Welcome to our second Experts Q&A of Craft Book Month! Kristy Zacharias is the Art Director for C&T Publishing as well as the company’s modern sewing and quilting imprint, Stash Books. We are so happy to have Kristy here to chat with us about her part in the book creation process! Don’t miss out on the great book giveaway at the end of this post.
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Kristy, can you tell me a little bit about how you entered the craft publishing business and when you started in your current role as Art Director for C&T?
In 2001, I was a art/design student just out of school that needed a job and I came across an ad for a Production Assistant at a family-owned publisher. I didn’t know anything about quilting or sewing, but I loved the idea of making books. I interviewed with Amy Marson, who was the Director of Production at the time, and thankfully she gave me the job.
Right away I fell in love with the process of making a book. The planning, the vision, the possibilities, the teamwork…all of it. I could not have asked for a more exciting just-out-of-school job. And even better than that, I was introduced to sewing and quiltmaking by an extraordinary group of women. I was hooked.
I worked as a Production Assistant for a few years and then moved on to the Designer role. As our book list grew and we started producing more ancillary products, the Creative Department needed a core team of managers to keep our processes running smoothly, so I took on the Design Manager role where I represented the in-house and freelance designers. A few years after the Stash Books imprint was developed and our list grew even more, our book production, photography and marketing efforts all started to evolve. We identified a need for someone to represent the distinct C&T and Stash Books brands amongst all of the departments and efforts, so I stepped in to the Art Director role earlier this year.
What a great job to land right out of college! So, what does a typical work day look like for you?
Typical day…well, I don’t really have a typical day! Sometimes I really wish I did, but in the end I think that it’s the ever-changing aspect of my job that keeps me excited about what I do. Having said that, I suppose each day is sprinkled with similar kinds of tasks. My day might involve some project planning with book teams, some brainstorming with the Creative team managers, reviewing and approving book and cover photography, maybe sending an author a finished set of sample pages, spending an hour or two working on book or cover design, chatting with the Marketing Manager about the upcoming catalog, sneaking in a moment at the sewing machine to work on my office quilting bee block, and cleaning out my inbox (ha!). However, some days I am on location at a photo shoot and other days I might be at my desk working on a book design for 9 straight hours. No matter what my schedule is like, each day requires a lot of flexible, creative thinking.
That sounds like a lot of variety. About how long does it take for a book to go from the author’s manuscript to a finished product, and what does your role look like in that process?
Eleven months go by from the time the package (manuscript, sample illustrations and photos) arrives from the author to when the printed book arrives at our warehouse. My involvement in the process varies from book to book. Sometimes the direction for the book is clear at the start and the team has a focus and can forge ahead without a ton of input from me. On these types of projects I will be involved in reviewing the cover and sample page design with the book designer.
Other projects might not be as straightforward and I work closely with the developmental editor on creating the book map in order to determine the structure and flow of the book. This type of project almost always includes styled photography so I will develop a mood board and work with the author, book designer, and photographers on planning the shot list for the book. If I happen to be the book designer, I will design the cover and the interior pages. This kind of project will be on my schedule for about 6 months.
It’s hard to say how many books are on my schedule at a time, but if I have to estimate, I’d say that I have my hand in about 20 books at a time throughout the year.
What are some ways that you work with authors to help turn their creative vision into a finished book?
We understand that these books are our author’s babies! It is important to us that the author feels like the book accurately represents who they are as authors, teachers, quilters and artists. We also have a responsibility to readers to present an inspirational book that is easy to use and that gives them success in their quilting/sewing/crafting project. In order to achieve both of these important goals, the book designer works with the author using various memos throughout the project phases. We offer a chance for the authors to give us input early in the photography and book design stage so that we are on the same page as far as styling goes.
We ask questions about the author’s style, for example, do they lean more towards “vintage†or “retro there is a big difference style-wise! The question that I learn the most from is when we ask what they DON’T want to see. Knowing that gives us a boundary, some parameters to work with. The book designer has the task of marrying the ideals from the author with the direction given by the book team. In the end, if the design decisions are good for the book, then the author and the team are happy.
Our cover designs involve a broader group of people. Members of the executive team and sales and marketing review the covers. However, while the author and cover team ultimately have the final say on the cover design, we have an unofficial group of reviewers that offer feedback. In order to get a good glimpse of the most current titles, we post 2 seasons worth of covers in our main conference room. This is also the room where a group of us each our lunch everyday. It’s always a little nerve-wracking as one of the cover designers to sit in there for lunch on the day new covers are posted because inevitably the conversation will turn to the new cover designs.
It’s nerve-wracking but great because WE are our audience. C&T is made up of sewers and quilters and we’re publishing books that we stand behind and get excited about. So we not only look at the books as work, but we also are able to look at the books as consumers. If someone in the lunch room says that they as a quilter aren’t feeling the cover design, that feedback is taken seriously and will be considered as a way to improve on the cover.
What do you appreciate most about your job and/or working in the craft publishing industry? Can you tell us the most challenging part of your job?
Wow, this seems like it should be easy to answer, turns out that this is a big question! As a person that is always making something: a drawing, composing a photograph, sculpting a shape out of twisty ties, sewing up a tooth fairy pillow for my 5-year-old. Whatever it is, the act of taking an idea and turning it into an object has always been compelling to me. To be able to come to “work†and make books that are sold in such a creative industry is beyond inspiring for a few reasons:
1) Our books and products make people happy and get people excited about making something. Our books allow people to slow down and take some creative time for themselves. Our books give people the chance to think up new ideas and at the same time, reflect on past traditions that can sometimes bring them closer to their families.
2) I work in a super-innovative industry at a super-innovative company. Media is changing and the way our audience consumes information is changing. It’s exciting and challenging and at times intimidating to come to work knowing that I work for a company that embraces change and makes a point to be in front of the change instead of following behind it. I know that every day I come to work that there will be some type of brainstorming around how we can improve a process, how we can deliver information more effectively to our audience, how we can work more efficiently as a team.
3) I get to make books! At the end of the day I have something that I can hold in my hands and say, “A group of really dedicated people and I made this.” I’m proud of that.
Giveaway!
C&T Publishing/Stash Books is giving away a copy of the new book Beginner’s Guide to Free-Motion Quilting by Natalia Bonner!
Enter to win by leaving a comment on this post, telling us something you’ve learned from this Q&A with Kristy.
Giveaway now closed. Out of 227, comments, congrats to random winner #139, Heidi!
We’ll pick a random winner in one week.
Also, if you are hopping with us this week, check out the craft book projects below. On Friday, we’ll post our blog hop “week in review” and tell you how you can win an amazing fabric bundle from FreeSpirit just for hopping along!
Tuesday 9/4: Olive & Ollie / Sew Sweetness
Wednesday 9/5: Fabric Seeds / The Busy Bean
228 comments
I didn’t know how long it took for a book to go from manuscript to printed copies – 11 months is a long time, but they have so much to get done!
I loved all her reasons why her work was inspiring and their all so true! it must be awesome to work in such an innovative industry!
How funny, I had the same thought as the commenter above me. Really didn’t realize how long the book making process is! It’s longer than giving Birth!
The importance of understanding your style.
The article gave me a greater understanding on all of the different people and amount of time that goes into publishing a book
What a great article! I didn’t realize they worked so much with the author and tried to get their style and ideas so much. That’s smart. Also, I thought it was interesting that they had the covers available to so many to review in a relaxed atmosphere in the lunch area. Overall it was very interesting and I learned a lot! Thanks so much!
I didn’t know you worked to help the author see their vision. I just thought they submitted their book and voila. zthanks for sharing this info.
I think it is interesting that they keep two years of covers posted in the room that they eat lunch every day 🙂 I think that would help them keep things fresh while still maintaining a certain look. Very interesting interview.
I learned that it takes much longer than I thought it would to prepare a book…11 months! That doesn’t include the time it takes for the author to write it, make samples, take photos, etc. Crazy!
I didn’t know it took that long for a book to go to print once the author has finished it. Interesting! 🙂
I loved reading about publishing and the creative proceas behind the finished book. I think the one thing to take away from the Q&A was to follow your passion and continue to learn.
I liked the interview – thanks! I didn’t know that it took 11 months from manuscript to published. No wonder the authors are just about bursting by the time they can tell others!
Very interesting! I think it is always something to realize how many months a book has been in the works before it becomes available. Certainly a labor of love! Kind of partial to Kristy’s name/spelling too! 😉
I would love to have this book, since I’m a beginner in free motion quilting, and I’m self-taught, so I’m always looking for more help.
I love hearing about others’ design processes, how long it takes, who works together in the process. I also appreciate your love for your products and designers, and that you actually do the things you’re writing and publishing–it makes me confident that you know what you’re talking about, it’s achievable for me, and I can depend on your company if I need help!
Thanks!
I didn’t realize how MANY people were involved in the making of a book. It seems that the making of a book is a lot more complicated than I thought. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of A Beginner’s Guide to Free Motion Quilting.
I liked learning about a book map!
Wow, it’s nice to know that they work with the authors to get thier work and style into the books!
I think it’s really cool that so many people/reviewers have a hand in choosing the cover design of a book!
HI! IT WAS NEAT LEARNING ABOUT THE PUBLISHING PROCESS!
THANKS FOR SHARING!
I learned that I need a change of occupation =) what a great job!
It was interesting to learn the length of time the process takes.
I learned about how long does it take for a book to go from the author’s manuscript to a finished product – 11 moths!
It is amazing how varied her ‘daily’ tasks are.
I think it is interesting to hear about the covers and how they are in the conference room to get more feedback about them. I enjoyed this entire interview!
11 months! At first I thought it sounded like a long time, then when she described the different work that goes into a book and the various people, I wondered how they managed it so quickly. =)
It takes a REALLY long time for a book to be published.. REALLY long.
I know most people are thinking about how long the book editing/production process is at 11 months but I’m impressed at how short it is. With craft books there’s all the samples, testing, photography, and layout which isn’t part of editing a novel. Thank you for a great interview and giveaway.
That it takes 11 months to publish a complete book from beginning to end.
Wow, I didn’t know it takes 11 months to get a book finished!
I found the cover design info really interesting. I really appreciate an attractive and relevant cover on a book.
Wow! I can’t imagine working on 20 books during the year as much work goes into just one! And now I have my eye on this free motion book since this is next on my to do list. Bought my foot but didn’t realize I am going to have to practice practice practice just to do some basic free motion quilting much less a beautiful design!
I now have a better understanding of the huge team effort that is involved in creating a book.
It’s amazing to read about the length of the process and what goes into it!
I’ve always wondered how long it takes, very interesting. I would love to win this book! Been wanting to give free motion a go for a while now.
I like the idea of so many people getting involved with the cover design of a book.
I didn’t know that one person could be involved in bringing so many books to print. Seems like an exciting and challenging job!
I like that your days are varied, that must help keep your creativity flowing. But the whole process is alot more complicated and time wise a lot longer. I always thought the book was sent to the publisher all ready to go . Very interesting post. Thank you 🙂
I found that it takes a lot longer to produce a book than I realized.
Wow! It seems like a truly awesome and fun job! How inspiring that must be, to be able to create both at home and at work, to brainstorm ideas, something that many of us quilters do by ourselves (or in front of the computer! ). What I learned from this article was how a book is really a joint venture, and how important it is for you to ‘have feelings’ for the book!
Being one of Kristy’s best friends, I am so proud of where she is in her career. Although I have known the parameters of her job throughout the years, when we talk on the phone or get together it takes a whole other direction (Kristy is hilarious, btw, and so tears of laughter and joy usually fill our time) this really gave a clearer and very articulate picture into her work life. She is so talented (she basically created the design of my wedding and it was a-ma-zing!) and to use those talents to inspire other people to create something, and to re-connect with our grandmothers but in such a new and stylish way is just so wonderful. Yay Kristy!!!! Top Notch 😉
I had no idea how long it took to publish a book. I know it doesn’t happen overnight but 11 months is quite a long time! Especially if you are the author and would have to keep it a secret!
How much her involvement varies from book to book.
I never really thought about all the work that goes into making a book, thanks for an interesting look behind the scenes.
Well I learned that I’ve read a lot more of their books than I thought, and the ones I haven’t read yet you’ve shown pictures of, are already on my amazon wish list! I also imagine I’d be confused trying to keep 20 books a year straight, with all the different artists personalities you are trying to represent when you work on their book, that’s a lot of balls to keep in the air.
I was very interested in how varied the work was as Art Director and how interesting her days must be with all the different things going on. Loving the modern books that are coming out now.
I was thinking that there are so many elements which have to come together before a book is published. It is nothing to do with just the writer!
It was interesting to see what all goes into making a book……what an interesting job!
I learned that Barbara Brackman has a book! I’ve got some of her fabric but didn’t know she had a book.
I learned that Kristy really likes her “work”, you can tell by the way she answers, it was great getting to know her.
Wow. I learnt how much goes into it – I knew it wasn’t actually right, but I had a picture in my head of the designer sewing and photographing all of their quilts and sending a complete manuscript ready to print!
I like that she just happened to get a job with this company…and it just so happened that it matched her passion, as it turns out. great to be able to work in job like that!
Since I’m currently working on book proposals, I was really glad to hear how much C&T values the author’s vision while still making sure that the end product will engage the audience. What a great interview!
Two things that made me think ‘wow’! Firstly, that it takes 11 months to make a book, I thought it would be much less! And secondly, that she has 20 books at a time that she is involved in!!
Wow, what a great insight into the making of a book. What blew me away was how long it takes a book to be produced. Thanks for the great interview!
I have a lot of room for improvement in my quilting skills so this book would be great for me.
When reading about her day, I learned that she has a very varied work day with many different kinds of tasks that need to be done to make a book.
Wow, what a great job to have, but I never thought about all the small details and time involved.
11 months is quite a while to publish a book. I can’t imagine how the author feels during that time, let alone the design team and the publishing house. It must be a hectic year!
Call me crazy, but I thought it was much faster to put a book together. Then again, a craft/specialty book is so different from other books. No wonder it’s such an agonizing process for the authors!
it’s nice that they ask authors about their style and also what they don’t want to see in the book. sometimes that’s easier to figure out!
I learned that Kristy’s work is never finished and she must be a very busy person so she is lucky that she loves her job. Wow, a year to make a book. It is amazing that the book isn’t out of style by the time it hits the market.
It is good that they realized how important these books are to the authors. That is so important.
Wow – it takes a long time to make a book!
WOW…what an interesting post! I didn’t realize that one could have so much work on her plate (up to 20 books per year)! And 11 months from start to finish…now that is dedication! I love Stash books, and wish I could own just about every single one of the quilting and sewing books you guys publish–they are hands down the best books out there on this subject! Thank you!
I found it interesting how long it takes to put a book together and how many people!! Amazing. Thanks
i thought the thing about the covers in the lunch room was sooo interesting – both nerve wracking and a great way to be open to constructive criticism. very brave!!
It was interesting to read how the book is assembled in one from different sources. Great post!
I thought it was so interesting to read that it’s important and informative to find out what a book’s author does not want to see in regard to her finished book. So often, we have strong feelings about what we dislike, don’t you think? While we can be okay with a great many things. I learn a lot from these interviews–thanks!
I learned it’s quite a long process that goes into publishing a book!
I learned how much she liked her “work.” Nice to see that these days!
I had no idea it took so long for a book to get to the warehouse! Thx for the chance – great giveaway!
I found that it takes a while to publish a book.
It was interesting to learn that it takes about 11 months to publish a book – added on to the amount of time the author spent on creating the book. Thanks for the chance to win.
I’m surprised at the amount of time it takes for the book to be produced from the time the manuscript arrives. I thought it would be much shorter than 11 months. Thanks for the peek inside the industry, and for the giveaway!
I was surprised by the 11 months. And the amount of people who have their hand in the finished project. Interesting!
I found it interesting that they were so involved with the author. I never realized how much time and effort actually went into making a book. Would love to win the one in the giveaway. Thanks for the chance.
I was surprized that Kristy can be working on 20 books at a time!
The time for a book to get printed is sooo long!
You are so fortunate to have a ‘job’ that brings you so much joy and inspiration! I love the books, just bought Little Stitches yesterday! Thanks for sharing your story.
Wow, I didn’t realise it took so long to get a book published. This was a great interview, so interesting. Thanks for such a great series/hop
I was surprised that the people behind Stash books are actually sewers and quilters. I feel a lot better about buying their books now!
I didn’t really know what an art director might do. Sounds like an interesting job.
That its only 20 books a year…
I had no idea that it took 11 months to get from from package to printed copy. This is something I had always wondered about. Great interview! I love my Stash books.
It was really interesting to understand the process behind the books and to get to know a bit better what work has gone behind the books I love!
I thought the 11 month timeline was interesting.
I learned to have very much respect for the author and all the others who help creating a craftbook.
I’m surprised it took 11 months for the book to be produced!
I agree with a lot of the previous comments. These interview sure do shed light on how things work in publishing. I am a craft book junkie and absolutely love my library in my sewing room. I am always expanding it with a new idea or project book. Sometimes it is just a great book to look at and sometimes it is full of instruction and inspiration.
Crossing my fingers for the draw. Thank you.
I didn’t realize the timeframes that it took for a book to go from submitted to published.
And I’d like to know what the difference between vintage and retro is!
I loved learning about how much input the book author gets in the cover photo/design! I had wondered if they chose it or if they had no say whatsoever in it…it’s nice to know that they have input!
I especially was interested in how to turn a creative vision into a finished book. I’d love to be included for the giveaway. I now follow your blog.
I learned that Kristy has a fun job and one I’d love to have!
I can tell from the interview how passionate Kristy is about her work. I had no idea that it took nearly a year from the submission of the manuscript until publication….that’s a lot of work, with so much involved. Thanks for the giveaway.
wow, 11 months seems like a long time to wait. But I guess when it comes out it is well worth the wait. I like how sensitive they are with their authors. Trying to keep it the authors, yet understandable for the public. Thanks for the chance to win. Im new to quilting, so free motion quilting is a little intimidating. I would love to learn how.
I never realized how much time and work goes into these books. Gives you a better appreciation for what you hold in your hands. I now understand why it takes so long. I don’t know if I would have patience to wait that long.
I’m thinking a book at a time to work on…never expected it to be up towards 20 at a time!
I did not realize how long it took to get a book published. Thanks
who knew it took so long for a book to get published. I think that having people a the company who actually sew and quilt is a very good thing. They know what we are looking for.
thanks for a chance to win that book.
Wow! 11 months to get a book published…
Yes eleven months is long. I can imagine being on the author’s side of things. Thanks for this interview!
Makes me very glad that there are people with enough talent, patience and vision to do something so time consuming for those of us who can’t.
Very interesting interview!! I didn’t have a clue as to what all goes into publishing a book. So exciting for the author (and team) when it finally does though!
wow-it really takes a village of inspired and creative and dedicated folks to get all our favorite craft books published-i have a greater respect after reading this interview-thanks!
I’m surprised you have that many book projects going on at once. 20 seems like an amazing number!
I learned some great book titles.
I learned that even though you might not have 100% of the experience posted in a job description, go for it! What an amazing and inspiring daily grind!
Surprised at the lenght of time to make a book but glad of the process i like tangible things.
It was interesting to read about the long process of getting a book ready to publish.
The fact that during the year she has upwards of 20 books going on at one time! That is a lot!
I didn’t realize how many people go into designing a book. I love how they allow the author to have so much input since it’s their baby! I would want a team to care about me more than producing another book.
I learned it takes along time to get a book written & published. 11 months.
It was interesting reading about the process and the relationship with the authors. Great interview 🙂
I didn’t realize how long it took to get a book published. Eleven months, wow.
I actually work in publishing too, and I would looove to work with Kristy, haha! The 11 months it takes to complete a book is much longer than a standard fiction or non-fiction book that I’m used to working on, though. I guess the photography and design adds a whole lot to the experience!
This article was so interesting to me. I loved finding out just what it takes to put these wonderful books together, and how important it is that each author is able to be true to who she is as a woman, an artist, and a designer.
I love that Kristy notes that they look at their books as work but also as a product that they would buy…it’s so fab to work in an industry that you love like that! Thanks for the chance…I would LOVE this book!
I’m so impressed by the dedication required to go from concept to being published. Thanks for the giveaway.
i learned that she is very creative thanks for the giveaway
I had no idea it took 11 months from manuscript to finished book!
I am so envious of her job! To do what you love and love what you do is so rare. And I love the variety of things she does to produce a finished book. Sounds so interesting!
i never realized they had so many books in progress at one time! wow!
She works very hard and really likes her job. I was surprised that she does about 20 books a year.
Like so many others, I’m awed by the average year it takes from receipt of manuscript to a finished book. Wow! Very interesting to get a little peek into the world of publishing.
its very interesting to hear about how they decide to choose the style and the photography part of the book.. its something ive always wondered…
i love the review in the lunchroom idea!
It’s amazing in the work that is put in publishing a book to get it to the consumers (us) so we can be ever excited about what the book entails. I have always had great respect for a person in writing a book but you guys have a drilling job to get it to us. A celebration is in order!!!
Wow, 11 months from the time they receive the manuscript until the book is produced. I would never have thought it took that long.
I had no idea that it can take as long as 11 months to get a book published after the author writes it. So interesting to hear about the very involved process.
“Birthing” a book is a lot of hard work. What a wonderful sense of accomplishment! How lucky to work with such talented people. Thanks for the giveaway. I love doing the quilting myself on my sewing machine. Need all of the help I can get.
It is amazing, all of the work that goes into a book, from the designers ideas to the printed pages.
Debbie
WOW!!! There are jobs where you can actually have your sewing machine in your office! How dreamy! I didn’t realize how much C&T has grown. It’s also pretty cool that the creative team are made-up of people who actually quilt and sew. What a bonus that must be when designing a new craft book.
I’m surprised how quickly they can go from finished manuscript to an actual book.
Love that you can read and proof about what you like to do.
I would just spend my time drooling ….
I loved reading that when you put the books together you’re looking at the final product not only as professionals but also as customers – as quilters and people who love to sew and create!
11 months must be a long time for an author to wait
I enjoyed learning about Kristy’s typical day… unroutine like mine.
I now have a better appreciation of what goes into producing a book. Kristy’s job sounds really interesting.
i learned that it takes about a YEAR to actually publish…. and that doesn’t count the time it takes the author to “create” their bebe… YIKES
How wonderful to discover such a fun and creative job right out of college! Having worked as an editor years ago I know well the time involved…but all the comments make the ‘year’ sound longer than forever. Now, the cover of the fabric design book has my brain cranking…I want to see more of that book! 😀 I’m going to have to get my hands on that one, and soon!
Since I was little, I have wanted to write books. Very interesting to learn the process involved. Makes it sound not so easy as I dreamed of as a child – ha.
I never knew it would take so much time to get a book done. Sure, there are a lot of people working on it and a mountain of work going into it but I would never have the patience to work that amount of time on a project.
Hi Everyone! I just wanted to touch on the 11 month time frame. The book is in and out of various team member’s hands throughout that time. No one is sitting with the book for 11 whole months, that really would be a crazy-long time! The book is in development for a few months, in technical edit for a few months and then with the design/production team for a few months. Then it’s off to the printer and comes back to our warehouse in about 2 months. I hope I didn’t turn off any aspiring authors out there…writing a book definitely is a labor of love, but it’s so worth it!
I didn’t realize the authors had as much involvement once the manuscript was handed in. I learned a lot from this interview. Maybe a second career?
I was suprised to learn that it takes so long to get something published.
That was a very interesting interview. I learned that you have to be creative, self motivated, willing to listen to others imput, flexible, and goal oriented. But most importantly, love what you do.
I love how Kristy says that books are the Authors’ babies…she has a real understanding of the heart that goes into books as well as the needs of the publishing side of it!
It is a great wonder how an idea is developed by a person, produced, given to a design team and months later, with the back and forth the author and team, an inspirational book is born. It’s all very exciting!
I like that the people bring the book to fruition are also people who would be buying/using the book themselves -kind of like pre-vetted by those who know what is going on in the various crafts before it even reaches my hands.
well as all my friends already said, it takes a long time o make a a book, but when you are making something new, something that is going to be the first of a kind,you really do not feel time, you are taking care of the one that it´s going to be your little baby, youre creation, your work to share with everyone, amazing job writing a book,and also publishing, a complete circle of understanding.
I was surprised to hear how long the process of putting a book together is. I knew there were a lot of steps and it would naturally take time, but nearly a year from manuscript to finished product? Wow.
Interesting to read about how you work with the author during the development of the book. Sounds like you work WITH the author, rather than just tell them how it’s going to be.
C&T is a company that embraces change and makes a point to be in front of the change instead of following behind it.
I learned that she started working there right after college.
[email protected](DOT)com
How she might be working on 20 books at one time.
I had no idea of the length of time that it took for
a manuscript to be transformed into a completed book.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com
I found it interesting that C&T is a company that works with its authors to helpthem find their style and help the creative ideas blossom.
Wow, it takes almost a year to get a book on the shelves, not counting all the time the author has to put into preparing the manuscript!
I knew it took a long time for a book to be published but I didn’t realise there were so many processes to be gone through thoroughly.
I was surprised to learn how much liaison there is between author and publisher
I did not know that it took nearly a year for a book to be published!
I was amazed to read that even though a book can take 11 months from start to finish, Kristy hands in about 20 a year for final publishing!
Learning that publishing a book is no easy task, no matter how talented you are. Whew, one would think it would just a matter of combing some pics with a bit of writing. Nope, guess not, thanks for cluing us in on all the hard work it takes.
I never really understood the process involved in publishing a book. I didn’t really think about it too much and it sounds very intense!
It was a very interesting article. I really got a kick about the covers being posted in the lunchroom. That must be nerve wracking for any author!
A book has to grow like a child. And that needs time. Thanks for telling us the story about the birth of a book.
And I think the free motion book will be a landing on point. Hope to be the lucky one in your give away.
Bea
I never knew how much time and creative work is done on a manuscript to turn it into a book with a defined feel. Amazing.
I’m amazed that she can work on so many books (20) at the same time! I probably wouldn’t be able to keep them straight! Thanks for the great giveaway!
It takes a lot of love to put a book out. I learned there is hope for me.
Lynn
Stash Books. I didn’t know about this line of books, and it’s SO up my alley.
I learned that she has a AWESOME job! I doubt I could juggle that many books at a time, but what a great way to go crazy! If I were starting over….I would want this job!
What a fabulous book. As a very new quilter ( I am hoping to build up to being a beginner) I can see how helpful this book is. How I would love to win it. Your blog has helped me in so many ways, including keeping me inspired and willing to not give up on this newest hobby. Thanks for all the help you’ve given me.
I didn’t have any idea how long or how much work went into a book after the author had finished with it. Thanks for the info.
Wow, I learned that Kristi is one busy lady! After reading all that she does…I think I’ll keep my “day job”.
Wowie! Had no idea what all was involved in gettin’ a book into print, and out to folk”s! Very interesting to learn. Thanks for sharing!
& Thanks for chance to win this book! Will become a Treasure here! 🙂
As a beginning machine quilter, I’m always looking for tips and ideas. The Q&A was informative, I’d always had the impression that a quilt author worked pretty much on her/his own.
everything was interesting
Kristy’s typical day sounds fascinating!
I loved learning about the craft book publishing process. Kristy’s sounds like she has the dream job.
I love the Stash Book line of books, keep them coming.
Sounds like a very interesting job. Really appreciated the Q&A.
Very interesting article, I am fascinated by process a book goes through from idea to book. Thank you.
Wow, did’t realize how long it takes to produce a book.
everything has its time, the thing is, you just have to have patience enough to reach that point, everything happens for a reason. Thank you for the chace.
I learned not to be afraid to apply for a job I might not think I’m qualified for, they might hire me anyway!
I didn’t realize how long it took to publish a book. Thanks for the great interview! 🙂
I would love to spend my time doing crafting. Forget all the other work like earning money, housekeeping, cleaning, cooking etc… I get so absorbed in what I do all the time and I love it that way.
She has the best job in the world. It is amazed how many people work in a team for one such baby. I was thinking that there are just a few of them, but I was wrong. Also I was thinking before that these books have author photography in it, especially if they are made like step by step photos inside.
I wish I could be an author for some new book baby someday.
Given the complexity of some of the books (text, photos, diagra
S, etc) I’m surprised it doesn’t take even longer to publish a book!
The interview was very informative. It is amazing how many are actually involved in the making of a book. And the time it takes is also a wonder. Very Interesting, Thanks!
I learned of books that I can’t wait to see if my local bookstore carries them.
I like the idea that she found a job out of college that she was not prepared for, but grew into it and made it her own!
cj
First I would like to say “how do you do it”? Lol
Love the books. They are my thinking cap when
I have misplaced mine.
I had no idea it took 11 months to finish a book
So glad you have 20 in line!
Thank you for all you do for us.
I really enjoyed hearing how the creative processes work. Most especially how they post so many covers in the room where everyone eats lunch. And they listen to each others ideas about those covers. What a great creative way to design/pick the best covers for upcoming books.
I learned it takes about eleven months from the time the package arrives from the author to when the printed book arrives at their warehouse.
I would love to win Natalia’s book. I check her blog everyday and love everything she does. Thanks for the opportunity to win!=)
I learned that that sounds like the best out of school job anyone could wish for. Lucky Kristy and that she has done her luck proud by accomplishing wonderful things with the gift.
I am amazed at Natalia’s ability to multi-task! You have to be making decisions about pattern, layout, copy, graphics – and working on more than one book at a time – and doing this for 6 months or more.I definitely appreciate quilt books on another level.
I didn’t release as many people worked on the front cover of a book!
I am amazed at how long the time is to publish a book. 11 months once the author sends it in.
I’m amazed by the Cover choice process and duration! Thanx for the chance; anyone lucky enough to win should appreciate the gift even more now knowing the process behind the publication!
You don’t have to be quilter before writing a book about quilting! That really surprised me.
I learned there is a lot more I need to explore in the quilting world.
It take about 11 from the time the manuscript arrives from the author to the printing. Wow!
I love how she has such a variety of tasks to do in her job! That’s wonderful!
The thing that stuck out to me was how much they care about the author and their “babies” . Great bunch of books!
Eleven months from package to printed book.
It really is like giving birth. 🙂
Detailed photos may make it easier to understand the process.
Didn’t realize all the people that were involved in the process of publishing a book
It sure takes a lot to get a book published!
I never really knew what an “Art Director” did. Sounds like a dream job!
I learned about the lead time needed for a book to show up as printed in the warehouse. I found that particularly interesting as a historian that publishes in a different field. 🙂
Wow! I now have a better understanding of what it takes to “make a book” – the time, resources, and efforts of so many people. Thank you for sharing.
I love that someone loves making a book. What a terrific passion! And clearly she is full of talent.
Thank you for the look at the publishing industry. It’s interesting to know how many people are involved in the book cover design and how the covers are posted in the conference room and reviewed by the staff.
I love reading this insight into the publishing world. Thanks so much for sharing! =)
Hi:
It is so interesting read and see the work and talent for the book.
Ale
Costa Rica
Iknew that it took a long time to get a book printed and out the door. It was nice to read that they author was worked with so the book was really “theirs” thanks you for the interview and giveaway.
I learned that it takes about 11 months to go from the author’s manuscript to a finished product.
learning about the publishing process
It was great getting an inside glimpse of the publishing process; I had no idea it took that long!
I always love details about people and how they get started doing what they do.
I learned that it takes a long time to birth a book and lots of people involved. Cover designs are matched to the style of the writer, too.
Sounds like an amazing job. I’ve been involved in a couple of book printings for the company I work for and know it is very involved. But publishing craft books would have to increase the FUN level! Great interview!
11 months to get a book to print…working on 20 books at a time…that is a big investment on the part of the publisher. I never realized how much of an investment a publisher made in a book. Thanks for sharing this info with us….very educational and eye opening.
20 books at a time? Now that’s a lot of projects to have going at one time… I can’t imagine how you keep track of everything. My meager notebook is so unorganized and I only have a dozen UFO’s to manage. 🙂
I think it was interesting how the covers are eventually chosen for the books.
This article gave me a new perspective about the process of publishing a book.
How can I know if I win???