Crafter’s Market (the book I edited) is out!

Last spring I got an email from the editorial director at Fons & Porter. It said:

I’m about to start the curation of craft business articles for the next edition of Crafter’s Market and wanted to reach out with a unique proposition. As I began to brainstorm new article ideas and potential contributors, I had this nagging thought that I might not be the best person to curate this collection this time around. I certainly have ideas for articles, but I really think this is a book that would benefit from a fresh perspective. So, I’m wondering if you might be interested in acting as the author/curating editor of this next edition?

Each week I look forward to your newsletter and the valuable articles it contains. Each time I read it I think, “she should be working on Crafter’s Market!”

I’m always up for a new challenge and curating articles for a book seemed like an interesting job so I said yes.

Crafter’s Market is a book that Fons & Porter has put out once a year for the last few years. The back portion of the book is a comprehensive directory of craft shows and fairs, online marketplaces, book and magazine publishers, retreats, and trade shows. A description of each one, plus contact information, makes this super handy for pitching your work. The front portion is a collection of articles about craft business and that’s the part I worked on.

I started by mapping out the kinds of topics that the book should cover, everything from copy writing and branding, photography and photo styling to licensing, getting press coverage, setting up your work space, teaching, and defeating self-doubt. Then I reached out to people with expertise in each area and asked if they’d be willing to share what they know.

The result is a collection of 15 really strong articles that, when combined with the listings at the back of the book, are sure to help you move your business forward.

I’m really proud of this edition of Crafter’s Market. As we wind up the year and begin to set goals for 2017 I hope this book will be of help to you no matter where you are in your journey.

The book will be in local stores soon or get a copy on Amazon. And I’m doing a giveaway over on Instagram to help celebrate the release so come check that out, too.

P.S. This opportunity came to me as a direct result of sending a weekly email newsletter. An email newsletter reminds people of your work and shows them what you’re capable of. Start your own with my comprehensive guide.