Frank Barrett

Not all "lost car" stories are bad. In 1967 I was living in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, commuting to and from work past a shop called Automobilia. Outside sat two dilapidated pre-war BMWs, a 327 and a 328. They wanted $1,200 for the pair. I was just out of college, had no money, no time, and no garage space, so I passed. About 40 years later, at a car event in Colorado, I got talking with a guy who mentioned he had a 327. So I told him my sad story, and he replied, "I bought those cars!"

And then there are sidebars...

Have written two automotive books that sold successfully--and one that didn't! First, write about something you know. Second is to write about a topic that you can conveniently research. And write a book that fills a need, even if it's just a niche, a book that will be unique. A successful book must also have an audience broad enough to make it a financial success for the publisher. In fact, you should find a publisher before you get deeply into the project. A good publisher can help you with research access, advances, guidance, scope, writing style, editing standards, publicity, and more. Of course, he will first want a thorough outline, perhaps even a sample chapter. Your writing experience, even if it's only for a club publication, helps interest a publisher. Hope this helps. Frank

Hope they have Tim Kuser on board.