How to Make a Cuckoo Clock Book
Cuckoo clocks have been favorites in homes for centuries, dating back to 1629, when the forerunner to the cuckoo clock we know today was introduced. Cuckoo clocks have a long, rich history with collectors and make ideal subject matter for a book that might include the history of cuckoo clocks as well as photographs of cuckoo clocks from around the world. Writing a book about cuckoo clocks doesn't have to be difficult. With research, minimal writing skills, and the ability to organize, you can put together a book showcasing these interesting time pieces. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Write an introduction to your book. The introduction should open with a brief summary of the cuckoo clock and how the subject will be presented. The introduction might also include how you came to be interested enough in cuckoo clocks to write a book about them. If you're a collector, tell readers a little about when you began collecting and why.
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Write a chapter on the history of cuckoo clocks. Detail the history dating back to the introduction of the first cuckoo clock up to present-day makers. Include any historical anecdotes you can find involving cuckoo clocks. Be descriptive in this section of the book, including rich details about the time periods surrounding the cuckoo clocks and their role in history. Include overviews of a couple of famous cuckoo clock makers in this section of the book, noting the period in history when these clock makers were building cuckoo clocks.
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Include a chapter about the different types of cuckoo clocks and how your readers can identify various types of cuckoo clocks and their makers. This chapter could also include tips about identifying and classifying clocks by country of origin.
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Devote a section of the book to your own collection of cuckoo clocks. Give a brief description of each clock in your collection and how it came into your possession. If you have any stories to share regarding your cuckoo clocks, or any special memories as a child that got you interested in cuckoo clocks, include the information in this section as well.
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Include a section of photographs, either placed throughout the book or as a section of its own. Include photographs of antique cuckoo clocks, modern cuckoo clocks, and clocks from your own collection. Look for photographs that are either public domain or creative commons. You can also contact museums that may have cuckoo clocks you can photograph for your book, or try advertising in an antique magazine or an online antique collecting website to find anyone interested in sharing photographs of old cuckoo clocks.
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Add a section toward the end of the book that includes information about caring for cuckoo clocks. This section should also point readers to reputable dealers who can make repairs or help in the authentification process.
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Bring all of your photographs and your manuscript together in one place on your computer. If you plan to produce the book yourself, combine all of your material into a word processor file and format the book. If you are looking for a publisher, consult the latest edition of Writer's Market for publishers looking for the type of book you have to offer. Follow the publishers' guidelines for submitting your work. You can purchase the Writer's Market in book form or subscribe to it online for a monthly fee (see resources).
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