Publishing a book in Finland - advice?

[Osbi]

It just occurred to me, that I'd like to publish a book. Well, before I came to Finland a year ago, I had been self-publishing a heavy metal magazine for 12 years (only 9 issues... I'm a bit of a slacker). Since I've come to Finland, I've photographed 12 metal festivals and nearly 100 other gigs, (some pictures are here http://www.ladyenslain.net if you're interested) and I thought to use this material more towards a book than another magazine, like commentary based around the photography of Finnish festivals, which I think could be well received both in Finland and to other metal fans as a window into the culture that I've seen from the perspective of an outsider. I think it could be published in English, as especially metal fans in Finland know the language well enough.

Anyway, I'm wondering what is the best way to tackle this project, as I don't have any real starting cash to put into it. I wonder if I'd be able to receive loans or grants towards the project, based on my immigrancy and the fact that I suppose the government wants me doing something useful and practical with my time here. Guess it's much different than opening a pizza/kebab joint, but perhaps there's some similar help I could get. Anyone know anywhere I could go to for advice or assistance? Or know of any publishers in Finland I could contact?

[EP]

I am in no way an author, but I have had one book published. I presented the idea to a publisher (in this case Otava), they were interested, and then I just wrote it. My sister is a graphic artist, and she did the pictures. And then the book was published. That was it. Not a gold mine compared to the amount of work it took. The pay depended on the amount it sold. Well, it gave some pocket money during three or four years. First a little more, then less and less.

I have not tried afterwards, I have not had good ideas.

There are pig publishers like Otava, WSOY, Tammi and Gummerus. And the a league of small ones.

[Osbi]

Thanks! I'll contact some of those companies then. But you are Finnish, am I right? I wonder if these companies would be reluctant to deal with an immigrant with minimal competence in Finnish, or if I should have my husband correspond with them on my behalf. By the way, did you receive an advance for publishing? I'm guessing that only applies to those who are consistently having material published. And I wonder, if published by a Finnish publishing company, in what way I could have the books spread overseas. I'm sure I could find distributors for the book, particularly in the US music scene, if I'm somehow able to get them boxes of the books.

[EP]

Hah, I remembered my publisher wrong, not Otava but WSOY. Anyway, you could try to get an audience and present your idea + pictures. Better to do it yourself, after all it is yours, not your husband´s.

No, I didn´t get any advance just a lump sum once a year for 3-4 years after the book was published. And that was not something I could have lived with.

[EP]

Here is a small publisher who has published for example heavy metal history:

http://www.johnnykniga.fi/kniga/index.jsp

[EP]

Small and small... It seems to be the daughter of Finland´s biggest, WSOY:

""Johnny Kniga

is an independent imprint of the biggest publishing house in Finland, Werner Söderström Corporation. Johnny Kniga publishes literature that disturbs people: scandalous rock’n’roll biographies, praised fiction, breathtaking poetry and lifestyle guides radiating with wisdom. Be it in Finnish or some other language.

In addition to Finnish literature, also Scandinavian and Anglo- American literature have a strong footing in Johnny Kniga’s publishing program. Similarly, the amount of Spanish literature published is increasing."

So it looks like language would not be a problem.

[EP]

she is from a "old-money" family in Finland so had the name to back her up

Uh? Does that help? I mean money, old or new? I have never thought about it. Why would that help?

I guess my idea was good. And I guess that is why I have not even tried to do another one. I have not had ideas that are even closely that good afterwards. It was WSOY´s children´s sector that took it although it wasn´t really a children´s book. I think most buyers were those live role playing young adults.

[EP]

And no, I didn´t have a backdoor. I had never even seen those types. I have a name as a writer, but I did the book with my maiden name because I didn´t want my clients to know that I have been cheating them and done something totally useless while I could have been doing their "important" stuff.

[Cloudberry]

What about self publishing? is that something that is viable in Finland or is it too cost prohibitive?

[psammy]

hello,i just read your last comment and i have the same problem..just finish writing a novel now and am looking for a publisher,i have never before .i have been living here for about 1 year now and my book is ready now.can anybody give some clue how to go about it..