Publishing Business
David Irving's self-publishing operation in 2023, showing the challenges of an elderly historian managing book production, sales, and customer relations while fighting physical decline and financial pressures.
Book Production
Churchill's War Volume III
Primary Project: Completion of the third and final volume of Irving's Churchill biography
- Status: In final editing throughout diary period (2023-04-01 to 2023-09-22)
- Target publication: December 2023
- Page count: Approximately 1,200 text pages
- Format: 9pt-on-14pt Minion pro font
- Print run: 2,000 copies planned (1,500 to US, 500 to UK)
- Challenges: Adobe InDesign software problems causing significant delays
- Progress: "Vol. III is now picking-up speed, after the [Adobe] disturbances, like a motor-car" (2023-09-04)
True Himmler Volume 2
Next major project: Second volume of Heinrich Himmler biography
- Publication target: "True Himmler, 2 will appear in one year" (2023-08-22)
- Status: In planning/early writing phase
- Content focus: Himmler's murder, detailed coverage of Reinhard camps
Printer Relationships
Biddles Ltd (UK)
Primary UK printer - Handles most UK production
- Contact: Nigel Mitchell
- Services: Text design assistance, InDesign support
- Products: Slip cases for special editions, various reprints
- Payment terms: Irving seeks supporters to pay Biddles directly
Lightning Source UK
Distribution partner for specific titles
- Products: War Path, Morgenthau Plan reprints
- Issue: Website authentication problems with Bank of America
Bookvault
Online publishing platform
- Contact: Jaenelle Antas
- Services: Print-on-demand, customer order fulfillment
Book Sales and Customer Relations
Sales Channels
1.
Direct online sales via irvingbooks.com
2.
Dealer network - Chris Burrows and other book dealers
3.
Speaking events - Sales at lectures (limited due to health)
4.
International shipping - Handled by Kathy in Florida
Popular Titles (Based on Reorder Patterns)
1.
Hitler's War - Millennium Edition, frequent reprints needed
2.
True Himmler Volume 1 - Strong sales, requiring slip cases
3.
Goebbels biography - "sold well... well reviewed by Gordon Craig" (2023-09-06)
4.
Churchill's War Volumes 1 & 2 - Steady demand ahead of Vol. 3
5.
Nuremberg - Regular customer requests, reprints needed
Customer Management
Handled primarily by kathy-despot in St. Augustine, Florida
- Daily orders: 1-5 book orders per day typically
- Shipping: Via USPS from Florida warehouse
- Customer service: Kathy handles inquiries, Irving handles complex questions
- International: Canada, Australia orders common
Financial Performance
- Daily tracking: "Net X" totals recorded each day
- Range: $60-$1,200+ per day depending on large orders
- Payment processing: Worldpay/iTransact systems
- Issues: Chargeback problems, PCI compliance costs
Business Challenges
Technical Problems
- Adobe InDesign: Constant software updates disrupting workflow
- Website authentication: Bank of America integration failures
- PCI compliance: Ongoing costs and validation requirements
- Shipping software: Address autocorrect problems causing misdirection
Physical Limitations
- Typing deterioration: "Typing slightly shoddy" (2023-07-18) affects productivity
- Memory issues: Forgetting customer details, order management
- Mobility: Unable to personally handle shipping, warehouse visits
Financial Constraints
- Cash flow: Difficulty funding large print runs
- Storage costs: UK and US storage units eating into profits
- Dependency: Relying on donations to fund major projects like CWV3
Staffing Dependency
Critical reliance on kathy-despot:
- Handles all US fulfillment (90%+ of orders)
- Manages customer service
- Processes payments and deposits
- Personal relationship creates vulnerability (owed $6,000)
Production Workflow
Daily Routine
1.
Morning email check: New orders from overnight
2.
Order forwarding: Simple orders sent to Kathy
3.
Complex orders: Personal handling for special requests
4.
Writing work: "Coalface" editing and composition
5.
Evening reconciliation: Daily sales totals recorded
Seasonal Patterns
- Summer slowdown: "slow summer" affecting cash flow (2023-06-07)
- Holiday considerations: Avoiding Thanksgiving week for shipping
- Anniversary dates: Increased sales around WWII anniversaries
Quotes
On business pressures: "I have a few days ago added cash from Poland. I am proud now to be in the files as the legal father of Jessica" (2023-09-18)
On technical frustrations: "Bloody Ingram, I have always said" (2023-07-18)
On his legacy: "I think big governments by their nature find lying easier which makes it better for small booksellers like us. Particularly if the product is good." (2023-08-26)
On financial stress: "Cash is incredibly low, but gradually smoothing out" (2023-06-03)
Cross-References
Irving's publishing operation represents a determined but increasingly precarious effort to maintain intellectual output and financial independence while managing the realities of advanced age and physical decline.