To be honest I've only had one feature about me on a magazine about Men crafters and one card being published in a forthcoming book, my main experience was having my samples used by various companies on Ideal World/Create & Craft. But since I believe that craft magazine editors must have the same requirements as craft companies I thought I would write about what I know as the same skills are transferrable to any exercise of being published.
Now the way you can approach an editor is by letter or email, but I asked one lady I'm acquainted with who is already published : Paula Pascual.
And here what the lovely Paula had to say about her own experience.
And here what the lovely Paula had to say about her own experience.
Please, rest assured I had Paula's permission to publish her tip on this blog !Hi FabrizioWell, the way I got into Crafts Beautiful was because my friends suggested I send stuff. I prepared a selection of 6-8 cards in sets of 3/4 that coordinated together by technique or colour theme. They were some of my best to that date and really showcased what I liked to do to the best of my abilities. Ie, my unique point of view. I would recommend to label them all with full name and address on the back and write up something about the person who has made them.I only did that once, the rest came knocking at my door. Lucky me, I suppose.
Take care, Paula
It also helps to have a blog of your own as I know for certain that Editors 'blog hop' to get new ideas and feel about new trends and usually will approach you if they want some of your cards on their mags. I received such invitation out of the blue from Let's make cards as they were doing a men crafter feature last year.
I would personally contact by email each editor from each magazine (remember some publishers have several craft mags) and ask them if they're looking for new submissions and what kind of work they're looking for. If you have blog going showing your cards it will work for you as you can put it under your signature. Make sure you take good pictures of your cards and that they are clearly lit.
I've shown on one of my blogs how to take pictures of cards
Also I have it on good standing that Editors like when people create cards with the current supplies (stamps, new markers etc....) as like fashion they like not to be left behind with the current popular trends.
My last tip is don't get disheartened if you get refusals, they're not saying NO, they're actually saying 'not right now' ! :)
Resource:
Well I did some research and found for you lot the main publishers in the UK and their websites:
Resource:
Well I did some research and found for you lot the main publishers in the UK and their websites:
Great article, Fab and very helpful!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice Fab which I will look at. Love your work on the MCS we have both worked on too.
ReplyDeleteGreat Article Fab! I too was contacted through my blog, but also, enter competitions!So you get seen if you havent a blog!! It will give you so much of a buzz to win, the world will be your oyster!! But also entering gives you an idea of what the magazines want!.
ReplyDeleteHope you dont mind me adding a bit.
Nicola.xx
Nicola thanks ever so much for your extra input. I don't mind at all, I love it and welcome it. So please any of you reading this if you feel I left out some tips about being published just leave a comment and they will help any newcomer into the field. Thanks again Nicola.
ReplyDeleteHello, Fabrizio,
ReplyDeleteas a newbie to web-things, I got this post thru email subscription, and found it interesting- a peek behind the surface, so to speak.
I don't have a blog, (only for commenting)but wanted to say Thanks.
(by the way, 'hopped' to your Christmas Challenge- a really good idea, and am in awe of your discipline and organisation! Ditto your industry and creativity!)
Thanks,
Cathy
I hope this post doesn't appear twice..apologies if it does. I just wanted to add to the very good advice and add to Nicola's advice of entering competitions. I have been lucky enough to start writing for Simply Cards and Papercrafts and that was through winning their Card Designer of the Year competition. I certainly didn't win because I was the best...I'm not... but I know they picked me because I did things a little bit differently. So keep trying, stick to things you like doing...and have fun!!!
ReplyDeletep.s The new Card Designer Comp will be launching very soon so give it a go.
Diane
Thank you Diane for your tip which is excellent. So please for you you've won their competition. I'm such a chicken and never entered but once I'm getting out of my blue phase I will definitely give it a go. Thank you again for you input.
ReplyDeleteX
Fab