Today, we’re excited to welcome craft book author Elaine Schmidt to chat more about the process of writing her recent book Pre-Cut Patchwork Party: Projects to Sew and Craft with Fabric Strips, Squares, and Fat Quarters.
Don’t forget to leave a comment after the post for your chance to win a copy of the book!
Elaine, welcome to Craft Book Month! What’s your favorite pre-cut to sew with, and why?
I love them all and find them handy in so many ways, but I really like the 2 1/2″ width-of-fabric strips that many manufacturer’s sell as “jelly rolls” or “designer rolls”. They can be easily cut into squares or rectangles for piecing. They are perfect for quilt-as-you-go projects where you sew the strips directly to the batting and backing. (Quick way to make a placemat!) And I love using them for straight grain quilt bindings. Because all the fabric prints coordinate, yet every strip is different, you can make a quilt binding that has an eclectic mix and match look.
Can you tell me a little bit about the process of writing a sewing book?
Once you have an idea for a book, you need to approach a publisher with a proposal. Submission guidelines are on their websites so make sure to follow them in presenting your ideas. If your book proposal is accepted, a contract will be drafted for you and the publisher to sign. This contract will list everything you are required to do and a timeline of deadlines along the way.
Make sure you understand everything and discuss with the publishers any concerns or questions you may have. Also, allow enough time to work on the book! Whenever I start a book, I always think I have plenty of time to get it all done in the time allotted. But, I have found that it always takes me longer to work out designs, get all the instructions written, source supplies, and do photography if that is included than I thought it would at the beginning of the process. Depending on the book, I like to allow at least 6 months to finish everything.
When writing a book for Creative Publishing, I am given three deadlines to meet. The first is for the “dummy material”, which includes the working contents list, a manuscript for one chapter of each section of the book, step-out samples or photographs to accompany the manuscript and an art log of images for what has been written to this point. The second deadline is for one-third of the manuscript with samples or photos and an art log. And the third deadline is for the final manuscript, complete with all samples and art work and the final art log.
That’s so interesting, Elaine! How did writing this book compare or differ to writing your last book, The Complete Photo Guide to Ribbon Crafts?
Pre-Cut Patchwork Party is a project-based sewing book. Each project is an original design focusing on using pre-cut fabrics. Detailed instructions were written for each project. Step-out samples of each construction step had to be made so they could be photographed to accompany the instructions.
The Complete Photo Guide to Ribbon Crafts includes a few projects, but mostly it is focused on various ribbon techniques with suggestions on how the techniques can be incorporated into a project. It was part of a series of “Complete Guides” and gives an overview of working with ribbons like making various styles of bows, creating ribbon flowers and trims, making hair accessories, sewing with ribbons, paper crafting with ribbon, etc. So those were the main differences.
You seem to stay busy with many different aspects of the crafting business other than just writing books. How does your work with designing products, writing for magazines and TV appearances complement your role as a craft book author?
It all works together because everything I do involves things I love to do: sew, create with fabric and thread, and work with embellishments–the “fun stuff”, like ribbons, buttons and beads. I have great working relationships with many fabric, ribbon and embellishment manufacturers and work with them to create projects that showcase their products in the best light. Cross-marketing is very important for both the manufacturers and the retailers who carry their products. I am careful when working with any companies who are competing for the same business, and I align myself up with those manufacturers who offer beautiful, quality products.
What is one thing that would surprise most people about being a professional crafter?
I don’t think it is a surprise to anyone that you will have to work hard to be successful. And, you do not do this type of work because you want to make lots of money. You do it because you love the techniques, the products and the joy of sharing with others the excitement of making something truly unique and personal. There is no greater joy than making something with your own two hands, especially in this high tech world. Crafting and sewing are a form of self expression and bring balance to our busy lives.
I have been lucky that every job I have held has led me to the next and has been an important influence on my work today. One of my first jobs was in a retail buying office. From that, I understand what buyers consider when making decisions about the products they will carry in their stores. I have also worked as an employee for manufacturers who make products for the sewing/crafting market. From that, I understand the importance of filling the needs of the consumer with new and inspiring products, as well as the challenges faced in bringing those products to market. I have also done a great deal of marketing, education and promotion work to both retail buyers and the end consumer. All that experience and those points of view help me to understand the full picture. But, most importantly, I am the consumer. My vocation is my avocation.
Do you have any tips for helping others grow their own creative business?
The best way to grow your business is to find you passion, which is what you are good at and what makes your heart sing. Then develop yourself as a brand and work on several streams of income, like writing books and tutorials, selling products and completed projects online, licensing your designs to manufacturers, selling at local and national art shows and fairs, etc. You’ll have to wear a lot of hats, but it can be very rewarding . . . and you’ll be doing what you love to do every day.
Giveaway!
Creative Publishing International is generously offering a copy of Elaine’s book Pre-Cut Patchwork Party to one reader! To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment on this post telling us one thing you learned about craft book publishing from our interview with Elaine. Good luck!
(Giveaway open to U.S. readers only. We’ll choose a winner one week from the date of this post.)
50 comments
I learned that there’s a lot more that goes into writing a book other than just writing about your passion. You have to consider marketers and all the business aspects of publishing a book….and then put your heart and passion into it.
I found the information about the different deadlines interesting… I didn’t know that there was more than 1!
I’m intrigued to realize that you don’t just make the project once straight through, taking photos along the way–I knew that in instructional videos there was the “Here I have one already done” magic of TV type thing, but hadn’t thought about it in making books.
writing a book sounds intense but also fun. Loved how Elaine talks about the 3-step process
Interesting process, especially about the deadlines.
Thanks for the giveaway. I love working with precuts.
I learned about the process of writing a book, with the three sets of deadlines
I really did not know what all goes on in writing a book, 3 deadlines to meet would be stressful. Passion is a very big part of writing a book.
This was very interesting…I will probably never make a business out of my quilting but I did as a crafter…but that was many years ago. Writing a book about sewing or crafting sounds very difficult so I have great respect for Elaine or anyone else that does it. Would love to win her book!!
HELLO,the writing+producing of a book is quite a process for sure! Thanks for sharing!
I learned that there is more than one deadline!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Surprised to learn that you contact a publisher with an idea or proposal for a book, and not an already written book. Thanks.
From this interesting post, I learned that Elaine is given 3 deadlines to meet in order to publish a craft book. I like that….makes me think I could write book with those parameters! I’d love to win this book of ideas!
I learned a bit more about how important cross marketing is, I see a lot of it in the blogs I follow but people don’t tend to talk about it so that was interesting.
I learned that a lot goes into writing a book (no surprise) and time management is essential to meet deadlines. Thanks!
I wasn’t familiar with Elaine or her work before reading this. Interesting that her previous book was about ribbon crafts. Like many creative people, she apparently has a wide range of talents!
I love pre-cuts. The projects in this book look like fun. I want the lamp shade, the pillow and the apron already. If I don’t win a copy I will have to add it to my wish list.
I learned that writing a book requires dedication, flexibility and time management but the most important is a great knowledge of the field.
Interesting to read just what goes into publishing a craft book. Did not realize that there were three deadlines, You can feel the passion and love she has for doing this. Thanks for doing this.
I learned that if you want to publish a book you need to make sure you understand everything and discuss with the publishers any concerns or questions you may have. So much to think about for sure.
What a great interview! I’m not sure I have the skills to write a book, but it certainly would be awesome to do so! I’m in the process of (learning along the way) writing my first pattern. That in itself is a lot of work! Cannot imagine what a book would be like!
Deadlines arent fun and add stress but when you are doing something you love, it can be rewarding.
Wow there are many steps to getting a book published. She is one busy lady. I admire that.
What a great interview! So much goes into writing a book, it was interesting to learn about the different deadlines, alittle about each one and the time management needed along the way. This book looks awesome and I’d love to make some of the projects shown.
Thank you and Creative Publishing Int’l for a super giveaway and the chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
I loved Elaine’s comment: “I am the consumer. My vocation is my avocation.” That’s something I’m really thinking about … how it might change the way I pursue my future endeavors.
I didn’t know there were three deadlines, which must be nerve wracking. It isn’t a simple process, but the if it’s something you believe in doing it must be a very fulfilling enterprise. I love the aprons you show; they are sweet.
Now I know why I’ll never be doing a book.I’m very impressed how much work that went into her book. Love her designs and colors combinations
Being creative is just the beginning – your ideas are great and the colors that can be put together with scraps is unbelievable.
But the “details” when publishing must be hard at times when all you want to do is “be creative and share.”
I learned a lot of interesting facts today and would love to make quilts with your patterns. I have quilted for forty years and all my quilts are pieced and quilted by hand and donated. My monthly income is less than four hundred dollars for disability, so fabric buying is not an option. If you ever have any scraps, ofos tops etc you dont want, i will try to work out payments with you. Blessings [email protected] gmail dot com
I learned how important “cross marketing” can be to an author and also to remain a “consumer” as well.
Fab book & ideas! I always struggle with bits left this would sort that out 🙂
This whole process takes a lot of work! Thanks for the pre-cut sections…love them!
It all works together because I love what I do. that says it all.
I learned the writing a book is a business not just a hobby. It takes marketing, education, promotional skills and passion to get it all done. I look forward to reading this labor of love… 🙂
I learned that there are a bunch of things to consider when writing a book.
Crafting does bring balance to one’s life….if I am unusually stressed, a night of sewing helps me relax. Love the aprons!
I agree, you don’t craft to make tons of money you do it because you enjoy it!
I love the details she provided about the deadlines and all the work that goes into each craft book. You definitely don’t throw one together with all those projects you had lying around.
She loves to sew, create with fabric and thread, and work with embellishments–the “fun stuff”, like ribbons, buttons and beads.
Thanks so much for the great advice. I learned that you really need to watch your timetable and stick to all deadlines. The book looks so fun!!! Thanks for chance to win.
Thanks for the great giveaway. Writing a book sure takes a lot of work so kudos to Elaine.
i learned that patchwork is not just for pillows and purses but I see a lamp that has been completed this way and I think that is a great idea!
I learned that there is so much more that goes into writing and publishing books than merely writing down your ideas and designs. Publishing a book seems to be an art in itself!
Such great advice especially about the cross-marketing. Wound love to win, thanks.
smjohns63 at yahoo dot com
This was really interesting to read… I had no idea how long the process would take and how it all comes together in the end. I love pre-cuts and it looks like a great book!
The length and triple manuscript check are new as well as thinking about cross marketing. Interesting – Thanks for a chance!
It was interesting to learn how many “hats” Elaine wears to be successful and pursue her “vocation” which is also her “avocation”. I agree fully with her comment that it is very satisfying to do hand-work in a high-tech world. Thanks for the opportunity to win her new book.
I learned that you need to wear several different “hats” in order to be successful in your crafting business, but it can be rewarding.
This is very interesting book, can wait to try some of the projects.
I have also learnd from my published neighbor that it not only takes creativity, it also takes “sticking with it” ability.
Love pre-cuts oh heck I love anything to do with quilting, I do my own designs when I make a quilt so I guess you can say they are all originals but i am just a hard working person who loves to sew and create.