I would like to know what steps one must take to have some of their work considered for Post Cards. Are there certain Companies that make postcards who have open communication with freelance photographers or do mostd companies work with their own photographers?

Thankyou, Charles

-- Charles P. Williams (willia41@pop.niehs.nih.gov), March 25, 1999

Answers

There are a couple of things you can do. First, check out the retail stores in your area that sell postcards of local interest and see which company or companies are publishing them. Then contact them and ask for submission guidelines. Second, get ahold of a copy of Photographer's Market. There is a large listing of publishers involved in paper products.

-- Mark Windom (mwphoto@nwlink.com), March 26, 1999.

Have you considered taking some of your own "masterpieces" to a printer and getting some Postcards made off them. You can then try selling them to various retailers in the appropriate district perhaps on a sale or return basis if necessary. There are several companies here in the UK who specialise in this type of work and I'm sure there must be some in your neck of the woods. Try the ads in the back of photo mags - especially the pro ones.

Good luck

John Swannick

-- John Swannick (john_swannick@lineone.net), June 14, 1999.

I started publishing my own postcards three years ago. First of all you must design, print, and sell the cards yourself if you want to make any money. Second, ignore most of which retailers may tell you. If you have good shots then you need to have the confidence to sell them. The main thing that every retailer told me was that they HAVE to sell for 40" each. That is hogwash. I came in with a gorgeous design and printing and told them the wholesale price is 40". Everyone loves the cards. You will never get rich but it is a nice way to start making your name in your community as a photographer. I have done a couple different towns here in WV and they sell well. Don't expect to make a living off of it though.

-- Robert Peak (jenbob@intrepid.net), May 26, 2000.

Good Day:

I can help! PHOTOSTIX® simply peel and stick to the backs of your own standard 4" X 6" photos to create your own unique looking postcards. They work and now have a version that enables you to use your computer printer to print (IN COLOR) a nice message about your photograph. Here is the web site: http://www.photostix.com

-- Jerry Chiappetta, Jr. (postcards@photostix.com), June 28, 2001.