I’ve played the author game enough times to recognize the life cycle of ink on paper in the Digital Age. And, barring a lightning bolt, I’m certain that the coffee table book Andy Mahler and the Hoosier National: The Folk Hero and the Forest He Loves, will be a Limited Edition of 250 copies.
While Andy and I discussed running this project through a nonprofit, we chose to do it ourselves, with the transparency and conscience of a nonprofit, professing social missions from the start.
Here’s a report.
Our two top priorities were to spread the word about our imperiled Hoosier and other national forests in the Age of Trump, and to support worthy organizations.
In the nine weeks since we first solicited support, we have:
- Sold 160 books in 15 states, from New York to California to North Carolina to Texas; and
- Donated 44 books to six forest protection groups and independent booksellers.
Altogether, we have raised $6,842 through donations and sales, and provided $2,510 in donations and profits to six forest protection groups and independent booksellers:
- Protect Our Woods,
- Heartwood,
- Indiana Forest Alliance,
- Juniper Art Gallery,
- Book Corner, and
- Morgenstern Books.
On Oct. 3, I presented the opening remarks at this year’s Heartwood Reunion at the Lazy Black Bear. At my suggestion, State Senate Minority Leader Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington, posthumously presented Andy with a Circle of Corydon Award, a joint legislative/gubernatorial recognition and one of the highest honors state government gives to citizens.
On Oct. 26, I presented a talk and slideshow at Morgenstern Books.
I will be the featured guest on WFHB Community Radio’s Big Talk on Nov. 11 and at Juniper on Nov. 19.
At this time, we have 46 books left and do not anticipate any more print runs. So the 250 copies we have printed become a Limited Edition. Twenty-five have been set aside for the Juniper event.
We will continue donating significant portions of remaining book sales to worthy causes.
The next phase is unclear.
