Hello, everybody from Whip-Up! There are quite a few of you, aren't there! In lieu of actual crafts, here's a picture of the broccoli sprouts that are growing under my new bell jar:
But that's not all! I haven't had a load of crafty posts lately because I'm lazy because I've been pleasantly busy at work and don't feel like I have many words left by the end of the day. Busy doing what, you ask? Coordinating a book. This book.
A little over six months ago, I was thinking about the sorts of books I'd like to be working on this year (I'm a publisher, for those of you who are new). I knew that I would love to put together a craft book, one which would require lush photos and beautiful projects, but I also wanted something that could hold its own on a promotion (the US doesn't really seem to have promotions in book stores, but here in the UK, 3-for-2 tables at the front of the store are very common).
There were two problems with this idea: A) I didn't know of anybody at the time who was ready to put together a book of their patterns and B) a run-of-the mill pattern book wasn't really special enough to convince a buyer to take it for promotion. So! Using my clever brain, I decided I would wrangle together a group of crafty bloggers (since I already knew they could write), and together, we could create something above and beyond the standard pattern book!
The Crafter's Companion includes writing from eighteen different bloggers (who've been very good about keeping quiet, but now the project's getting closer to reality, I have to say something); each have answered the questions 'Why do you craft?' 'Where do you find inspiration?' and 'Where (or how) do you work?' They've each also come up with an original pattern, most sewing-based -- we've got everything from aprons to cushions to bookcovers to jewellery!
The book will be published in October 2006, which means that I'm very much right in the middle of putting it all together. I've got lovely photos coming to me via e-mail and amazing projects being sent in the post, and the writing is down-right inspiring. I've got to say, even if my name wasn't down as editor on the amazon.co.uk page (must send them the cover image), I'd still be awfully proud of this project!
Yey, the secret is out in the open and I can blog about it. Well done you and book fame and bag fame!
And to anyone reading this, Anna is also out there getting fit for a charity run - what a gal!
Forgot to say the Book cover is lovely.... and so are your sprouts!
I just grin when I think about this book :)
That's great! I've worked as an acquisitions and development editor, so I know the tremendous sense of accomplishment you must feel regarding this book. Can't wait to see it!
Excellent! Looks great. Will certainly run and buy it asap when it is released.
Oh! I can't wait until it comes out. From the sneak peeks and some idea of who the contributors are, it is going to be a huge hit. will it be distributed in the US, or should we over here order from amazon.co.uk when the time comes?
yum! i put it on my list! i've got the same question: it will be available in the US, right? mmmm broccoli sprouts - i love to have them on salads
Yippee!
Wow! How fun. I can't wait to see the book!
What a great idea! I am looking forward to this one, especially since I probably read some of the bloggers you've got in the book.
Um, here's another idea - what if you came up with a yearly publication that highlighted some of the better blogger crafts from that year? I don't know if that's possible or if it would get old after a while, but it might work. I'm a SAHM mom with no experience in publishing beyond being the editor and sponsor for a high school magazine when I taught school, otherwise I would think of attempting it myself.
Oh wow! Jealous much? Uh huh I sure am!!! Of everything about this book!The fact that you edited it and the people that are in it and oh just everything!:) I can't wait to buy it. Did you say October? Why that's just too far away.Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait.
Oh, shoot, was I supposed to keep quiet about it? Whoops! Sorry about that. :/
That books sounds like a great idea, congrats on getting it all put together. I'd love to buy one when it comes out, will it also be released in Australia? And if it is, I'm assuming it will be a little while after the release date in the UK/US?
Anyway, good luck with all the promotions and everything :)
congratulations!! this is a wonderful project-
:)
Amazing idea! I really think it will be a best seller. How many times do we wander in the bookstores searching for such kind of light? I just hope I can get one for me. ;)
Congratulations on the book!
do u know if it will be released in Australia or is amazon.co.uk the best place to buy it??