Has anyone here written an instructional book (for beading/jewelry/etc)? Sarajane, did I read that you have? I'm thinking of doing one, but I have a lot of questions about it (of course), and I wanted to know where a good place to start researching would be :o)
TIA!
Hi Kyla! Yes, I've written two books that are in publication, and I'm working on others; one is on making beads. I've got three recomendations for you or any other writers out there.
#1 is hit the library and get the Writers Guide 2003 (or 2004 when it comes out!!) and read it--it lists all the contact info for book and magazine publishers. Also check out several how-to's from different pubishers--REALLY look at the style and the presentation, see who and what you really like best. Do you like full page pics? Items on white backgrounds? Shots with gradient backgrounds? What sorts of things do you want to see in YOUR book?
Suggestion #2--contact the publishers and get their Authors Guidelines--they will tell you EXACTLY what to submit in the way of a proposal, in what format, etc. Most prefer a Word file on disc AND a hardcopy print-out plus samples of photos or items. Pay attention to what they want--ask them if you have questions. The review period may last up to 6mos-a year before you hear anything. DO NOT EVER SEND ANY ITEM YOU WOULD HATE TO LOSE. Get good photos, make duplicates, don't send heirlooms. Things get lost sometimes.
Suggestion #3 Contact any authors you know, and talk to them. Ask them about their experiences with publishers, with photos, etc.
In addition to the "don't send originals" tip, I would also tell you that its OK to say "no" to things that you are asked to do if you feel strongly about it. For instance, at one point I was asked to sign over copyrights of all pictures and I chose to say no. I believe strongly in artists retaining/controlling copyrights to their works. My photographer signs over HIS copyrights to me---because that's our agreement, and we trust each other. Legally he previously owned the rights to the images, even tho I owned and created the items being photographed, set up the shots, paid for his time and film, etc. But since I own the rights now, I choose to keep them. That way, if a book is "killed" at the last minute, I don't lose all the pictures, nor can they legally be used in any compilation without my knowledge or approval. While I have a good working relationship with Krause Publications, it is not a "person"; its a company with people who come and go, with owners that change, etc.---I'm more comfortable holding my own copyrights. Many times musicians must give up rights to their music in order to get a recording contract, and many choose to do it hoping for a better contract once they get "big". I've seen that there are millions of musicians--and writers--so I like to be as well prepared as I can be from the get-go. Sarajane
Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery
Wow, thanks!! GREAT leads :o) My step-dad is an author (fictional novels), and he already has the Writer's Guide. Now if I can just convince DH to move to Portland, so I have access to it! LOL ;o)
What books have you written, Sarajane?
Kyla, so far in print there's "Create a Polymer Clay Impression" and "Celebrations With Polymer Clay" both through Krause Publications. There's info on this page about these and also the mag. articles I've done:
Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery
LOL, no kidding! He's written SO many books, but just got published with "John the Baptist". It's a suspense/mystery/romance novel, about a guy that is trying to solve the mystery of his wife's murder...has something to do with him seeing visions (I think...have to admit, I haven't read it yet, LOL). I hear all the time from him that romance is the place to be,a nd I know he's written a few of those, but I don't know if he's pursuing their publication.
I had both of your books in my hand just the other day :o) I rarely buy PC books, because I don't HAVE any PC clay yet. I have, maybe, three 1oz blocks of Sculpey III. My DH has "commissioned" a chess set of orcs vs. humans from me, but I'm not very good at sculptural stuff, so we'll see how it turns out ;o)
Try some Premo, its the strongest and easiest to use once its warm--unless you have hot hands, then you need to put it down once in a while to cool. Dinko Tilov has a very good book on sculpting, and Kathy Dewey's two--one on animals and one on humans--are both excellent choices for things that lend themselves to chess pieces. Maureen Carlson's too! Sarajane
Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery
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