Your Experts Are:
Deborah Balmuth – Editorial Director, Storey
Kate Woodrow – Editor, Chronicle
Nicole McConville– Content Team Leader, Lark Crafts
Melanie Falick- Editorial Director, STC Craft/Melanie Falick Books
Your Roundtable Participants Include:
Kaari Meng – French-Inspired Jewelry: Creating with Vintage Beads, Buttons & Baubles and Treasured Notions (Lark)
Tiffany Threadgould – ReMake It! (Sterling)
Presenting Your Pitch:
- All materials must be created in an electronic format and submitted to Brandy Shay – brandy@thecreativeconnectionevent.com – by September 5th. This presentation will then be forwarded to each of the Experts and Roundtable Participants to review and have with them during your presentation.
- You may bring to the Pitch a printed copy of your materials for each Expert and Roundtable Participant to strengthen your presentation.
Pitch Contents:
- An Introduction to “you” that will include a brief and concise biography. As a guideline for your Introduction, you may use Form #1 below.
- Provide a brief and concise overview of your book idea. As a guideline, you may use Form #2 below.
REMEMBER: You only have 3 minutes, which equals approximately 400 words. Keep your pitch concise and focused.
Form #1 for Introduction:
Using one page for your written introduction, please include the following information in the order listed:
- Date
- Full name
- Contact information
- Biography – 150-175 words
Guidelines for Writing Your Biography
Your biography establishes your credibility as a craft book author. In addition to your craft expertise, please mention any previous publishing experience—including books, magazines, blogs, or websites. If your work has not yet been published, what is your professional expertise, education, life experience, or other compelling qualification that makes you the best person to write this book? And, please let us know if you have a social media presence; for example, are you on Twitter and/or Facebook? If so, how many people follow you on Twitter, and how many fans or friends do you have on Facebook?
Your written biography should be no longer than two paragraphs, or 150-175 words.
In the pitch, your introduction should be no longer than 50-75 words. That equals two to three sentences. Whittle down what’s most important for the pitch and practice reciting it.
Form #2 for Craft Book Overview:
Using one single-spaced page for your written Craft Book Overview, include the following information:
- Brief and concise outline of your book, including title, synopsis, chapters, and a table of contents. Also include specifications such as: trim size, illustration or photography requirements, and word count. (150-175 words)
- Brief and concise explanation of how your book is different from or similar to craft books currently on the market, who your target audience is, and why your book meets an underserved or unmet niche in the marketplace. Include in your written information the ISBN numbers for three comparative book titles. (150-175 words)
In the pitch, your overview will be 300-350 words. Practice delivering the overview aloud, along with your introduction, to keep within the three-minute time limit. Shorten if necessary.
Winners:
Please enter me into the drawing for a pitch slam for becoming a craft book author.
Thanks,
Denise Bielick
bielick@pitel.net
Hello I am interested in signing up for the craft book pitch slam. Could you please tell me where I should sign up to confirm my interest? Thank you! Nan
I see that this is where I sign up “officially” As a side note, I send you an email. Thank you! I look forward to the drawing. Nan
Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!
I would like to enter the drawing for the craft book author pitch. Thank you!
I am called “The Thread Lady” and have taught many classes on thread techniques at Quilt Shops in Minnesota. I also dye and paint my own fabric and sell thread for Superior Threads and Madeira Threads. I also teach free-motion quilting in a totally different way than anyone I know of—and I have a guarantee! If you can’t free-motion quilt after you take my class, you don’t have to pay me. I have taught this way for over 6 years and everyone I have taught has paid me! I have a degree in writing and I have had many students tell me I should write a book about my expertise with thread and how to use it. I used to give a power point presentation to quilt groups and I was amazed at how little very experienced quilters knew about thread, needles and stabilizers. My book would outline all that I have learned over the years and also include techniques that I don’t think anyone else does. I took a class from Libby Lehmann in 2001 and became a “threadaholic” immediately. I am a contemporary quilter and surface designer and do things my own way! I belong to SDA and SAQA and am a member of The Textile Center in Minneapolis and have served on the library board there. I also belong to MN Contemporary Quilters, MN Quilters and Chaska Quilters. I have retired from teaching at quilt shops, but still go to students homes and teach one-on-one. I sometimes get talked into teaching a class by a friend who owns a quilt shop and will be doing a Thread-Painting class in October at Heavenly Patchwork in Waconia, MN.
Hello :)
I’d love to enter the pitch slam drawing. I’ve been sewing and crafting since I was a little girl and now that I’m not so little anymore I’d like to embrace my passion. I’ve been thinking for a while now that I’d like to write a sewing book for the mothers and grandmothers of little boys.
Thank you, Jodie.
I’ve been writing, publishing, and leading workshops locally for years about the healing benefits of creativity. I’d love the opportunity to pitch my “Art Prescription (trademark),” to this panel.
Thank you,
Beverly Dyer, MSN, RN, Certified Botanical Illustrator
http://www.beverlydyer.com
http://www.artprescription.com
I would love a chance to do this – it would be a step closer to my dream!
Please enter me into the drawing for an opportunity to pitch to become craft book author. Thank you!
Sadly. It looks like I can’t make it to the pitch slams due to a work conference. Nan
I would love to pitch my knitting book idea to this most esteem panel! Please enter me into the draw. Thank you.
Please enter me in the craft book pitch slam opportunity. Thank you so much!
Megan Pederson
605-310-1661
megan@bridgetandlucy.com
I would like to be considered for the craft book pitch opportunity.
Thank you!
sparklesandsticks@gmail.com
Please enter me in this pitch slam opportunity. Thank you!
Please enter me in the drawing! Thank you!!