Working on a book about the SS West Nohno

Hello all,

My husband's great-uncle was a merchant mariner on board the SS West Nohno, one of the freighters scuttled at Normandy as a blockship. He is still living, at almost 101 years of age, and I am working on creating a book from his account of the West Nohno's participation in the invasion. He kept a diary (not allowed but did it anyway!) and so has a very detailed account of the time period, which he wrote up himself as a story many years ago. As near as I can tell, there are no detailed records such as his account currently out there.

I am working with his daughter now to turn his written account into a book, which we originally conceived of as simply for distribution to interested family members.

My question to this forum is whether you think there would be commercial interest in the book. I am currently in contact with several organizations about getting permission to use photographs and documents in the book, and I am considering going ahead with getting commercial licenses for the photos, etc., but am wondering if it will be worth the extra expense. I have edited and published a few books for other organizations and people, so have the skills and means to do so, but those projects had already been market tested. I think there would be interest in it since WWII history is such a popular topic, but what say all of you?

 

welcome to the forum..

 

I think it would be a great book! It seems that finally alittle attention is being paid to the HUGE service the Merchant Marine did during the War. I have been trying to do some research as to the convoys that left New York and Canada bound for the UK, in particular what general cargo they carried but there doesnt seem to be much interest out there. At least as compared to other services and interests.

Please Publish away.....

 

Nohno!

In my humble oppinion, would be a great book, for his focusing. Many readers are tired of crudities of the war, the blood......., but the vital experiences, are always welcome, almost for me for the reason that this thematic is treated in similar form as the memories of your respectives own granfathers....and in more occassions, identified with they.

Yes, this was the "Cinderella" Service, my friend. This link, can helps you: ConvoyWeb








Jan.

 

I'd say go for , especially as the good man is still alive

 

My dad was a Kings Pointer, class of 1944, and I remember him saying that he sailed aboard the West Nohno. He also told stories of sinking his ship to be part of the breakwater. Not positive he was onboard for the scuttling but I would love to read any accounts you might publish about that ship. I was wondering if any progress has been made toward publishing the book since the last post eighteen months ago.

 

Hi jwinton1950, the original poster has not been active on the forum since December of 2009. You might be able to send her a private message from here that might reach her email if you would like to contact her.

Good luck!