Gettysburg Times (1995): ‘Local writer has signed two book deals’

His early writings on art and World War II history

I recently came across this news clip from The Gettysburg Times (November 9, 1995). At the time, I was living in Gettysburg, Pa. and working as a reporter for The Record Herald (Waynesboro, Pa.) The report was about two books I’d written: Big Bucks from Little Sketches: Proven Ways to Earn Money with Portraits and Caricatures Using Little or No Talent (McKinley & Henson) and Off to War: Franklin Countians in World War II (White Mane Publishing). This was an important period in my development as a writer and editorial cartoonist.

Big Bucks was self-published. I had tried to sell it to traditional publishers but without any success. After a while, I decided to publish it myself. When I offered it to ICS (International Correspondence Schools), they agreed to purchase 1,000 copies a year. While promoting the book via mailorder, I learned about copywriting and soon fell in love with commercial writing. Off to War was my first book to be published by a traditional publisher. I had fun experimenting with its publicity campaign. Selling these two books allowed me to discover the world of marketing.

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ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com.