Earlier today I threw an idea into the Twitterverse to see if it was a good one. It turns out that lots of people thought it was (either that or they were just being polite) so I'm now going to share my idea with you.
I'm going to write a book.
Yes, a book.
A book that contains everything I know about beadmaking.
I'm think I'm going to write it with the intention of self-publishing it as an eBook. Once I've got a couple of chapters done I might approach a publisher but I'm fully aware of how hard it is to get someone to publish a book (especially when you've never written one before) and particularly one that is on a niche subject like beadmaking. There are wonderful American books aplenty about lampwork but not many British ones.
I'm thinking that if I don't get it published (very likely) I will sell the book as a PDF or eBook. It will contain all the things I know about lampwork along with my advice and some useful tips. It will also be full of colourful photographs and step-by-step tutorials.
So, lovely readers, do you have any suggestions for things that you'd like to see in the book? Are there any particular techniques or topics you'd like me to cover? If you could give me any suggestions in the comments section or by email I'd be most grateful. All ideas are welcome.
As I say, I will research and work out the publishing side of things as I write the book. This is all new to me so I'll be learning as I go.
Me writing a book. I'm a little bit excited .....
Oooh, you should, it will be great. Hmmm, maybe you could include a section on publicising your craft/work etc?
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be wonderful, I have no doubt about that! You're the second person I know who is writing/has written a book - I think you're both amazing! x
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt you will be fantastic at writing a book and any publisist would be mad not to publish you! All I would say is photos, photos, photos! Of all the lampwork books I've read (and thats a fair few considering I dont want to learn how to I just like looking at beads) The pics always seem to let them down!
ReplyDeleteCant wait to see how you get along!
I think it's a great idea. Your video tutorials are fab, so I should think a book would be equally so; maybe better. I don't know much about British copyright law, but if you do go to a publisher, do insist on keeping your copyrights; at least don't let them make you sign them all away (that's my two cents as a librarian). But, truly, do write a book no matter how you publish it.
ReplyDeleteHi Laura, as a newbie to lampwork who has become a tad addicted to your blog and tutorials (both written and video) I, for one, would LOVE to read your book! Your directions are always really clear which definitely helps folk like me! Good luck with it.
ReplyDeleteA book!! Of course, it was the logic step for you to take.
ReplyDeleteI have seen your tutorials, and read your posts. You know what you are doing and also know how to let it out. If you don't write a book on beadmaking the craft world will be missing out big time.
Go for it!!
I think it's a great idea too...not only are you a leading lampworker but you also have a talent for writing. Would love to see your work in print and published.
ReplyDeleteHere's some information from someone in the know about writing and publishing craft books:
ReplyDeletehttp://margotpottertheimpatientcrafter.blogspot.com/search/label/how%20to%20write%20and%20publish%20a%20craft%20book%20series
Obviously scroll down to part one and work your way up ;)
I'm so glad that you have decided to write a book; I can't wait to get a copy. I have several of your tutorials and they have been very helpful. As a beginner, it can be overwhelming as to how to go about practicing. Maybe you could categorize techniques into sections such as the following: beginner techniques, advanced beginner, intermediate, advanced intermediate, advanced. Also, I would love it if you included a section about layering transparent colors with transparent colors as well as opaque colors to create new colors. No matter what you decide to write, I know it will be fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWell Laura, I don't know anything about lampworking apart from I love your beads but... what I do know is that you have a talent for writing. I have just spent the last half an hour reading your latest blog entries and I have really enjoyed getting to know the real you. Wishing you the best of luck.
ReplyDeleteKristin :)
It's a brilliant idea, the publishers are idiots if they don't realise a book by you would be the bestest ever on lampworking. Huge success awaits you, Laura! Good luck, don't work too hard on that you neglect your blog ..!! I would have severe withdrawal. :-)
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea, there can never be enough books about beadmaking and I agree there are not that many British ones. Looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteDear Everybody,
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much for your encouragement, support and suggestions.
I was a tad worried you'd think it was a mad idea but you've put my mind at rest. :-)
You've given me some excellent feedback, links and information so thank you, you bunch of stars, you!
Laura X
I will look forward to reading your book in whatever form it may take.
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion would be not to take up too much space and time in setting up your studio and things you will need. I am sure it needs to be covered, but there is plenty of information available in other books out there, so it need only be minimal. I want to see the real nitty gritty of How To Do It and get such lovely results as you achieve.
In the meantime please don't neglect your blog, beadmaking and tutorials and vids, which I find invaluable.
Good luck.
Excellent idea! I think as you are self-taught you will be able to explain things so much better to the complete beginner rather than assuming they know the lingo! I also agree, lots of pictures - your photos of your beads are like little works of art themselves, they should be included.
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea Laura, definitely include a section with pictures of your beads shown on the gallery page of your website, something for us to drool over!
ReplyDeleteLisax
Ace idea! Good luck with it!
ReplyDelete