Horseshoe Craft and Flea Market, this Saturday!

Small Business Tip of the Day: Take the Help

I was talking to a friend yesterday, and mentioned my busy schedule for the next month. She said to me, "If there's anything I can do to help, let me know."

Now, this is a good friend, and I could tell she meant it. I am a do-it-yourself kind of person, and usually I reply, "Thanks, I appreciate that. I'll let you know." Yesterday, though, I really needed the help.

This Saturday I am vending all day, and my husband has an event he's attending in the middle of the day. I had asked him to secure grandma to watch our daughter. She said she would watch her, but only if we could take here there, which is 20 miles away. This messed up my evening plans with my daughter, long story short.

So when my good friend, who has a daughter nearly my girl's age, said she wanted to help, I replied, "Well, actually, yes. If you could take my girl during the day, that would be amazing." She immediately said yes, knowing that her daughter would then have someone to play with all day, and both girls would be super happy.

And my problem was solved. Just like that. I'm going to give her some money for the day to take everyone out to lunch, and for treats, etc. Then that evening, we are all going to the same event, anyway. It is going to work out perfectly.

And it's all because I TOOK THE HELP.

Take it! If someone offers it, take it! It's not like you don't help everybody else, right? Because I know you do.

Gearing up for NaBloWriMo

I will start posting regularly (very!) on October 1, because I am participating in NaBloWriMo--National Blog Writing Month. Participants are challenged to blog once per day during October. That's it!

This year there are prizes, though! If you are a blogger, you should definitely join up. Click the link above to read more about it.

Anxiously Awaiting Acceptance

I wish I would get word about my application to Holiday Handmade. I need to plan my fall calendar! The dates are filling up. And if I don't get in (*sob!*), I will need to plan something else. Like, invite all my loyal customers to a vacant lot where I set up my tent for exactly two hours, or something.

Or go on vacation. Ha!

Soapcrone at Sugar Plum Bazaar in November

Woo hoo! I've been accepted to vend at the Sugar Plum Bazaar! I'm very excited about this one. It's being held in a fancy old mansion, and my vending space, for soap and bath products is, get this:

In the loo!

Yes, my vending space will be in the upstairs bathroom! I will be able to encourage everyone to sample the products, as it has a functional sink! Now, I have to think about how to display everything in there. Any ideas?

It's Time Again for NaBloWriMo!

NaBloWriMo!

It's on again! I started doing this a few years ago (blogging once per day in October), and then last year my life went stupid, and I didn't participate.

And I missed it.

So I'm doing it again! Time constraints be damned, I will blog once per day. You should, too!

Click the link up at the top to read the latest post, and sign up with wonderful Heather (notHannah), who is still running the show. She ran it last year, bless her heart, and is running it again this year. I will butt my nose in administratively, sometimes, but not too much. I still don't have any time for this.

Blog on!

Do the Numbers Add Up?

Image by espos.de. Permission via a Creative Commons license.

Cost of materials: $600

Income generated, if every item sold: $15,000


Would you do it?

Time to Send in Your Applications!

It's that time of year! Check your calendars a bunch of times, because you should start thinking about application deadlines for the craft fairs you want to do. It's rare to be able to email them the week beforehand and get it. Like the show in the image above--Holiday Handmade? It's a juried show, and they will probably get over 200 applications for 65 spots. I sent my application yesterday. Wish me luck!

I've also applied to another show already (Sugar Plum Bazaar!), and I'm waiting on a third. Plus, I've got two more French Nest markets, and the regular Sunday farmer's markets. Fall is so busy for a crafter!

Saving Money as a Small Business -- Trade, Trade, Trade

Saving money when in business or starting a business is crucial to its success. I try my best--here are the two things that I do well:

1. Buy in bulk.

With a small crafting business, you may be tempted to buy small to begin with, and then reinvest that money again and again, until you can afford to "buy bigger."

I recommend against this. I think you should learn the value of buying in bulk to start. I know many of you are loathe to use your credit card for business purchases, but this is the reality of business: if I can buy my materials for less money overall, then I will make more money in the end. Those bottles of organic jojoba oil up there? I snatched those up when I learned about their price. I took all she had left. It will last me a year.

Buying in bulk means you can price your wares for profit, as well. If you only buy supplies in small amounts, you are paying a premium, and your profit is smaller.

2. Barter whenever possible.

There are lots of benefits to bartering. The most important one is that both parties are getting full retail value for the trade. You can barter items or services--whatever you have that is of value, you should consider trading, as you can.

I am not suggesting that you offer a sack of potatoes to an online supplier as payment. I am suggesting that certain expenses in your life can be handled by bartering, in order to reduce your monthly cash expenditures.

For example, I regularly trade editing services for haircuts. My hair goddess has been cutting my hair for 16 years now. We recently came to an agreement: I edit the monthly newsletter for her business, and she cuts my hair when I need it. We both get full retail value for our services. She hates editing her writing, as it takes too long and is too laborious for her. Since it is not much effort for me, I'm happy to do it for her. She is the master of cutting my hair so that it curls just right and I don't have to "do" it every day. If I took scissors to my own hair? Girl, please.

We both benefit from this arrangement by getting the full retail value of the services. (How much do you pay for hair services? She's expensive!) Sometimes I do data entry work for her, as well. Again, she LOATHES that kind of work, and for me, it's just second nature. A bartering situation works best when both people involved think they are getting the better end of the bargain. Both folks win.

Some people come up to me when I'm vending at the farmer's market (usually other vendors) asking me if I want to trade. Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't. If their wares are something that I want, then yes, I always trade for it. I have traded for: hot sauce, salsa, vegetables, fruit, a massage, lemonade, lunch, herbs, flowers, spices, cookies and pie. All were even retail value trades.

Heck, sometimes a trade just falls into my lap. I have several longtime customers who interact with me more like a friend. Last week, Russ came up to my booth and said, "Look, I picked a little squash and some cucumbers for you this morning." Fresh, organic produce, right out of his garden. Of course, I picked up his favorite soap and gave it to him. It was a treat.

I'm going on and on about bartering, aren't I? In these economic times, I think it's wise for everyone to consider what we have of value already. What skills or products do you have that are worth trading?

Featured Crafters: Things I Think are Cool

Crochet slipper pattern from Broken Hallelujah

Roller derby hair clip from Marmalade Creations

Custom alphabet pillows from Hilary Cosgrove

Crocheted mug sweater from knotworkshop

Knitted frog dissection from aKNITomy

I Am Not an Imbecile

"Really, dude?" she seemed to say.

I got an email the other day, asking me, "What does it take to get a link on your soap website to mine? I'm a fellow soaper."

Um...my death?

Seriously, why would I link to your soap website from my soap website? Why would I send people to you when I want them to buy soap from me?

Why?

So I emailed the guy back, saying the links I have just show a bit about who I am--my chiropractor, my web guy, soap information, things I find funny, my Facebook, my Twitter. It's a separate links page, so if people are there, they are really digging deep into my site. I was polite.

He replied with a lecture about SEO, and how he's an SEO pro, and how exchanging links will bring both of us more traffic. He said "most soapers" don't know how to exchange links properly, and ended with this: "Honestly, just linking out to friends won't get a site anywhere."

I replied to him that I am the first result on a Google search for "handmade soap Denver," and that's good enough for me.

This post was supposed to be helpful to you for your business, but I'm not sure how to wrap it up. Saying something about ignoring requests to exchange links might be part of it. Another part might be, "Don't let rude emails get to you."

Or you could blog about them. Do you receive emails like this?

It's time for the Denver County Fair!

First Denver County Fair offers Ingenious Entertainment Line-up

The first-ever Denver County Fair is doing things a bit different than other county fairs. Okay ... a lot different. The whole thing is indoors, in 10 adjoining pavilions - each with its own theme. Each Pavilion has it's own theme-appropriate blue ribbon competitions, local exhibitors and vendors and a stage for entertainment, judging and demos. Pavilion themes range from the traditional (Craft Pavilion, Kitchen Pavilion, Animal Pavilion) to the unique-to-this-fair areas, like the Holistic Pavilion, the Fashion Pavilion, the Green Pavilion and the Freak Show.

That's different enough.

But organizers Dana Cain and Tracy Weil wanted to be SURE that the first Denver County Fair reflects the 21st century urban culture and creativity that Denver is known for. To that end, they have devised an entertainment lineup that will surely be the envy of all other fairs within a 500-mile radius.

"We wanted to keep a nice dose of the traditional county fair feel," says Cain, "but we knew that it was crucial to mix it up with some modern quirky urban elements. And, above all ... we want to celebrate DENVER and its arts and culture."

In addition to the fair's rustic 100-year-old Stadium Arena, there are six Pavilion stages sprinkled throughout the complex, hosting events ranging from trick pigs to DEVO to an 1800s Fashion show to demos on psychic pet communication. Oh yes, and a Grand Opening sing-along of "Rocky Mountain High," complete with John Denver impersonator.

To celebrate Denver's rich cultural history, Weil and Cain have lured three local legends out of retirement to come participate. Famous concert promoter Barry Fey joined the team in May as the Musical Director. Blinky the Clown, beloved children's show host for 40 years is scheduled to be the guest of honor at the fair's "Blinky's Fun Club Reunion" on Saturday. And last week, fair organizers tracked down the KIMN Chicken, mascot of the popular radio station that closed its doors in 1988. His job - hosting the blue ribbon chicken judging on Sunday.

It's going to be a County Fair like no other.

Event Highlights ( all events are included with fair admission, except where noted.)

Thursday

4 - 6 pm: Grand Opening VIP Preview Gala. Join the mayor, the media and a few hundred of Denver's most avid cultural supporters at this special 2-hour preview, complete with free drinks, VIP lounge and giveaways. Tickets to this VIP event are $40.

7 - 7:45pm: John Denver Tribute Concert and Rocky Mountain High Sing-Along

7 - 8:30pm - Bike Rodeo, hosted by Yellow Designs Stunt Team. Here in the city, we do our rodeo on bikes and skateboards instead of horses and cows!

7pm and 9pm - Top Hogs - Trick Pig Act!

8pm - Cheeseburger Eating Contest! Competitive Eating is the fastest-growing sport in America! Show up to enter!

**Amy's Note: I think flat-track roller derby is the fastest growing sport in a America. Oh, hell, they are being hyperbolic. I will let this one go.**

Friday

10 am - 4pm - Judging in most of the Blue Ribbon competition categories happens on Friday morning and afternoon. Over 1000 entries were received in dozens of categories by the July 18 deadline. Walk-ins will also be accepted on Wednesday, July 27th, 3 - 7 pm.

1 - 4:30 pm - Groove Hawgs and School of Rock perform live! Lewis and Floorwax's popular Blues Band takes the stage at 2:30, after the Denver School of Rock at 1pm. The kids' music educational program that inspired the movie! Tickets are $5 and $1 goes to benefit the School of Rock!

6 - 6:45 pm - Charles Phoenix Test Kitchen Demo: Fried Cereal

7 - 9pm - Denver Area Square Dancers. Watch the demo and then join in the fun!

8 - 8:30 - Miss County Fair Drag Queen contest, sponsored by Outfront!

8:45 - 9:30 - Itchy-O Marching Band performs throughout several pavilions!

Saturday

10am - 12 pm - Andrew Novick X-Treme Pancake Breakfast - Over 50 toppings, from gummi-worms to crab meat, 10 kinds of butter and more! (Tickets $6).

12 - 1:15 pm - Blinky's Fun Club Reunion! Join Blinky the Clown, longest-running children's show host of all time in the whole world! Blinky's Fun Club aired from 1958 - 1998! If you were on the show - or if you just love Blinky, show up and enjoy the memories, with open mike, slide show, autographs and more.

2 - 3pm - Denver Zoo presents Wild Wonders - Live animal show!

2 - 4pm - Cheeseburger Crown Cook-Off, hosted by KOSI's Murphy & Denise! Contestants compete to make the best cheeseburger - live on stage. Cheeseburgers were invented in DENVER!

12 and 6 pm - Pie Eating Contest, hosted by Village Inn.

3pm - Human Chicken Contest - Best chicken impressions will be judged by Colorado Poultry Society.

4pm - Hey Lady! B-52s Tribute Band.

5pm - Charles Phoenix Text Kitchen Demo: Mr. Meatloaf.

7pm - Best Moustache & Beard Contest

8pm - DEVO performs live in the Stadium Arena! (Tickets $25/$30)

Sunday

11am - 4pm - Channel 93.3's Local Music Stage, featuring local bands all day in the Stadium Arena

11am - 3 pm - Fancy Tiger hosts Speed Knitting, Speed Crocheting, Live Sewing Competition & more.

1pm - "Bounty" agriculture-themed poetry contest readings

1pm - Chicken judging, hosted by the KIMN Chicken (lured from retirement!)

2pm - Speed Texting competition

3pm - Laughter Yoga demo

The complete Denver County Fair schedule, which contains over 150 events, is online at www.denvercountyfair.org

The Denver County Fair launches July 28 – 31, 2011 at the National Western Complex, I-70 at Brighton Blvd., just east of I-25. The Fair will include nearly 300,000 sq ft of adjoining indoor areas, including the Animal Pavilion, Kitchen Pavilion, Holistic Pavilion, Art Pavilion, Craft Pavilion, Fashion Pavilion, Green Pavilion, Backyard Farm and Garden Pavilion, 4-H Youth Pavilion, and more. An outdoor Carnival and an old school Freak Show help round out the fun. Colorado residents are encouraged to participate in the fair and enter to win blue ribbons and prizes in dozens of categories. Information and online competition entry forms are at www.denvercountyfair.org .

Denver County Fair hours, July 28- 31, are Thursday 6 - 10pm; Friday 10am-10pm; Saturday 10am-10pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Tickets are for sale now at www.denvercountyfair.org and will also be available at the door. Adult tickets are $10/day and Youth tickets are $5/day. Children under age 5 get in FREE. Weekend passes and group tickets are also available. (Fair admission prices do not include DEVO concert admission, which must be purchased separately.)

Featured Crafter: Doree Klassen of Pink Quartz Minerals

This week's featured crafter is dear to my heart, and my face, as she is the person who makes my makeup: Doree Klassen. Her brand is Pink Quartz Minerals, and I think everyone should experience the quality of her products. She's got a website, and a presence on Artfire and Etsy. She's all up in the Internet's grill. (Something for us to consider?)

Do you sell online exclusively? In person, at shows?

I sell about 80% online, about 15% wholesale accounts to salons, spas and makeup artists and about 5% around my area. I've done a few craft shows but makeup doesn't seem to sell well at them. I'm still trying to figure out what sales to do- fairs or craft shows or more like bridal shows and such. Any input is appreciated!

What was the impulse to start your business?

I tried Bare Escentuals and it made my skin break out. I loved the ease of application and the idea of natural makeup, so bought a bunch of different minerals and experimented until I made a foundation that worked for my skin without using bismuth oxychloride, which was the culprit. My friends and family started asking what I was using and wanted makeup made for them, and eventually I turned it into a business.

What is your niche? What sets you apart?

My niche is that I only use 7 mineral ingredients in all my powdered makeup, and that I will make custom foundation blends at no additional charge. I like having the fewest ingredients possible because it lowers the chance of any reaction. I also do not use any organic materials that could break down so as long as my makeup is kept dry it will never "go bad". The custom blends are something I felt was needed as large companies will not do it, and I myself never found a perfect foundation match until I made it for myself, so I empathize with others that can't find a match.

Which materials/colors/techniques interest you the most right now? What is inspiring you, creatively?

Right now I'm debating packaging changes. I love my makeup but really want to put it into special packaging. It's hard to find something different that will actually work in the real world! Aside from that, I still love to sit and putter and mix and create new shades with little surprises. I do have a bunch of shades I haven't put online yet as I'd like some new models with various eye colors to photograph, or customers to send me photos. (hint hint) [Amy's note: Oh, good lard. Now I have to put on makeup in the summer.]

What piece of advice do you wish you had, when starting your business?

Oh boy, I'd have to say I wish I had someone standing over me forcing me to keep meticulous records of every recipe (I've misplaced some over the years) and also forced me to keep up on the bookwork/paperwork. Come tax time I spend way too much time sorting and organizing records, and every year I say I will keep up on it, then somehow I don't. :)

What question would you like to ask our readers?

I would love to know how you like to purchase makeup. Would you like starter kits, or other kits and what would you like in them? What would you like to see? What would be super helpful for you when choosing makeup online?

Where can we find you?

Website: http://www.pinkquartzminerals.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PinkQuartzMinerals

Blog: http://pinkquartzminerals.blogspot.com/

Best. Makeup. Ever. People. Go get some.

Small Business Tip of the Week: Just Keep Swimming

Sometimes you have too much on your plate, and don't know how to prioritize. Pick one thing, and do it. Pick the biggest thing.

Sometimes it seems you don't have enough to do--you're bored for some reason. That's when you go to your "someday" list, and do one thing. (Need a Someday list? Try Teux Deux.)

Sometimes you just can't take it anymore, and if one more person calls, emails, texts, or otherwise communicates with you about something needing to be done, you are going to blow a gasket. That's when you literally go swimming. In a pool. Go find one now.

Whatever you do, just keep swimming.

Small Business Tip of the Week

Tip of the Week: talk to everyone. Everyone!

Let every person with whom you regularly interact know about your products, your business, your ideas. Let them know your dreams for the future. Let them know your plans for taking your business to the next level.

Even if they aren't interested, someone will remember and will tell another person who is interested.

Furthermore, THEY MIGHT BE INTERESTED.

To wit: I was talking to a roller derby friend who has a derby supply business. I was talking about my publishing business, not soap, but that doesn't matter. One thing led to another, and I am starting talks with him about making private label soaps. LOTS of soaps. Big orders. But they aren't big for him--they are standard for him. He's big time, I'm not. But he wants to work with me.

TALK TO EVERYONE!

Featured Crafter: Melissa Lopez of Whimsypics

Please welcome Melissa Lopez from Whimsypics, today's featured crafter.

How do you find out about craft fairs in your area? Do you belong to a crafter's alliance? Do you do all your own research?

I find out about local craft shows and fairs mostly from my local Etsy team – NC Triangle Street Team. I joined when I first started on Etsy and they have been an invaluable source of information. Occasionally, I browse the arts & crafts section on my local Craigslist site to find local shows and consignment/wholesale opportunities.

What was the impulse to start your business?

I fell in love with paper crafting/scrapbooking when my son was born prematurely and I started making little books recording his progress. He stayed in the hospital for about 2 months after I went home and decided I would take pictures every single day and record every little thing because I wasn’t sure how long he would be with us. Fast forward 7 years and this hobby-turned-passion has evolved to include all forms of paper crafts, and my son is my perfect, healthy miracle.

What is your niche? What sets you apart? Why did you choose that niche?

My work is mostly one-of-a-kind and custom journals/scrapbooks. I still work on some other paper crafts that I can easily duplicate (gift tags, cards, etc) but scrapbooks and altered art is my passion. I think it’s so important to have a record not just of important events, but the everyday ‘boring’ stuff too. I would give anything to have some sort of journal from my grandmothers or great-grandmothers where I could have a glimpse into what their life was like, what they thought about, what they loved.

Which materials/colors/techniques interest you the most right now? What is inspiring you, creatively?

Well, mostly I use paper :) but I love to incorporate beautiful trims, ribbons and sometimes fabric, too. I also use bulky embellishments because flat is boring!

What piece of advice do you wish you had, when starting your business?

I wish I had realized how much work there is to do outside of creating! The fun stuff is just a tiny part of owning a business. Promoting, branding, networking, paying taxes, learning – that’s not so fun. But it is completely necessary.

Where can we find you online?

www.WhimsyPics.com

www.facebook.com/WhimsyPicsFans

twitter.com/WhimsyPics

www.MyWhimsyLife.blogspot.com

Featured Crafter: Me.

I have run out of crafters to feature for right now, so today's featured crafter is me! I am Amy Kalinchuk, of Olde Crone's Bewitching Bath Soap. I guess I'll answer all the same questions that I ask others, huh?

How do you find out about craft fairs in your area? Do you belong to a crafter's alliance? Do you do all your own research? Do you sell online exclusively?

I find out about craft fairs by keeping my ears open and bookmarking things for the future. I see what shows others are going to, and in the winter, I research them and mark my calendar to ding me on the day that I need to apply for the shows I want to do. I do belong to the Denver Handmade Alliance, and that helps--they know about all the shows in my area.

My online shop is www.soapcrone.com. I sell at my local farmer's market every Sunday, June through October. This year I decided to move around on Saturdays, so I've been doing more craft fairs: Firefly Market in Boulder, Horseshoe Craft and Flea in Denver, The French Nest Open Air Market in Fort Collins. I am very excited to sponsor the handmade soap competition at the first annual Denver County Fair this year, as well, at the end of July.

What was the impulse to start your business?

We needed money! My husband was staying home with our infant daughter, and we could not make ends meet every month. I had begun making soap, and had been giving it away and "selling" it for money just to cover supplies. I decided to ramp that up and see if I could make it. This is my seventh year selling soap. Since the beginning I've been to several different farmer's markets, have done craft fairs, had a website set up, hired my husband, and we now do some private label accounts, as well.

What is your niche? What sets you apart?

My products contain no artificial fragrances or colors. I use essential oils only for scent. My customers appreciate the practical nature of my products, as well as their performance. They are high-quality products handmade by a local crafter, and my customers appreciate that and keep coming back.

Aside from that, I think it is important for crafters to remember that many people who buy from you are buying from YOU. You are kind and generous and warm-hearted and witty--your personality helps to sell your stuff. Work it!

What piece of advice do you wish you had, when starting your business?

I wish I knew what "private label" meant, from the start. I think I could have made my business bigger, faster, if I had been seeking out private label clients for the past seven years. It is so much easier to make soap/lotion/lip balm/whatever, and ship it out the door. Packing a car, setting up a tent, selling for hours, tearing down, packing the car, driving home, and unloading the car is a lot of work! It's good for business, so I still do it. However, private label business is for larger orders at a lower price, but for about 1/4 the work. The math still adds up in my favor.

What question would you like to ask our readers?

What do you find most valuable about this blog? What topics would you like to discuss? Also, who are your favorite crafters? My queue is about used up and I need more folks to feature.

How To Write a Craft eBook for Craft e-Revolution

A photo from my upcoming book, Handmade Holiday, Volume 1.

At Craft e-Revolution, I have created an outlet for crafty folks to be published, in a modern, yet old-fashioned way. Authors do not pay to be published--I decide what to produce. That's the old school part. The new school part is the fact that I don't offer an advance, but I do offer a hefty cut of the proceeds. Authors are paid off the selling price of the book, straight-up. Since we are both investing a lot of time and effort into the book, both the author and I are motivated to try and sell it. I see this as a win-win situation.

However, I'm not sure how many crafters know how to write a tutorial ebook. If that's you, but you have a good idea for a book, then maybe you just don't know how you will proceed. I can help with that! That's what this post is about.

Many tutorials have only step-by-step directions, and that's it. The ebooks that I want to read (and therefore the ones I write and publish) will have photographs of every step of the process. Most people are visual learners, therefore I believe craft tutorials should be full of photos.

But where to begin? Writing a craft tutorial ebook is not as daunting as you might think. I will outline my process below. It works for me, and I hope it will work for you. Your comments and questions are always welcome. Let me know what you are thinking!

Which to choose?

Step 1: Choose Your Craft

If you are anything like me, you will need to slow down and choose only one. If you are good at only one craft, then choose that one. Don't worry about the other books written on that

subject. That's not the point. Choose a craft that you know well, and think you could describe to others with photos and words.

I use a pocket camera, and you can, too.

Step 2: Make the Craft, Photographing Each Step and Recording Notes

This is the part that seems backwards, but it is essential to do it first, and not last. Photographing the craft should be the first thing you do to prepare your book. Take photos of every step of the process, including materials, the layout of the process, and every single step from several angles and distances. Use more light than you think is necessary. Turn on all the lights, bring in a few lamps, open the drapes.

While you are making the craft, you will have thoughts that your readers should know about.

I love my iPhone! It's amazing!

I use my iPhone's "Voice Memo" feature (shown) to record important thoughts. Your phone will probably have something similar. Turn it on, speak the note, and then pause it. Take more photos, have a thought, click the recorder, record your note, and pause it. Continue in this way throughout the crafting process. Sometimes I find myself dictating the entire book to the recorder. If you are that way, you might consider the free Dragon Dictation app for your phone. It will write what you say, and you can save the text and work with it later. Yes, this particular craft project will take you a lot longer than usual. The end result will be worth it.

I'm Drafty Drafterson!

Step 3: Begin Drafting

You think this is the hard part, and I am happy to report that you are wrong. Start drafting with photos.

• Load the photos onto your computer, saving them in a file marked with the working title of your book.
  
• Edit the photos: crop them, enhance the lighting or color, etc.
• Save! Save! Save! Save after each photo edit!

Open up your word processing program. I write all of my ebooks in Pages (Apple software). Word will work, too. Insert the photos into the document, one by one, in order. Then, when all the photos are in the document, start drafting with the first one.

Use simple, straightforward language to tell the reader what to do. Write "Step 1, Step 2," as needed. Take notes as you go, directly in the document, about photos you still need, direction that needs elaboration, or places that you want to add information but must check on specifics first. When you've written most of it, turn on your voice notes and listen to them. Fill in any gaps with your voice notes.

Step 4: Add Value

After you have described the process, stop and take a break.

Sluuuuurrrrp!

Break's over!

Boo!

Now, you must add value to your book by adding information for your readers. What would make the book better? Recipes? Photos of variations of the craft? Descriptions of the variations, with more photos? A list of Internet resource links should be included, always. What about a "troubleshooting" section? An FAQ? Write these sections up, too. If you can't think of any questions that are frequently asked of you, because you are a first-time author and wtf? Please, don't worry about it. The FAQ section can be created later.

Snooty, Mustachioed Professor Judges All

Step 5: Edit It

Yes, this is the tedious part. Just do your best. Here, I'll help you:

• Read through your draft, out loud. Trust me on this. Read every single word out loud. You will find places where you forgot to write a word, or wrote two in a row, or other silly mistakes like that. You might find spelling errors, too. Correct them! Correct your punctuation, too.
• Open up another document (or a sticky note or simple text file), and read through your draft. Write down the first word of each sentence, making a vertical list. After your list is finished, note places where you repeat a word. Go back and re-write those sentences.
• As above, make a list of every verb in each sentence. Active verbs (stitch, sew, pour, measure, cut) are best. Also check for repetition in this list, and go back to re-write sentences that need it.

Step 6: Put Your Author Information on the First Page

At the top of your document, insert a blank page. On this page, list your name, mailing address, phone number, email address, and a working title of your book.

Yay! You did it!

Step 7: Send it in!

Send it to me! I can't wait to read it. I love crafting and especially tutorials, which is why I am this kind of publisher. I want to read your book!

Yes, the process might take a while--I understand that. But even if you haven't written the book yet, I want to hear from you. Let me know your ideas for your book ahead of time, and we'll talk. Writing a book is a satisfying process which is fulfilling in many ways. I hope you consider it--the world wants to learn what you have to teach.

So, was this helpful to you? Please leave a comment, and let's get a conversation started.

Promises, Promises

I note that a couple of weeks back, I said that Featured Crafter was back. And then I did one featured crafter post.

And then nothing after that.

I might have one to do today--I will have to check my archives. But I'm working on my Big. Fat. Post. So please stay tuned a while longer, mmkay? Click the "Subscribe" button and you will be alerted when the BFP is up.

Carry on with your magnificent lives! Go make something extraordinary!

Working On It

I am working on a big, fat post.

Big.

Fat.

Post.

Stay tuned!