Island is to be launched this week.

Moods of Bermuda is a glossy collection of amateur photographs of the Island printed by Island Press, and written by Bermuda residents.

The book is part of a clever money-making mini-industry, which involves pre-selling the book to local businesses, thus ensuring high profits even before publication.

The template for the successful publishing idea was created by Michael Ingram, the managing director of Moods of Mann, who has patented the idea and seen nine `Moods' books published since the original Isle of Mann publication in 1993.

A print run of 10,000 has just been completed and the 52 companies who have pre-paid will be receiving the $65 book.

Out of this number only a few hundred will be left over to go on general sale on the Island.

"We pre-sold the book to local and international business, including risk management companies, law companies, hotels and real estate companies,'' said Mr. Ingram.

"This is the first book on Bermuda we have run. The idea is unique and was started with the Moods of Mann, which was produced for businesses on the Isle of Mann.'' The project organisers ran a photography contest in June and July in which they invited residents to submit their photographs of the Island. Thousands of pictures were submitted -- and the 44 that were chosen were all from amateur photographers.

While the photographers were not paid, they each receive a credit in the book beside their picture and a free edition. Judges also picked out a winning photograph, and the person that took the picture will be given $1,000.

"It is not a picture book, but a pictorial essay which gives a flavour of the Island,'' said Mr. Ingram.

Pamela Roach Quarterly, who is the general manager of Preview, was involved in the project as she was formerly the sales and marketing director of Island Press.

Putting Bermuda in the picture She said: "We are very proud of this book. Basically this is almost 100 percent Bermudian. The photographers are Island based, so are the writers and it was published by Island Press. The forward is written by the Premier Jennifer Smith and David Allen, the Minister of Tourism.

"It has been done with all Island resources and kept money on the Island.'' The book will be used by corporations on the Island as a gift for dignitaries, visitors and prospective clients. It will also be on sale at select locations around the Island.