My late father published a menswear book in 1982 through a college publishing house, Orion Press. The book was not a large printing, but did sell out. As far as I have been able to ascertain, the press is defunct. My father was a college professor of Theatre. He compiled this book of photographs of American men’s clothing over the course of 18 years. He envisioned it as an historical resource for costumers like himself. He was surprised and pleased when genealogical groups also embraced it as a means of dating family photographs.
The original was produced in paperback and is approximately 8.5″ x 11″. The book itself consists of photographs from 1860 through 1982. These are grouped, not by decade, but according to technological advances and political shifts in society which led to changes in fashion.
I would like to publish a second edition, but I have no idea how to proceed. Any advice or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

M.R., it sounds like you’re looking for a indie press, possibly something like lulu.com, where you can pay to have the book printed yourself. (If not, and you’re looking for an agent to help you find a traditional publishing house to reprint the book, the method is the same as for any book you’d query.) The difficult part, I imagine, would be reproducing the layout unless you have the digital files of the book — something that I doubt a small press circa 1982 would have provided to the author, and something that, given the press’ defunct nature, would be difficult to obtain.
You may also want to confirm that the rights to the book have reverted back to the author — in this case, to you via your father. Can you check his files for a copy of the original contract with the original publisher? There should be an out-of-print clause, or a termination date, beyond which the rights would have reverted. You may also find more information about self-publishing on sites like Publetariat. Do my readers have any other suggestions?
When you just can’t stop at one question…

Just a quick one! Bridget asks:

I was on your website and I had some trouble figuring out who to address a query letter to. My novel is an adult romance/fantasy with compelling characters and a twist of dark fantasy (vampires & a brand new body of the undead). Is there anyone within your agency that would review a novel such as the one listed above? If so, please feel free to email me back with the agents name. Your time is much appreciated!

All queries should be addressed to Kate Schafer Testerman, and sent to queries@ktliterary.com. Daphne Unfeasible can so rarely take time from her shoe-shopping schedule to read your queries that it’s best to go right to the head of the company. (Also — keep it under your hats, but she’s imaginary!)
Finally, at least for today, Blaine writes:

I have several ideas for books from my childhood growing up on our farm, to my military experiences and toady’s current events. I heard you were very open and could point someone in the right direction. I thank you for your time and have a good day.

Glad to hear I give off that impression, but here’s the cold hard truth. You have an idea for a book? So what. So do a million other people. Millions, probably. An idea is nothing until you sit down and start writing. And then — finish writing. And then find a group of fellow writers to share your words with, be open to criticism, and make revisions. And then you can start thinking about contacting literary agents.
An idea is a lovely thing to have, don’t get me wrong. But until you can put something behind it, you’re not a writer. You’re just another person with a story inside them. It’s the getting it out that makes you a writer.
And after THAT — well, there’s loads more to do before you can consider yourself an author. So just take one step at a time, ok? Good luck!

How many times should you revise your novel before trying to get an agent?

Until it’s ready, Kathy. There’s no magic number, but if you’ve polished it, and shown it around to your writer’s group, and feel that each word you’ve chosen is the right one, then you’re ready to send it out.
She also asks:

If you find what you think is your “dream agency” should you only submit to them?

You can submit to them first, if you like, and allow them some time with it, but I’ve said it before, I’m not a huge fan of exclusives. Get your manuscript out there! You may think Agency A is the bee’s knees, but Agency C or D or Q may surprise you, and be an even better fit. You won’t know unless you try.
Sarah wonders:

Do you only accept submissions from residents of the US, and do the writers have to be a certain age?

Nope, Sarah. I’m open to all! kt literary client Lili Wilkinson is a happy resident of Australia, fer instance. As for age, you don’t have to be a certain age, so long as your writing is strong enough. I just haven’t yet seen a novel by a teenager that was on par with the submissions I’ve received from authors with a few more years of experience under their belt. But I’d love to be proven wrong.
Meanwhile, Gabby ponders:

I don’t know what to do. You see, I had an amazing idea for a novel but it seems just like everything else I’ve read. So the whole idea seems ridiculous, like I need to make up something that no one has read before.

Well, Gabby, there’s a school of thought that there are only five original stories out there, and every novel ever written is based on them, but that’s not really helpful to you, is it? Justine Larbalestier had some great advice on this topic during her “January is Writing Advice Month.” In terms of finding ideas of your own, she suggests, “take a plot from somewhere else: a fairy tale, a movie, a novel, manga, anime, anywhere at all really. But change it. Change it a lot.” That’s just the beginning of it. Read the whole thing, and see if that doesn’t help you come up with an original idea.
And another teen reader writes:

I want to write an autobiography, but I’m only 16 years old. Would it be wrong to write your life story when your life isn’t over?

Not wrong exactly, but what’s so great and important about your life that a memoir or autobiography at this stage is going to be worthy of being published? Maybe you’re a movie star (like Miley Cyrus) or a royal (like Prince William or Harry) — then I’m sure you have tales to tell, even if you’re just a teenager. You don’t have to be famous, either — if you’ve lived through an extraordinary event, you may have an important story to tell. But for most of us — and I think back to my own teen years — a memoir of me at 16 would have been pretty dull. It’s not that your life isn’t over yet, and therefore not worthy of being told, just that it may not be all that readable.
Thanks for the questions, guys! Please keep ‘em coming by emailing me at daphne.unfeasible@gmail.com