Writing and Publishing Your Own Crochet Book
By Tameko Barnette – 6 CommentsDo you have many great crochet ideas you want to share with others? Are you trying to figure out what to do with all that wonderful information in your crochet journal? Have you ever considered writing a crochet book?
Why write a crochet book? Well, first, it is fun. If crochet is a longtime passion of yours, you are bond to have useful information to share with others. Writing a book on crochet is not just about the technical side of the craft. Oh no! It is a great time to share personal experiences.
Writing a book on crochet gives you an opportunity to express some thoughts on the craft and your experiences with it. For instance, if you created a nice prayer shawl for someone, perhaps you can share why you felt guided to create the prayer shawl, the connection you have to the person who received it, and the reaction you received after giving it.
The art of crochet is more than just a fun, economical way to create your own goods, but it brightens our world in a way that is truly taken for granted often times.
Writing a book on something you are passionate about can be simple, but it is work. With so many electronic options before these days, we have plenty to choose from in terms of sharing our books.
Here are a few pointers on writing and publishing a crochet book:
1. If you go the traditional publishing route, make sure you use the proper manuscript format. Click here to get detailed information on how to do this and there is even information on how to submit your manuscript on this site too.
2. If you go the electronic publishing route, be sure to have a good version of Adobe or download free software that will convert your Word ocuments into .pdf files. E-books are very popular these days. Click here for a great resource on publishing your own e-book with a $0 budget!
3. Either way you decide to go on publishing your book, you should check out the following pages – createspace.com, lulu.com, and publishamerica.com. These are all great avenues to take for beginning crochet book writers to get their feet wet in publishing, and you’ll have some help along the way.
As you can see, there are several ways to get your crafty voice out into the world. If you have considered writing and publishing a book on crochet, the above resources should get you pointed in the right direction.
Are you currently working on a crochet book? Are you considering writing a crochet book? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. We look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks, Tameko, I would really love to do this one day! 🙂
Great tips Tameko!
I’d love to publish a book of the best of my original patterns, I’m currently working on getting some tested. Thanks for the ideas <3
For those who don’t know me. I’m Beverly Elrod and I’m the crochet editor at http://www.bellaonline/site/crochet
I’ve been the editor for less than a year. Before that, I was the tatting editor. Georgia Seitz is now the editor for that site and she’s a wonderful, knowledgeable great tatter and friendly person. So, I was thrilled that she was there to take it up.
But, back to crochet. I’ve been working on writing books in knitting, crochet and tatting. unfortunately, it’s not going as fast as I’d like…especially this summer. I live in the southeastern part of Georgia (USA) and it’s not only hot, but it’s extremely humid. I do not have central heat/air. I do have a small a/c unit in my bedroom. Unfortunately, that is NOT where my computer is. Right now, I’ve got the fans turned on me with one pulling the hot air out another window and sweat is still pouring off me. Okay, so that’s still another story.
Back to the topic of crochet and writing books. I have many original patterns. Some I’ve sold on various auction/buy now sites. Some I’ve offered free and for those who gave me the inspiration for a new pattern received a free copy of that pattern.
My idea for a book (besides one of just patterns and a little bit about each one) is to introduce stitches/pattern stitches and then introduce a pattern that includes that stitch: although each new stitch/pattern stitch will also have a simple pattern for a washcloth (which can be lengthened to make a scarf). So, there’ll be two patterns for each stitch.
It’s just my way of introducing new things to the crochet world. BTW, it would include stitches made with a regular crochet hook, tunisian/afghan hook, circular hooks, cro-tat hooks, tatting hooks and anything else I can come up with besides finger crochet.
So, now you’ve heard from my little corner of the world. I think I’m going to find some cool air. 🙂
If you use Publish America be sure you fully understand what you are agreeing to. I know a couple of people who have had bad experiences with them and after many headaches were finally able to get control of their work again. Lulu is a good resource. I’m not too familiar with CreateSpace but I think it is the place someone I know used to publish for the Kindle. I’ve toyed many times with doing the book thing. My problem is I edit. A lot. I’m always going back and changing things. 🙂
Thank you, Beverly, for sharing your expertise and your ideas to incorporate in a book. I’m an avid Crocheter, but not good with math. So, consequently, I am intimidated with the idea of creating my own patterns.