This spring, I was excited in purchasing an advertisement for my recently published memoir in PAW, lured by the statement that it would reach 65,000 Princeton readers. 

A close friend, Philip Hummer ’53, asked if I would object to his request that my work be considered for a PAW author interview, for it contained much about Princeton and would be a follow-up for a 1983 PAW cover story about ORBIS (an aircraft that had been refurbished for teaching eye surgery and related matters in developing countries that has remained active since it was launched in 1982). I was the founder and first medical director of that agency, and several important participants were ’52 classmates. In 1985, I received an honorary degree from Princeton for my work with ORBIS and related activities. Very Princeton-dependent!

I was thrilled by Philip’s suggestion. But PAW has reported that its editors do not consider for coverage any self-published books — and mine is such a product. PAW had no hesitancy in accepting a plump check for an ad among the other Princeton authors, but evidently considers self-published books categorically inferior to those from traditional publishing companies, despite many noted authors now electing that means of publication. 

It seems a safe bet that many Princeton graduates are self-publishing both fiction or nonfiction. They may even have original things to say about the University, about themselves, or their undertakings — or all of the above, as is the case with my memoir. (Readers can decide for themselves by finding its website, SecondSightBook.com.) 

I hope this mild complaint will benefit the cause of others who find their self-published work similarly disregarded. Happily, this letter may bring more readers to my book than if it were included in the coverage other authors receive. Wouldn’t that be nice! 

David Paton ’52