Peter T. Daniels wrote:

>
> AbeBooks lists copies of what you call the "first edition" -- which is
> only on Japanese -- ranging from $8.99 to about $60.

I see it fairly regularly at my local store (the first one), at
something like the lower end of that, usually in pretty good condition.
The higher end must have gold ink or something - it is not really that
rare AFAICT - at least not around here :)

> The lowest price
> for the CJKV book is about $50.

I don't see that one as often in the store, but I can ask them to check
the warehouse or keep an eye out for me.

>
>
> In order for OUP not to lose money on the deal, the list price would
> have to be even higher than it is now, so as to bring returns to _both_
> publishers.

Not really. Let's say the book sells steadily at a certain rate right
now, and their expenses in printing and promoting it are fairly steady.
Which, based on the limited info you have provided is likely close to
the case.
Then the book is essentially an annuity to them, and they in theory
would be satisfied with a deal that represented an immediate cash
payment of something greater then the net present value of the annuity.
Plus a fair premium amount for the prestige of the work, etc.

But nothing like the predicted sale value of every book that *might*
sell in the future, even if that number was agreed upon (and it probably
can be agreed upon in rough terms).

Now, if OUP is not actively promoting it in a way t have the sales be
modeled by other then an annuity, and they still have not recovered
their costs, then if they don't have plans to change the promotion of
the book, then they are basically accepting that the annuity will never
recapture their sunk costs, or at least not for a good long while.
Financially they are much better off accepting the NPV + premium, and
investing it elsewhere.

But this is off topic, so I end my digression. If you are interested in
the idea, please contact me off list.

> > It could be a long term and crowning achievement for your career...
>
> A second edition of something already ten years old? I think not.

A chance to update the book in a way to spread the knowledge further
then it has gotten so far, an increase in concomitant professional
prestige accrued to you, and probably a chance to better your financial
situation or work funding.

But hey, just a thought, not an offer or anything...

Best,

Barry