy the game.

After saying all this, I am soliciting feedback and opinions. Thanks in advance.

[Richard]

Jul 30, 2012 9:46:29 GMT -5 yarndog said:

I am writing a book on a barbeque tour I took, meaning I visited a number of cities and ate barbeque restaurant in those cities. As I always do on trips I did so much more than just go to a city, eat barbeque, and leave. For instance in St. Louis I took in a Cardinals game. I am viewing my book as more a travelogue that encompasses everything I did on my trip, highlighting of course, my barbeque stops. The editors are adamant my book is strictly a barbeque book and should only discuss my experiences at the restaurants and strip everything out. The believe my book should be modeled after Guy Fieri's show Diners, Drive-ins, and dives, where he shows up at the front door of a business, reviews the restaurant and eats the food, then in the next episode he shows up at the front door of the next restaurant and reviews it, etc. My struggle occurs in that I want the book to encompass the whole story of my trip, with barbeque as the reason I went on it. They would throw out going to the Cardinals game because I didn't have a conversation with everyone around me about barbeque, I went to enjoy the game.

After saying all this, I am soliciting feedback and opinions. Thanks in advance.

I guess it depends. You mentioned editors. Does that mean you have a publisher as well, that they work for? Or, are they just hired by you?

If you are self-published, I think you should do what you want to do. I like your approach, personally. If you go with it, get some feedback from others before publishing to see how it is received.

I could only read so many BBQ reviews before I lost interest, but adding a travel review/recap would be a fitting diversion. The balance would have to be right, and you could add elements of humor/history/& discovery more easily while blending it together with what everyone loves....food.

[yarndog]

I have my own editors, and dont' work for one. My plan is to self-publish. Thanks for the reply. You touched on the issues that are of concern to me. I feel giving an overall flavor of the trip, and not just BBQ reviews, adds to the fun and adventure of what I am doing and makes it more interesting. Again, thanks for your feedback. It is very helpful.

[Richard]

No problem. I love BBQ, food, to cook, and the show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives!

Since you are talking about a book, you need to go into more details than the show. That is why I mentioned a History approach. Interview the owners, retrace the history of the place, if it has one, and ask them, of course, if they mind being part of the book.

Maybe give an overall background on the history of BBQ itself, and why each region has its own style.

If people are traveling, what else can they spend time doing in the area besides eating BBQ.

Add a recipe section. Not that the restaurants will give out their secrets, but maybe they will give one out, even if it is a special side item recipe.

Put some pictures in there, and have fun with it. Review places to stay in the area, specifically Bed & Breakfast types.

Keep contact information with everyone, and every business, who contributes.

Then, when you are published, send them a copy to keep displayed in their business for some free advertising.

There is a lot you can do, but all of it is work. And sales are not guaranteed. But, if it is worth doing, do it right.

Just my 2 cents.

[yarndog]

Thanks again. Your ideas are priceless.