Many of us involved with crafts wonder about sharing our knowledge with others and the way to reach the widest audience is via books or DVDs. Whilst creating a DVD probably isn't practical for most of us, writing certainly is. So if you can write it, what else do you need to know? It's how to publish a craft book.
Beyond the actual writing of the craft book itself, and perhaps getting photos and illustrations together, there's the actual process of putting the book together on your computer and then, the area most crafters probably know least, the production and promotion.
With the advent of the internet crafters now have the biggest opportunity ever to write their own craft books and to sell them online. No longer do you need a deal with a publisher or agent, now you can do it yourself. Publishing a craft book is now within the reach of all of us.
You will need some software, but then you may already have it. Microsoft Word comes with most computers or you can get a free program at openoffice.org. This will let you type in your information and add pictures. After that you'll need another program to convert your craft book manuscript into PDF format. Again, free versions are available. PDF format is the most widely used for digital ebooks and also for the "print on demand" publishers who can provide you with short runs of your books in either hardback or soft cover, color or black and white. Once your PDF is created (not a difficult process) you have effectively written and produced your own craft book.
Then you just need to promote it. You can try and promote your craft book without a website, but having one is definitely a bonus. These can be set up fairly quickly and easily yourself or there are many people who will do it for you. You'll need a way to take people's money - yet again there are simple systems available - and you're away. You're now a fully fledged craft book publisher, fame and fortune await!
Of course the truth is that although it can be done by anyone, and the process is as simple as I've said here, in reality it's a lot more time consuming and there's certainly no way to guarantee fame and fortune!
But you can do it. Without a doubt. You just need to know that when you get down to the details of how to publish a craft book you'll find it surprisingly time consuming. I suspect you'll also find it hugely rewarding once it's all done. There is a great sense of achievement.
What few pitfalls there are crop up when dealing with the people you might need to use along the way. It's perfectly possible to do it all yourself but you maybe don't have the time to learn everything new you need to know. Any part of publishing your craft book can be taken on for you by someone else and there are many individuals and organizations who are very good at this. Unfortunately, as in all walks of life and all business dealings, there are some unscrupulous people who will take your money and leave your dreams of writing your own craft book in tatters. Just make sure you know what you're getting into.
As for potential profits? Craft books are a relatively small market and there are lots about so it's unlikely to make you a millionaire. However, most of us don't publish craft books for the money alone. Having said that, I know of one crafter who has made in excess of six figures from her craft book. I know of another who makes about $2,500 a year from his. It's not a fortune but after setting it up four years ago he has done virtually nothing to promote it since and every years the money keeps coming in.
Either one of these scenarios could be you. Or maybe you'll just cover your costs and make a bit of pin money. It would be untrue to say you can publish a craft book for nothing, but you can do it on a surprisingly small budget. I believe it's a really worthwhile thing to do, both for your own satisfaction and to share the craft you love with others. It's within your abilities. You definitely can do it if you decide to.Xandra Veal runs
Craft Books
Now. Visit now for more info and a free booklet on
how to
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