Becoming a published designer takes more than just good crafting skills. In this class with Sharon Silverman we will discuss how to take your crafting from a hobby to becoming a published author. There will be a discussion of tasks you might need to be aware of, such as keeping your eye on trends, developing original ideas, communicating with editors, following the designer guidelines established by magazine and book publishers, managing your time, producing patterns that crafters can understand and that meet a publisher’s style, photographing your work, submitting finished samples and swatches, and meeting deadlines. Think you’re ready to go pro? This class will explain what’s involved and help you answer this question.

Tuition: $70 / 3 hour session

Skill Prerequisite: None – This class is suitable for all skill levels, and all crafts.

About the Instructor

Since 1987, Sharon Silverman has been working as a freelance writer, Her work focuses primarily on travel and crochet titles. A member of both The National Needle-Arts Association (TNNA) and the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA), her work also encompasses teaching and passing on her knowledge through TV (HGTV’s fiber arts show, “Uncommon Threads”) and online instruction (Annie’s Crafts classes). She is the author of 17 crochet books and her own line of patterns, as well as more than 200 newspaper and magazine articles. Sharon is recognized for her fashionable creations, crystal clear instructions, and professionalism. Her private line of patterns is available through Ravelry.com.

You can find Sharon at her website, www.SharonSilverman.com; on Ravelry and YouTube at CrochetSharon; and on Facebook and Pinterest at Sharon Silverman Crochet.

What We’ll Be Covering:

• Designer guidelines and editorial calendars from book and magazine publishers: Where to find them, what they mean, how to follow them.
• Keeping track of fashion, color, and social trends.
• Analyzing published patterns to develop a template.
• Writing and submitting a proposal for an original design.
• Congratulations, you got the assignment! Now what?
• Your pattern notebook: What should be in it, how and when to update it.
• What yarn or other supplies to use or avoid.
• Photography recommendations.
• Your submission package: What to include, how to label everything, how to ship.
• When and how to follow up with an editor.
• Shh! Don’t share until the publisher says okay.
• Designing for yarn companies.
• What is “self-publishing,” and is it a good option?

Materials: Bring to Class:

• A pattern book you like and have used.
• A craft magazine you would like to be published in.
• Notebook/pen or online way to take notes.