I recently did a virtual lab for Etsy on the subject of getting a craft book published. I had already started a series of postings talking about the acquisitions process so, I’m using my notes from the lecture to highlight what are hopefully useful tips. In my first post, I encouraged people to try and put the negative thoughts aside that may prevent you from submitting a proposal in the first place. But perhaps you aren’t even there yet and just want to know how to give your proposal the strongest chance of success before you submit. Here are some tips to get an editor’s attention:

Well thought out design on blog, etsy store, website etc. Take some time to create a brand that you are happy with and stick to it.

Excellent craftsmanship/quality of work.

Knowledge of and dedication to the marketplace. This can be established through trade shows, magazine features, and any other ancillary projects that may be related to your particular craft. Show them you’re there to stay. Publishers don’t want to invest all that time and effort if you will have moved on from beading to woodcarving by the time the book is released.

Know your publisher. This is like applying to college, and you need to do your research. There are a couple of ways to go about this. First, see who publishes most of the books on your own shelf. Go to the library/bookstore and see which titles you’re attracted to. Keep on top of publishing trends within your craft area. Watch for who is advertising in the publications you are reading, the fairs you are attending and the blogs you follow. Remember that we want to find you as much as you want to find us—the rest of it is just a bit of a matchmaking process.

Follow the rules Most publishers have a set of submission guidelines that can be downloaded from their website (here’s ours). Make sure to complete all of the steps they are asking for. Don’t think that more is better and wait to write the entire book when all the publisher is requesting is a sample chapter. Unlike literary publishers, C&T and most craft publishers don’t expect you to have the whole manuscript completed.

Potential authors shouldn’t be intimidated about their writing abilities (that’s what your editor is for) since most craft books are really led by their imagery. It’s much more important to be on trend with the design and theme of the book. The purpose of a sample chapter is to show you can write well with a sample project to show that you can teach. You should include a Table of Contents with a list of the projects you would like to include. If you are proposing a process based book, then definitely describe the process and show step-by-step examples. (Don’t worry, it’s all confidential!) Make sure you follow the publisher’s submission guidelines to the t—there is really no excuse not to do that.

Next up…”What to Expect from the Process”