fbpx

When I started my podcast a year ago I made a wish list of ideal guests. Over the course of the year, I’ve had the pleasure of talking with so many of them: Ann Wood, Jess Brown, Lilla Rogers, Kristin Link, Kari Chapin, among many others. I’m so pleased to be closing 2014 with someone who’s been on that wish list from day one: Melanie Falick.

Melanie has been the publishing director of STC Craft, an imprint of Abrams, for nearly 12 years. She publishes the works of many wonderfully creative authors, including Heather Ross, Denyse Schmidt, Clara Parkes, Natalie Goldberg, Kaffe Fassett,  Lotta Yansdotter, Lena Corwin, and Livia Chetti. She is also the author of several books, including Knitting in America, Kids Knitting, and Weekend Knitting.

In the world of craft publishing, Melanie Falick has a well-earned reputation for producing excellent books. Put a pile of craft books in front of me and I can pick out the STC Craft/Melanie Falick books in an instant. They’re defined by gorgeous photography, outstanding art direction, well-edited manuscripts, and a unique take on particular crafts. When someone announces they have a book deal, that’s an “Oh wow!” moment for sure, but when they announce it’s a book deal with STC Craft/Melanie Falick Books? That’s an “OH WOW!” moment.

In our hour-long conversation Melanie and I talk about:

  • How she got her start in writing and publishing
  • What she looks for in a book proposal
  • How she works with authors to develop their ideas into something truly special
  • The increasing importance of the size of an author’s audience on the success of a book and the impact that’s having on the books that get published
  • How creating these beautiful books about things that were traditionally women’s work (knitting and sewing) is a feminist act
  • What we feel the future holds for craft publishing

Melanie has filmed several video classes with Creative Bug and we specifically refer to her class on leather wrap bracelets.

At the end of the interview, Melanie invites listeners to email her with suggestions for new books ideas and to share their own thoughts about what makes craft books sell.

I hope you enjoy my discussion with Melanie Falick. It was truly an honor to talk with her and a terrific way to wrap up a year of recording shows. I’ll be back in 2015 with a new roster of guests!

Catch up with Melanie online via the STC/Melanie Falick Books blog and on Instagram.

Listen to the podcast right here by clicking the arrow below or subscribe in iTunes or on Stitcher (perfect for Android or Kindle) and listen on the go. If you enjoy the show, tell a friend about it! Thank you so much.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This