This board is so great about helping each other out. So, I thought I would start a thread of publishing advice for books or patterns. I know I have read some of the members talk about their books coming out.

I guess I will start with questions, then others can pop in with more questions, or with answers. We can use this as a tute for us all!

1-How unique do you think the technique or the layout needs to be to make a successful book/pattern? Do you buy books/patterns that are similar, but slightly different than others you already own?

2-What format do you like best? Do you like instant downloads (PDF etc) or do you like professional printing with hardcover/paperback cover? Do you get patterns/books that are just photocopies off the Xerox - is that acceptable. or are you disapointed?

3-If the book/pattern is PDF, do you keep it electronic, or do you prefer to print off the pages you need? Do you print the entire book?

4-Do you feel uncomfortable buying a pattern/book from small "companies" (for example, I only have a few books in mind, and if not professionally published, it/they would just be off my blog/web site)?

5-If you bought a book for a new technique - would you want to create your own patterns, or have some included in the book to try out?

6-How many pages of technique advice do you think is the bare minimum for a book, so that you would feel you got your moneys worth?

7-Do you like lots of photos to help explain the technique? Or is it mainly words which help you understand?

8-If you have published books/patterns yourself, how did you do it? Off your web page, then sell with PayPal and download or email PDF? Or did you ask for paper checks to be mailed then sent paper copies?

9-If you published with a profesisonal printer, what frustrations did you have? What advice would you give?

Well, that is all I can think of.

This really interests me as I have a technique that I would like to publish also.

1-How unique do you think the technique or the layout needs to be to make a successful book/pattern? Do you buy books/patterns that are similar, but slightly different than others you already own?

It has to have something unique in it for me to spend the money.

2-What format do you like best? Do you like instant downloads (PDF etc) or do you like professional printing with hardcover/paperback cover? Do you get patterns/books that are just photocopies off the Xerox - is that acceptable. or are you disapointed?

I prefer books or single patterns. If there are not color photographs (not b/w and not color copies but pretty pix), I won't buy. I need help picking colors and can't visualize from black and white.

3-If the book/pattern is PDF, do you keep it electronic, or do you prefer to print off the pages you need? Do you print the entire book?

I would print the entire thing.

4-Do you feel uncomfortable buying a pattern/book from small "companies" (for example, I only have a few books in mind, and if not professionally published, it/they would just be off my blog/web site)?

I would buy from small or big companies. Just have to feel secure about payment method. Also not great about finding things on the internet so you need "to find me"

5-If you bought a book for a new technique - would you want to create your own patterns, or have some included in the book to try out?

I want color photos and exact patterns to try. I can't create my own thing.

6-How many pages of technique advice do you think is the bare minimum for a book, so that you would feel you got your moneys worth?

I don't care how long the directions are. They just have to be very clear. I learn visually so photos/diagrams with complex steps are a must.

7-Do you like lots of photos to help explain the technique? Or is it mainly words which help you understand?

see last response. LOL

8-If you have published books/patterns yourself, how did you do it? Off your web page, then sell with PayPal and download or email PDF? Or did you ask for paper checks to be mailed then sent paper copies?

Never published. I don't use paypal myself.

9-If you published with a profesisonal printer, what frustrations did you have? What advice would you give?

Just one last note... When I look to buy a book, the cover is what initially grabs my attention so the title must be very clear and really good photos on the front. I flip through and look at photos and make a decision from there. I don't buy cookbooks or quilt books if there aren't color photos and lots of examples.

Very interesting topic. I like to design and was wondering the same thing.

I would be disappointed if I purchased a book and received it in photocopied paper, as I would be expecting it to be professionally bound as a book. I would suggest having both very detailed text and lots of very detailed pictures, as it is the easiest way to satisfy all of your customers.

I sure hope lots of board members answer these questions, there are those of us who would love to know the answers. Seems like it might be a secret no one wants to share though.

As a published author I would recommend checking out the websites of known quilt related publishers. There is a lot that goes into the production of a book (copyright infringements, techinal writing, photographs, layout, actual printing, marketing) that needs to be considered. It's a really big committment and one that needs to be thought about carefully. I've been very pleased with the decision I made to go with a nationally known publisher who did the research first to be sure it was an original idea that I had and then did all the production work and gave me lots of support throughout.

Jan

Great topic. I will enjoy following this one.

I prefer pdf files. If I am not going to use the pattern right away I can store it on my computer until I am ready. Otherwise, if I am ready to get started I will print out the necessary pages. I like options! :-D

Here's some answers from a die-hard book and pattern buyer. I like COLOR! Colored pictures, colored directions, colored illustrations. Anything less (ie black and white ore hand drawn illustrations) strikes me as lower quality, and unless I had no other books or patterns, I would probably pass it by. And I don't like to download books. I like the feel of glossy paper and (did I say this?) colored pictures for inspiration! Once in a while I'll download A pattern, but not much. But I DO buy books, books, books and patterns, patterns, patterns! Just something to think about.

Depending on price, I prefer downloads. You get them immediately and don't have to pay postage, but I also expect them to be cheaper because the author doesn't have printing cost or the expense of packaging and trips to post office. I would want the download to be professional looking in style. I bought a cookbook download once and was greatly disappointed by the way it printed. (My 9 year old grandson can type better than it was) It looked like it was typed on word pad.

I like color photos and lots of them, I'm a visual learner.

I would want some patterns using the techniques discussed

If purchased as a printed book, I wouldn't want it to be a photocopy off the Xerox.

I would copy a pattern as I used it.

I would like information on creating my own patterns.

My thoughts were voiced by hopetoquilt's response so will not repeat. Also like ThreadLady, copyright infringements, techinal writing, photographs, layout, actual printing, marketing is the most important when publishing--no matter what the subject. Get a pro to help you with that, which also is a protection to you of being sued.

While it is easy for me to visualize, I know many who just do not get it without illustrations. Make sure your photography is taken with a high-end camera and is edited properly for publication.

Remember seeing step procedures and finished product pictures will sell a magazine or booklet.

I personally like lots of pictures. I am also initially grabbed by the cover. Can't wait to hear more on this one.

A friend got her pattern published in a magazine simply by emailing a photo to every single quilting magazine out there, and having her pattern also finished.

If you check out the websites of quilt book publishers you'll find a guide for submitting ideas. It's a good exercise in thinking through the whys and wherefores and the practicality of your ideas.

Jan

I very receintly purchased a pattern that , I thought was quite spendy for the item. It was a huge disappointment.
I purchase patterns for
1. THE VISUAL guidance. Not just words.
2 Step by step quidance with pictures, showing me what it should look like at each step .. so I do not go on tothe next step with a major problem or error.
3. Accurate yardage requirements and cutting . I once had a pattern that for colors it just said "lots" ... those that have a huge fudge factor .. really make me mad ... as I end up with lots of $$$ in the scrap bin that did not need to be. I once had a pattern that almost 30 percent of the yardage was "over" what I really needed ..
4. Show more than one color way of the completed project.. this give the insipration and helps with the visual .
5. Print the pattern in Color!! those shades of gray to indicate color changes are not very helpful.
6. Yardage and layouts for more than one size.

I purchase very few patterns from a download. Having been dissapointed in a few of my purchases , I have learned now to open the pattern and read it before I buy.

It is helpful if it is a paper pieced pattern to have the abiliy to purchase the pattern papers on line in a single unit down load. There are those times when you buy a PP pattern .. and because of problem you need just one or two more printed papers.

I'll bookmark this...I may be interested as well.....

Amazingly good info, thank you. You brought up alot of good points. I love all this input.

I absolutely LOVE designing quilt patterns and seeing the end result. I recently designed and illustrated a pattern for our Church group and the ladies were able to follow both the written instructions as well as the illustrations as they all use different methods to follow patterns.

I'm a "pattern-junkie" and love, love, love books that are colorful, have both photo and illustrated instructions. I also like having a little bit of history of the projects that the author shares, it makes the project a little more personal. I, too, am disappointed when I receive a pattern in the mail and find I've received a photocopy. Quality is important to me. I also download patterns from the internet. I store them both on my computer and have a collection of 3-ring binders of my favorite projects as well as those "I'm-going-to-make-it-this-year" patterns. :)

I work on several projects at a time, as to not tire of one method or the other, and most times, while I'm working on a project, I get an idea for an additional pattern, and the drawing board comes out again. I would love to put a collection of my quilts I've designed together and get it published.

This thread will really help with my desires to "stitch" out my future goals. :)

I love new techniques!! I don't like photocopies at all. I like lots of colored pictures and lots of text. I love patterns to go with the technique. If you had just these, I would buy your book, be it from a big company or little company. I have just patterns too but I love books with lots of patterns. Now I'm curious about your new technique!!! If and when you publish, I want to know about it. New techniques are so helpful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wonderful topic. Great questions. I am in on following this and tomorrow I just may respond at length. I make my own patterns all the time and figure all my piece sizes and yardage requirements before I start. Very anal - lol. When folks on here are looking to purchase, say - a basketweave pattern, I want to send them graph paper and a few words of advice. It's not rocket science! I have attempted to sell a couple of original patterns here. I've had some buyers, but posts disappear so quickly that I think of it as practice in pattern production. NOT a get-rich-quick scheme. My biggest issue with that approach is that suddenly I have people telling me it is not original because a block I have incorporated was published in 1932 or whatever. It is disheartening when I know it came out of my head - and I don't think they were publishing table runner patterns in 1932! Enough for tonight!