A couple years ago members of the chapter decided to tell their stories, which would appear in a book entitled “The Battle in Common” and be available to the public. A “Book Team” was formed whose purpose was to spearhead the project. Stories were submitted by 19 veterans and four associate members.
Update on the book sales and distribution.
After being published last fall, nearly all “The Battle in Common” copies have been sold. As of this date we have approximately 60 books remaining. ISBN 978-0-9885762-0-9. Books were distributed free to the sponsors and to veterans associated with the project.All other copies of the book were purchased by the public, sold by three Rochester book stores and the book team. The book has generated more than $5000 in sales and donations for VBOB National.
Proposed next steps for the project.
The limited number of books remaining brought the question of a second printing. After much consideration, the Book Team decided to forego a second printing in favor of converting the book to an electronic format (“e-book”) at no cost.
This decision provides two benefits:
- There are no production costs, allowing all sales income to go to VBOB National,
- The book would be available on all electronic systems ( all computers as well as tablet readers like Kindle, iPad and Nook) for perpetuity.
The conversion of the book content to the new format will be provided pro bono by Michael Riordan, professor of printing at Rochester Institute of Technology who helped with the initial book. Distribution of the electronic books would best be serviced by Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other retailers who sell e-books. To fully enable the book team’s decision, National VBOB has endorsed this plan and will work with the Book Team (specifically RIT Prof. Michael Riordan) to set up distribution agreements with distributors such as Amazon, etc. The agreements would be with each vendor, to provide that revenues go to a VBOB Book Account.
The Rochester Book Team will disband after the program is in place.
Tom Hope (for The Book Team)
XIX Corps, Headquarters
Kudos to the chapter members and others for an outstanding job, one that will help to perpetuate the legacy of all who served in the Battle of the Bulge.