Hi, I’m the author of the Taunton Press book, “Making Plastic Laminate Countertops.”
Taunton discontinued this book over a year ago. I get e-mail inquiries every week from people wondering where they can get a copy. I tell them to check Ebay or amazon.com marketplace for used copies. Used copies have been selling there for as much as $90. That’s a bit steep for a book that originally sold for $19.95.
That’s the bad news. But the good news is that I have recently acquired a bunch of new copies that have been sitting in a warehouse for all this time. I still don’t understand why no one knew about their whereabouts for the past year or so, but that’s unimportant now. The point is, I now have all these copies—every last brand new copy of the book left in the world.
If you’d like a signed copy of this rare discontinued book, drop me an e-mail for details. I’m charging $22 each, plus a couple bucks for postage. Once they are gone, this time they are really going to be gone!
By the way, the book has had incredibly positive reader response. Tech reps from Wilsonart and Formica even called me to tell me how much they liked the book. Then why did Taunton discontinue it, you may wonder? Well, I can’t say for sure but I suspect it had to do with sales. Though the book was well received and sold steady for years, it sold in relatively low numbers. In other words, it wasn’t a money maker.
Herrick Kimball
[email protected]
Replies
herrick... i'll check in tomorrow
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
I was almost ready to steal the copy from our local library, love the book . Already sent you contact info. Thanks. Mike O
Mike,
I always used to think that when a library buys a book, that's bad for the author because he looses a sale. But, as you attest, that isn't always the case. I've heard from so many other people who have purchased a copy of one of my books after first getting it from the library. And, come to think of it, I've done the same thing.
Thanks,
Herrick Kimball
[email protected]
P.S. The response to my posting about the "newly discovered" last remaining copies of my laminate book has been nothing short of amazing. Evidentally, a lot of people come to this message board!
I'm surprised a Taunton author would be surprised!
Lots of good folk here and NOBODY can have my copy,....... great book, thank you very much.Cheers,Phil.If it is to be.... 'twil be done by me.
Herrick,
Got the book. Thanks, it is a welcome addition to my library!Frank
Herrick, I bought your book and read from cover to cover, and have built many formica counter tops with the knowledge that you have given me. I am noted for my wood edge banding with a round over bead every customer, I show wants it is just dresses up the counter tops so much. I have seen alot of other fabricators work and they just do not equal the work you have shown me through your book. I do agree with the one statement in your book concerning can you really make a perfect top. It seems that it did take a while to perfect every last detail, but if i digress from your knowledge then, I find myself making mistakes. I am sad to see this book being discontinued and I would hope that you and Taunton Press can come to some type of agreement to republish the book or make a revised copy.
Thankyou so much for the your knowledge you have taught me.
DANA
Hi DANA,
Thanks for the positive feedback on my laminate countertop book. As an author it's very rewarding to hear that a reader has learned from my book and put what they learned to good use. Though I have received many letters and e-mail similar to yours in the years since the book came out, I never tire of the kudos. The book didn't make me much money considering the effort that I put into it (you would be surprised!), but the good reader reviews have made up for any disappointment there.
Ironically, the countertop book has generated far more feedback from readers such as yourself than my cabinet refacing book, even though the refacing book has sold more copies.
But selling copies is what it's all about from Taunton's point of view (and understandably so) and this book failed in that regard. Perhaps it was the marketing. Perhaps the highly focused subject matter doesn't appeal to a wide enough buying audience. Whatever the case, I'm appreciative of Taunton Press and the opportunity they gave me to write the book.
Thanks again for your comments.
Best wishes,
Herrick Kimball
[email protected]
I would have to ditto all DANA's comments. Read your book cover to cover and then some. Tremendous help. The only advise I didn't take was backsplashes. Should have bought that kit you recommended "hands down best way" still remember your words. After a few bad jobs, I converted to ceramic tile ... well I'm not selling my worn marked up book. Thanks again for many nice c'tops
Thanks Rick .
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Amazingly, people are still contacting me about getting my book as a result of this Breaktime Classified.
I do still have copies of this out-of-print book to sell. I thought I still had a few copies listed at amazon and was surprised to find that they were all gone. So I just put a bunch more on there. Here is the amazon.com link (if it shows up here, you may have to copy & paste into your web browser):
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1561581356/qid%3D1022882436/sr%3D1-3/ref%3Dsr%5F1%5F3/104-9095717-0494310
I am also selling copies by mail order and with PayPal. Just e-mail me for specific details.
By the way, if you go to the Amazon page you will see that USED copies of the book are listed at $49. They have been selling for more than that in the past.
Thank you,
Herrick Kimball
(Author of "Making Plastic Laminate Countertops"
[email protected]