I'm writing a Book.

[Flytyer14 0]

So I've decided to write a book on fly tying, my book will not be really complicated. I will go through the basic steps to some flies, such as tying in tails and wings and such. But that will only be the first half of my book... the rest will be patterns. I was looking for help from me forum buddies, send me a fly with a pattern and short explanation as to what it represents, how to fish it, how much success you've had with it, and maybe some pictures of fish you've caught. I will put together a whole page with your fly, your statements and some words of my own. I will also put your name under the photo that I will take. So if you are interested you can PM me and I will send my address to you. I will put all the flies you send me in my book, so anything from trout to bass flies, it is going to be a book full of not just one persons innovation, but the whole fly tying community's! thank you all for your time. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

-Mark Varga

[Flytyer14 0]

The reason I want you to send me the fly is so that I can photograph them myself. They will then be categorized and kept in a safe place for further study.

[Flytyer14 0]

So if your going to mail me flies here is the requirement list.

 

You'll need to include:

 

Your Fly(s)

Phone Number

Patterns for each fly

A short Bio on yourself

Pictures of fish you caught on that fly

A statement on the fly

The Fly(s) target species

[Njardar 0]

I don't mean to throw cold water on your idea, but what will set your book apart from the countless others out there, and what is the incentive for me, or others, to have our name in print? Now that you are thinking about these questions, I have been watching your progress over the past several years and your dedication to the sport. You have talent and passion, and I'm sure that will come across in your book. One niche that comes to mind is writing a book that would appeal to your peers, young fly tyers and young fly fisherman. You can use your talents and experience to connect with your generation of fly tyers. As for the second part of my question, and depending on the direction of your book, I'd donate some of my flys so you can demonstrate what NOT to do. Good Luck

 

- Charlie

[Faster Fish 0]

Go for it man. Who care if it sells, who cares if anyone even looks at it. The have self publishing sites, I use www.hulu.com. Plus the best part is that it is free. So you don't even have submit it to anyone to have it rejected or accepted. I did a river/fishing journal a couple of years ago, I sold three copies, one I bought myself, and my mother bought the other two. The point is that you did it and it was your idea to do it. The only thing that I would suggest is that you put in the patterns that you use and the ones that you like. Don't depend on other people to send you patterns. That way it's personal. I am not sure if you have kids or not, but it would be really cool to pass on a book published by you to your kids. My journal I plan on giving to my kids. I use them and I enjoy them. I am sure that my kids will someday. I am sure that you will enjoy a book planned you by yourself, if anyone else does then that is just a bonus. BTW I will buy a copy if you publish.

 

Randy

[poksal 0]

Start by getting a stack of other books. Set down and make notes in an Excel sheet listing each book and column out what is wrong with them. You should find a pattern. FIX those problems!!! (too thick, too uggly, poor pictures, hard to follow.. etc.)

 

Then do the same thing as to what is right about each book. Dont break what was done right!

 

Start with terminology, no one can learn from a book if they do not understand what is being said.

 

Put in several serious examples of typical beginner fly tying mistakes. You should get plenty of cooperation to that aim from this forum easily enough.

 

Be sure to pay homage to the true art of fly tying. As a beginner, I am only now reaching out in an effort to just barely even touch the tip of the iceberg of the deep rich history and art of fly tying.

 

You may even get in touch with the "XXXX for Dummies" team and see if they are interested. But, be ready to blow them away.

 

Show cheap vises & top of the line vises and explain the differences.

 

Explain the value in buying dealer provided materials AND the converse value of looking around the house and shop finding near free resources. IE: I razor slice Cabela's shopping bags for olive wraps.

 

Explain the difference in a top priced rod and a reasonable performance store brand, same for reels.

 

Get into furled leaders, tippits, and alternate methods.

 

Help the beginner get a grip on the methods, AND the craft.

 

Through out the book equip the reader to make choices as to what level they wish to get involved in the hobby and treat ALL those possible levels with equal respect.

 

Make it AFFORDABLE!!!!

 

--get opinions of all aspects from members of the forum as you go, and acknowledge the forum as a resource in the credits and introduction and ad blips.

 

THEN...THEN... go back with experience and reputation, and write a serious fly tie book.

 

Because... having done that the quality of your serious fly tie book will of vastly improved!

 

IF you do that well...I WANT TO BUY ONE!!!!!

My 2¢ worth

[flyfishing99 0]

So I've decided to write a book on fly tying, my book will not be really complicated. I will go through the basic steps to some flies, such as tying in tails and wings and such. But that will only be the first half of my book... the rest will be patterns. I was looking for help from me forum buddies, send me a fly with a pattern and short explanation as to what it represents, how to fish it, how much success you've had with it, and maybe some pictures of fish you've caught. I will put together a whole page with your fly, your statements and some words of my own. I will also put your name under the photo that I will take. So if you are interested you can PM me and I will send my address to you. I will put all the flies you send me in my book, so anything from trout to bass flies, it is going to be a book full of not just one persons innovation, but the whole fly tying community's! thank you all for your time. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

-Mark Varga

 

 

 

Best of luck Mark. Don't let anyone dissuade you. Whether or not others buy the book, you will have it for your use and enjoyment. Make a good gift too, if nothing else.

[Bryan Wright 0]

I would start with a good blog develop a devoted following. Get some advertisement then take what you have on your blog with more detail, better pictures, etc. and get to writing. Good luck let me know how it goes I would love to see it even if you do self publish. (which is becoming a bigger and better way like indie music...)

[Flytyer14 0]

I was thinking If a bunch of people sent me flies then it wouldn't be personal, and that's where I was going with the idea. thank you all for your encouragement and tips!

[wes917 0]

My $.02

 

What is the motivation for someone to send you some flies? To have their name in print? Reason I ask is that you stated half of your book will be of others patterns, though you would be the one to benefit financially from that section. Will each person who submit's a fly and get's it in the published version recieve some type of compensation since it would directly benefit you in the form of possible sales not to mention the bunches of flies that you would then have in your possession? Just something to think about, and probably a reason it hasn't been done before. If someone ties flies good enough for print wouldn't it be in their best interest to simply do it themselves and at the same time be compensated for their efforts, while getting to keep their own flies?

[Flytyer14 0]

I'm not exactly sure how to answer that.

[Pelhament 0]

My $.02

 

What is the motivation for someone to send you some flies? To have their name in print? Reason I ask is that you stated half of your book will be of others patterns, though you would be the one to benefit financially from that section. Will each person who submit's a fly and get's it in the published version recieve some type of compensation since it would directly benefit you in the form of possible sales not to mention the bunches of flies that you would then have in your possession? Just something to think about, and probably a reason it hasn't been done before. If someone ties flies good enough for print wouldn't it be in their best interest to simply do it themselves and at the same time be compensated for their efforts, while getting to keep their own flies?

 

Might want to take a look at the book BugWater. It's a book about local bugs here in the Pacific NW. Every single fly in that book was donated by members of our local fly fishing board. No one expected anything in return for sending in the flies. However, the Author had a huge following from posting his bug photos and descriptions for 4 or 5 years on the board until he worked up enough material. We also prompted him into writing the book, while he was just happy posting it on the message board. I believe it took another 2-3 years to get everything approved from the editors, publishers, etc. But the finished product is amazing and one of my best references for matching the hatch.

 

FlyTyer14 - I personally don't have the time to sit down and tie a bunch of flies for something that may never come to fruition. After first reading this, it sounded like a good ploy to get a bunch of free flies. I'm sure that's not the case, and what little I know about you tells me you have the best intentions. However, for others who don't know you, they may feel otherwise. I agree with one of the above posters, start a blog, and start out with your own flies. Once you get people on board, they will be more willing to help out, including myself.

 

Take Care,

Chris

[Kirk Dietrich 0]

My $.02

 

...probably a reason it hasn't been done before. If someone ties flies good enough for print wouldn't it be in their best interest to simply do it themselves and at the same time be compensated for their efforts, while getting to keep their own flies?

 

You make some good points but as far as the not being done before, I have to disagree to a certain extent.

In fact, there are a few that I can think of and probably many more that I'm unfamiliar with that feature other tiers' flies. The current book I'm reading by Joe Bates, Streamers and Bucktails is nothing but other tiers' patterns, now, I'm not sure if he tied them or the originators tied them. Also, Lefty put out a book on Saltwater patterns and while many are his, most are not. Also, some years ago, a guy put together a book on Gulf of Mexico flies and had me send him some flies, in return, he sent me a copy of the book when it was published. I think I did that with another book author as well. Also Boyd Pfiefer wrote a book on fly tying and used some of my flies.

However, all of these guys that I sent flies to had their books well underway and I was able to see what they had.

I wouldn't send someone flies unless the book was almost complete, which, in the case of Flytyer14's book would be easy to do if it comes together like described. If the patterns of others are in the second half, I say write the first half the book, let folks see parts of it and then you just fill in the second half with "patterns".

 

Kirk

[flyfishing99 0]

My $.02

 

What is the motivation for someone to send you some flies? To have their name in print? Reason I ask is that you stated half of your book will be of others patterns, though you would be the one to benefit financially from that section. Will each person who submit's a fly and get's it in the published version recieve some type of compensation since it would directly benefit you in the form of possible sales not to mention the bunches of flies that you would then have in your possession? Just something to think about, and probably a reason it hasn't been done before. If someone ties flies good enough for print wouldn't it be in their best interest to simply do it themselves and at the same time be compensated for their efforts, while getting to keep their own flies?

 

Might want to take a look at the book BugWater. It's a book about local bugs here in the Pacific NW. Every single fly in that book was donated by members of our local fly fishing board. No one expected anything in return for sending in the flies. However, the Author had a huge following from posting his bug photos and descriptions for 4 or 5 years on the board until he worked up enough material. We also prompted him into writing the book, while he was just happy posting it on the message board. I believe it took another 2-3 years to get everything approved from the editors, publishers, etc. But the finished product is amazing and one of my best references for matching the hatch.

 

FlyTyer14 - I personally would not feel comfortable sending flies because I have not seen anything from you that could be used in a book. After first reading this, it sounded like a good ploy to get a bunch of free flies. Not saying that's the case, I'm sure you have the best intentions. I agree with one of the above posters, start a blog, and start out with your own flies. Once you get people on board, they will be more willing to help out.

 

Take Care,

Chris

 

 

 

Like I said, don't let anyone dissuade you. A somewhat famous old school guy Terry Helleckson did something a little similar. He collected patterns from various tiers. In his book, some of the photographed flies were tied by the originators. Would really recommend looking at his book.

Bottom line, I am sure most anyone you asked to supply a fly and pattern for your book would be glad to supply one. I think most of us have wanted to do a book one time or another. We would be happy to help you.

Thanks,

Byron

[Pelhament 0]

Trust me Mark, I'm not trying to dissuade you. I just feel that anything worth doing is worth taking the time to do it right.

 

Starting a blog based on what you want your book to be based one will help you with quite a few things.

• It will create a reader base.
  
• It will allow people to give you suggestions or tips on how to convey information in a way that is more enjoyable or readable to said reader base.
  
• After a while, hopefully, you reader base will want more of what you are offering than what they can receive in a blog. They will gladly pay you to have a book compiled of your blog postings and additional information.
  
• Once you've got your reader base hooked and wanting a book from you, they will be willing to help out in all aspects of what it will take to complete the book. Flies, photography, pretty much anything.
  

 

For the book BugWater, the author would send out a message on the board, saying I need such and such bug, alive. Someone would find it and either drive it up to him, or he would take a trip to go get it. This guy was all over the state of Oregon and Washington, picking up bugs from fellow forum members who had captured them for him. The reason they did this was because they wanted to help with what they already knew was going to be an amazing book, because they had been reading his work for years on the forum.