Marathon Press has built a strong niche printing book for professional photographers—especially meaningful projects created in partnership with pet rescue organizations across the United States. These books are designed not just to showcase beautiful photography, but to raise funds and awareness for rescue missions and animal welfare efforts. We’ve been honored to work on these projects.
One recent example is our continued collaboration with photographer Carol Arscott of Carol Arscott Photography. Together, we helped bring her latest fundraising project to life, The Dogs of White Dog Cafe, created in support of Alpha Bravo Canine.
It was about 4-5 years ago we (Marathon Press) started working with Carol. I caught up with her on a phone call this week. She wanted to update me on the success of the recent book projects she has done, how these projects are a win-win for her clients in raising funds for various organizations and how they’ve opened doors to new photography assignments. She agreed do a Q & A article on her success.
MP: How many book projects have you been involved with?
CA: I’m launching my seventh book project this month. Books five and six are currently in the works.
MP: You had mentioned the quality difference between Marathon Press and previous print providers. Can you elaborate on the differences?
CA: In my opinion, there is no comparison. Marathon books look and feel like a high-end product. I’ve seen other self-published books that had low quality paper that felt cheap to the touch. The images looked dark and the colors seemed off. I know the photographers that created the images. Their work is phenomenal, so it was not the images, it was the printing that presented the images poorly. The images in my Marathon books look just like they do on my screen. They are clear and crisp and the colors are spot on.
MP: How do you approach new clients for book projects…. Or do they approach you?
CA: In the beginning, I approached rescues with the offer to create a fundraising book. Some were skeptical, as the amount of money I was projecting seemed high, they thought there must be a catch. But my first book was so successful it was easy to get the next organization to come on board. I give potential partners one of my books so they can see the quality. They are immediately sold on the idea, as they are thrilled with the quality of the book. Now organizations, and even restaurants, are reaching out to me because they’ve seen the results and are excited to partner with me to have their own book.
MP: How much money has been raised as a result of these fundraising projects?
CA: My first four books raised over $103,000 in total. After the first two, I added some additional components to the projects to increase the funds raised. Books five and six are nearly complete and book 7 launches this month, so those numbers are not included in the total. Overall, with my additional photography projects, I’ve raised over $200,000 for rescue and animal organizations, but the book projects are by far the most successful. I expect to cross the $300,000 mark once these three books are complete.
MP: About a year ago, you were one of the first clients we had for our new service: madebymarathon.com How has that worked out for you?
CA: It’s fantastic! The process is so simple and I love that I’m able to easily order additional books if the demand is more than we expected. Marathon makes it so easy. I had no publishing or design experience prior to my first rescue book. Martin answered all my questions – he has the patience of a saint!
MP: How does the production process for a book project on your side usually go – such as what are the timelines for photo shoots, editing, etc.
CA: I normally tell the organizations that it will take about a year to complete a book from launch to book release. But I can do it in about six months, weather permitting. The organization promotes the project and directs participants to my intake form. I have automations set up to enter them into my CRM and automatically email and text them with details about the project and next steps. They are able to schedule a call with me or schedule a session in my studio.
I do the sessions as the applications come in and edit the images after each session. Once all of the sessions are complete, the photos are already edited and I can begin designing the book. It takes about a week to do the design, another week or so to proofread and make changes, and then potentially one more round of changes after I receive the hard copy proof from Marathon. Having the actual book in hand is much different than proofing online, and I invariably catch things that I missed in the previous step.
MP: Do you use an outside editor or designer for your projects?
CA: I have an editor that I occasionally use if I can’t keep up with the session photos. I design the books myself in InDesign. It’s not hard – I had never even seen InDesign before my first book. I like having control over the design process. Each book is my baby and enjoy lovingly bringing it to life.
MP: Do you have any tips for other photographers looking to get into this type of self published fundraising project?
CA: It’s extremely satisfying to see an entire book of your work and it’s one of the best ways to raise substantial money for non-profits in a relatively short period of time. I mentor photographers that want to jump into book projects and I’m putting the finishing touches on an online guide.
I am so thankful to have Marathon in my corner. They make me look good! Everyone raves about the books, and once they see them they often order more as gifts for family, their vet, their dog sitter, etc. Book projects are an integral part of my business and my mission to raise money for the organizations that do the really hard, often heartbreaking work of animal rescue.
MP: Thanks so much Carol for the kind words and advice!
About Carol Arscott:
Carol Arscott is an award-winning, internationally recognized pet photographer in the Philadelphia suburbs. She creates custom artwork for her clients while raising money for animal advocacy.
Rescue is the cornerstone of Carol’s business. She incorporates client work in her projects, raising money through art, to support the lifesaving work of organizations in her area and throughout the United States. Carol has raised over $200,000 for rescue organizations through her photography projects.http://www.carolarscott.com
Carol also mentors other pet photographers through online courses and coaching.
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