How I Published a Craft Book! (And yep! We talk about Money)

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  • Опубліковано 1 лип 2024
  • In this video I talk about everything I learned during the process of working with a traditional publishing house to produce a book! Nothing is off-limits! I talk about advances, percentages, how I got the attention of my publisher - everything!
    Want to keep up-to-date on pattern releases and get special discounts? Sign up for my newsletter here: shy-queen-11066.myflodesk.com...
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    My Spring Book Tour!
    Feb 13: Full Circle Books Oklahoma City, 7pm
    Feb 17: Magic City Books Tulsa, 2pm
    Feb 24: McKinney Knittery, McKinney TX, 1pm
    March 3: Ozark Knit Co at Pearl's Books Fayetteville, AR, 2 pm
    Follow me on Instagram for inspiration, news, tips, and general life stuff!
    / summer.lee.knits
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    *Note: Some of the links in the description are affiliate links and I do earn a small commission if you purchase through those links, at no extra cost to you! Thank you so much for the support! The commissions help me continue creating this podcast!
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 172

  • @vdenegre
    @vdenegre 4 місяці тому +17

    Hey Summer, great episode. There are so many variables in book contracts for craft publishing. Based on previous experience (I worked in craft magazine publishing and sat on the book publishing board for IW) I'd say you made good decisions, but Abrams made out well, too. The value of your established brand and unique branding is high - it is distinct and recognizable. You provided excellent on-brand photography (the cost of a professional photographer and stylist exceeds $1,500/day). I've purchased your patterns: They are well-written and clear. The cost of writing a pattern from scratch is likely $150-$200 each; the cost of technical editing is similar. You also created (I assume) all of your own samples, likely more than one for each pattern. If you did not receive gratis yarn from manufacturers, that also needs to be factored into the equation. A good and fair contract includes a generous advance that takes all of these factors into consideration. As a maker, your compensation should reflect your investment in time, talent, materials, and creativity. One thing you did not mention was copyright and ownership of your patterns/photographs and if you signed that over to your publisher. Will they be able to disaggregate your book and sell these separately or republish them down the road? And are you obligated to give Abrams the right of first refusal on your next book? All of those things should be considered when reviewing a contract. AND CONGRATULATIONS - I can't wait to add this book to my knitting library!

    • @summerleedesignco.6471
      @summerleedesignco.6471  4 місяці тому +11

      Thank you so much for all this info, and sharing your expertise in the publishing industry! This was super helpful for me to read, and you made such excellent points about the value of an established brand. As to your questions, Abrams does have rights to first refusal for my next book! I keep the rights to my patterns and photography, and they keep the rights to the unique design elements of the book. They can republish parts of my book down the road in anthologies if they choose. Those are all bits of the contract I forgot to mention in the video! I knew I'd forget something 😂 Very much worth talking about those parts too! I may have to do a "part II" someday!

  • @rotherfamily
    @rotherfamily День тому

    I bought both ebook AND physical copy! I love it. So glad to have found you ❤

  • @conniedunfield7601
    @conniedunfield7601 23 дні тому

    Hi Summer, I bought your book because I want to learn to knit socks. It was exactly what I was look for. Your book touches on all subjects with great resources! Thanks!

  • @jadewaters3288
    @jadewaters3288 4 місяці тому +2

    Camped out by the door waiting for my copy to arrive ❤❤ Thank you for being the sock knitting queen we all needed 🧦🧶

  • @katharinearburn8158
    @katharinearburn8158 4 місяці тому +2

    I love your transparency about pay. 🎉 It’s scary but so important to give others the power to advocate for themselves. I hate that our culture has made it such a forbidden topic!

  • @SweaterWeatherPodcast
    @SweaterWeatherPodcast 4 місяці тому +6

    I pre-ordered the book and it came! I’m so excited to dive in. I love your description at the back”…and a dog who hates her for no good reason” 😂 Charming! 😂

  • @jacquelinepirotta
    @jacquelinepirotta 4 місяці тому +2

    Hi Summer! So i appreciate this episode. its really interesting, super interesting. but really the bottom line is i want to support you and our industry (and i love knitting socks) so i bought you book. I look at what happened to pom pom, and i don't know if they shut down due to operating costs, but i do know that designers do amazing work that takes months to bring to life, and yet maybe people are squibbing about the cost of a pattern which might actually be less than the cost of someone's Starbucks coffee that day. its a strange consumer psychology. so yes, i love this episode - its really interesting - but your book is worth hundreds and i hope it makes lots of money for you. you deserve it. :)

  • @EmilyTheOwl
    @EmilyTheOwl 4 місяці тому +2

    I screeched when the bookstore called to tell me my pre-ordered copy was ready for pickup. Such an amazing book and resource!

  • @skyhowie54
    @skyhowie54 4 місяці тому +1

    Hi Summer! I have absolutely no desire to publish a book, but this video was incredibly educational. Thank you!

  • @user-or3pq2wt7l
    @user-or3pq2wt7l 4 місяці тому +1

    I purchased a copy of your book in Ontario, Canada yesterday. It is so beautiful and a joy to read. Well done. I am also enjoying your podcast. I’ve been knitting socks for years but am learning so much! Thank you for sharing your love of sock knitting ❤

  • @junefrederickson5570
    @junefrederickson5570 4 місяці тому +1

    I went to buy your book from Amazon this morning and it’s sold out - Congratulations! I will wait for the re stock.

  • @trivialknits
    @trivialknits 4 місяці тому +3

    Hi Summer! I’m a subscriber to your channel who also happens to be a book publishing consultant so today’s video was up my alley in more ways than one. Congrats on your beautiful new book release!
    Regarding your search for a lawyer to review your publishing contract, you might consider joining the Authors Guild. There’s a modest yearly fee to be a member, but one of the perks is that they have a lawyer on staff who will review your future book contracts for you and give you a list of points you may want to negotiate. I’ve used this service for my last two contracts and it is very easy and helpful.
    And to take you up on your suggestion to share numbers, I received no advance on my first book (an academic monograph) and a $10k advance on my second book (The Book Proposal Book: A Guide for Scholarly Authors, published by Princeton University Press).
    I’m sure you will earn out your advance if you haven’t already! 5000 copies is a lot!! Congrats!

    • @summerleedesignco.6471
      @summerleedesignco.6471  4 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for that info about the Author's Guild! I'm going to look that up now! And for sharing your advance info. Congratulations on two books! That's huge!!!

    • @lolarogers2313
      @lolarogers2313 2 місяці тому

      I came to the comments to make the same suggestion. The Author's Guild protects the rights of U.S. authors of every kind of book, and they're a huge help in not only advising about your contract but encouraging you to look out for your own rights. If you happen to publish in the U.K., they have a very similar organization called the Society of Authors that provides contract vetting to members at no charge. Both have been very helpful for me.

  • @dominyika
    @dominyika 4 місяці тому +1

    Ive enjoyed your channel for years...I started knitting because I wanted to make socks so I love anyone whos as obsessed as me. Love that your posting more often love your content and thanks also my book has been secured lol

  • @sprinklesparkleglow
    @sprinklesparkleglow 4 місяці тому +1

    I got your book delivered yesterday. I absolutely love it. I’m a newer knitter, I’ve knit 4 pairs of socks before (one of them being the tender she socks) and your book has so much good info in it and so helpful. The patterns are amazing also.

  • @joanknights
    @joanknights Місяць тому

    Greetings from Maine! Great book!

  • @frant2970
    @frant2970 4 місяці тому

    Yay!!🎉 can’t wait to get your book!!

  • @annettecarman8709
    @annettecarman8709 4 місяці тому

    It’s here🎉 beautiful book !

  • @kristinahill3708
    @kristinahill3708 4 місяці тому

    Ecstatic for you!!!!!!! Absolutely love your book

  • @jessicastuppyknits871
    @jessicastuppyknits871 4 місяці тому

    Thank you for the info. Love you!

  • @kathleengilmore7611
    @kathleengilmore7611 4 місяці тому +1

    My pre-ordered book arrived last night @ 9pm. Thank you. I also ordered your suggested yarn from Knit Picks and others to be ready to cast on. I’m excited to get started on your patterns. I’m spreading the word about your patterns and fantastic podcasts. Summer, thank you for the happiness you add to my day. Congrats and all the best on selling your book it is perfect,

  • @annatrusty
    @annatrusty 3 місяці тому

    Congratulations!
    Totally helps me!

  • @crochetdecor
    @crochetdecor 2 місяці тому

    Hello! Today I ordered your book. It will arrive in Romania, Europe! Thank you!

  • @cvanberg3923
    @cvanberg3923 4 місяці тому

    Got my book today too! Yay! Can't wait to dig in :)

  • @theresalucas776
    @theresalucas776 4 місяці тому

    Congratulations on your new book!

  • @BluebonnetsandWhiskey
    @BluebonnetsandWhiskey 4 місяці тому

    I’m pacing at the window waiting for my book to arrive! So excited!!

  • @lesamatthes7811
    @lesamatthes7811 4 місяці тому

    Enjoyed this video. And I love the book!!

  • @GiFtEoS
    @GiFtEoS 4 місяці тому

    Wow! Very interesting...a pleasure to watch! Thank you!

  • @janetkemper9177
    @janetkemper9177 4 місяці тому

    Congratulations!!! My book arrives today!!! Woohoo! Thanks for all your hard work.

  • @candy9986
    @candy9986 4 місяці тому

    🤗. Congratulations !
    Good Job, Tulsa🧦 💕

  • @evyknutsen180
    @evyknutsen180 Місяць тому

    Looking forword to your book😍Right now its sold out😮👏Lots of love to you from another sockknitter in Norway🥰

  • @debbiesmith923
    @debbiesmith923 4 місяці тому

    Got my book today here in BC Canada! So excited.

  • @debbieward9732
    @debbieward9732 4 місяці тому

    Happy book release!

  • @thekindles1183
    @thekindles1183 4 місяці тому

    Congrats!!!!!! I'm so excited to receive my pre-order today, I think! All the best! Kimberly

  • @catofthecastle1681
    @catofthecastle1681 4 місяці тому

    Love your shirt!

  • @Brinalea1031
    @Brinalea1031 4 місяці тому +1

    Congratulations on release day! I pre-ordered on Amazon so I can’t wait to get home and have a look.

  • @clairerobinson6571
    @clairerobinson6571 4 місяці тому

    Yay! Congratulations on publishing day. Preordered, and (impatiently) waiting...

  • @postulatedspace
    @postulatedspace 4 місяці тому

    This is such a helpful episode. And I really appreciate your honesty. You are so great. Defintely getting the book.

  • @gfontaine1000
    @gfontaine1000 4 місяці тому

    My book arrived today!

  • @dollywilliams3446
    @dollywilliams3446 4 місяці тому

    Congratulations on your new book! I can’t wait for mine to be delivered!

  •  4 місяці тому

    You made my day getting my book today. Love it and very happy I preordered it. I’ve learned so much from you and wishing you great success with the book.

  • @helenoreillylong9497
    @helenoreillylong9497 4 місяці тому

    Just ordered your beautiful book as I watch your video. Congratulations!

  • @debracrow9656
    @debracrow9656 4 місяці тому

    Good to know on preorders!! Looking forward to meeting you and purchasing a book tonight.

  • @hillsidefiber-stitchingwit5350
    @hillsidefiber-stitchingwit5350 4 місяці тому

    Congratulations! I’ve pre-ordered the book and can’t wait to receive it! Good luck to you on this huge accomplishment!

  • @shawneedobbs3897
    @shawneedobbs3897 4 місяці тому

    It was delivered today Your book is beautiful! Congratulations!

  • @SewKnitee
    @SewKnitee 4 місяці тому

    Congratulations Summer! I got my kindle version this morning! Thank you! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

  • @BostonMelG
    @BostonMelG 4 місяці тому

    I have the book! I love it! This explanation of the process was very interesting - thanks!

  • @pommerainette375
    @pommerainette375 4 місяці тому

    Thank you ! Very nice video!
    I’m French and I pre-ordered your book few days ago! I’m looking forward to get it in march ❤ love your work!

  • @TheMomzombie
    @TheMomzombie 4 місяці тому +2

    Summer, you’re so refreshing. I looooove your videos. I pre-ordered your book from Amazon a few weeks ago. I can’t wait for it to arrive. I’m excited to try some new patterns. Congratulations. 🍾 I’m so happy for you.🥰

  • @justjoniok
    @justjoniok 3 місяці тому

    I’ve been looking everywhere for your book, keep seeing it’s not available , so I can to the source. Can’t wait to see it & get started knitting your cute socks ❤ Love from a neighbor in Owasso Oklahoma 🍀 & ❤

  • @woolenfeet
    @woolenfeet 4 місяці тому

    I think I preordered the second I saw your story. I'm excited to dive in and knit through the patterns!

  • @alaynezadar8312
    @alaynezadar8312 4 місяці тому

    Amazon delivered today!! Can't wait to dive in...thank you for sharing the process...very interesting...
    And Congratulations🎉🎉🎉

  • @tracyvirta6692
    @tracyvirta6692 4 місяці тому

    Congratulations!🥳Waiting for my book to arrive💕🧶🧦

  • @haleynh
    @haleynh 4 місяці тому

    I pre-ordered your book and am eagerly awaiting its delivery today! You also inspired me to purchase some bright yarn to play with color, so I am ready to get knitting ASAP!

  • @audreyh3809
    @audreyh3809 4 місяці тому

    Happy Release day! 🎉

  • @profbookwurm
    @profbookwurm 4 місяці тому

    Expecting my copy to arrive soon. Very excited. Congratulations. Hoping to see you in McKinney.

  • @conniekuykendall5085
    @conniekuykendall5085 4 місяці тому

    Summer, I too am waiting for the Amazon truck. So excited to have your book in my hands!

  • @tarasignet7368
    @tarasignet7368 4 місяці тому

    Congratulations on your book! I'm anxiously watching for the Amazon van to arrive today. Fingers crossed it's earlier than later so I can curl up and read it today after work.

  • @abigailyoung6983
    @abigailyoung6983 4 місяці тому

    Oh my gosh I love your content and it was so interesting hearing your honest explanation of the whole publishing process. Your book is GORGEOUS and I might have squealed with glee when I opened it yesterday 😍

  • @carolinelescard9370
    @carolinelescard9370 4 місяці тому +1

    I pre-ordered my copy while i was listening to the video presenting it, you didn't have to twist my arm or tell me twice! I got it this afternoon and i want to make every single one of them. Congratulations on an amazing book

  • @janetdubbelman6389
    @janetdubbelman6389 4 місяці тому

    Amazing Summer so excited for you and thank you for creating such a great book I’m in Sydney and I pre ordered a book so it should arrive soon I cannot wait xx 😘 good luck and hope they have to run another reprint

  • @lettymjurado
    @lettymjurado 4 місяці тому

    I was so excited when Amazon delivered mine. The book is BEAUTIFUL 😍 and I can’t wait to cast on a pair of socks. Thank you very much!

  • @klaskelangford8324
    @klaskelangford8324 4 місяці тому

    I got my book today: best thing to come home to after work!

  • @user-ht5ud1hb1t
    @user-ht5ud1hb1t 4 місяці тому

    Waiting for Amazon to deliver your book. Can’t wait. Also just
    finished the Hibernal socks and love the pattern and love the finished product. Thank you.

  • @catb2069
    @catb2069 4 місяці тому

    Congratulations, Summer! So excited that my preorder will arrive in the next hour 🎉. Thank you for the hard work and dedication to write it!! Even though I never intend writing a book, I really appreciate you sharing your process. It also gives me more appreciation for the end result. Thank you! ❤

  • @Mia98mom
    @Mia98mom 4 місяці тому

    Congratulations again, my book comes today I cannot wait! This was such an interesting video I love how candid you were about the process and the money aspect on writing a book. I have always been interested in the breakdown. I wish you great success with your book !

  • @andreabush1742
    @andreabush1742 4 місяці тому

    I bought the book it is gorgeous! I also bought your Knit Stars master class! Love both!!!

  • @ellie-cr1ld
    @ellie-cr1ld 4 місяці тому

    Pre-ordered your book and it finally arrived yesterday. It's fantastic! I love everything about it and it will definitely be used as I progress in sock knitting. Congrats, Summer, and I hope you do continue to write more books in the future.

  • @Kaileynorriscreates
    @Kaileynorriscreates 4 місяці тому +1

    Yay! Bonus video!! Hey Summer! I’ll be getting my copy soon! Congratulations! ❤

  • @ihesharema
    @ihesharema 4 місяці тому

    I pre-bought your book on Amazon and I cannot wait until it's delivered!!! So excited to knit up all of these luscious sock yarns I've acquired over the past year.

  • @michellee.2760
    @michellee.2760 4 місяці тому

    Happy book birthday!

  • @susananderson5073
    @susananderson5073 4 місяці тому +1

    Hey there! I’m also a sock knitter in Tulsa- you may want to look for an intellectual property attorney next time! There are some in Tulsa That can help you out. Good luck with your adventures’

  • @23crazychimp
    @23crazychimp 4 місяці тому

    I’m still waiting for my Amazon delivery!!! I’m so excited!!

  • @thecraftyreader
    @thecraftyreader 4 місяці тому

    Congrats Summer!!! I'm so happy for you and I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of my copy that I preordered pretty much the moment you announced. Also loved your soundtracks for the Spain and Germany publications 😂

  • @pamelaveley
    @pamelaveley 4 місяці тому

    Just got my copy in mail today and it is GORGEOUS! And WONDERFUL! In addition to being a warm and delightful book full of clear and gentle instructions, it is an amazing source of knitting inspiration. Plus it is just plain fun to read! And it is truly an ART book in the best Abrams tradition! Easily the best knitting book I have ever purchased! Congratulations!

  • @jhuntsman17
    @jhuntsman17 4 місяці тому

    My books came today. Summer it’s beautiful! You should be so proud of yourself. I am so excited to knit the all these beautiful socks.

  • @wigglymoose
    @wigglymoose 4 місяці тому +1

    my book should be delivered tomorrow! so excited! i already took your advice from your last book of just practicing knitting vanilla socks to figure out my best heel and construction type (already know anatomical toe is my best toe)

  • @lenan6265
    @lenan6265 4 місяці тому

    I can’t wait for my sock book to be delivered to me…I preordered the sock book and I can’t wait for the book to come! I am excited!

  • @brittschmiesing8960
    @brittschmiesing8960 2 місяці тому

    Thank you for sharing this! I think it's super helpful for folks to hear and know what goes into book publishing so it's a bit less scary for them.

  • @janice4892
    @janice4892 4 місяці тому

    Congratulation’s Summer Lee! My book arrived yesterday and I absolutely love every page. The design is amazing! I’m planning my first sock make. It’s tough to choose because I want to make all of them! Thank you so much! ❤

  • @marygrace7538
    @marygrace7538 4 місяці тому

    Summer, I just started watching you this year. I am so excited for you writing your first book. It’s absolutely wonderful. I can’t wait to make every sock in it.

  • @debbiesmith923
    @debbiesmith923 4 місяці тому

    I would love to see all your other patterns in one book. A great addition to this book. I love the size too fits in my knitting bag. Well done Summer.

  • @charlenepodgorski8545
    @charlenepodgorski8545 4 місяці тому

    I can’t wait to look through my copy. I pre-ordered 2 copies, one for me and one as a gift for a friend!

  • @annpapadopulo
    @annpapadopulo 4 місяці тому

    I am so excited and waiting for Amazon to deliver my book to South Africa - just love your patterns and your podcasts.

  • @amybessen21
    @amybessen21 4 місяці тому

    My book just came today!!

  • @laurad4839
    @laurad4839 4 місяці тому

    It is already on backorder! I placed my order anyway,it will be a nice surprise when it does show up. Congrats~

  • @brittanyandrade3732
    @brittanyandrade3732 4 місяці тому

    Happy book release day! My copy is out for delivery and I can’t wait for it I’m so excited!! About to abandon all my wips to cast on something new

  • @susanandrews23
    @susanandrews23 4 місяці тому

    I am so excited to receive your book! Congratulations !!! It looks amazing. I live in Canada so mine will take a bit longer to get here, hopefully by the end of the month, I had pre ordered it so I know it will be on its way soon.

  • @khairunessa
    @khairunessa 4 місяці тому

    I pre-ordered your book and it has come. I knitted my first pair of socks from you so I felt I owed you something. So far I have knitted 3 pairs of the basic sock and I am planning to do more. I wish you all the best. I think you are amazing and refreshingly honest. I look forward to enhance my sock knitting skills

  • @debrasusan73
    @debrasusan73 4 місяці тому

    👏👏👏 Yay! Mine will be here tomorrow, finally!!!
    Congratulations again AND that was very interesting. Thank you for sharing and taking us through the process!

  • @dostopitnow
    @dostopitnow 4 місяці тому

    It’s an awesome book! Got it today, read a whole lot of it and I love your writing style. I am excited to get knitting on the patterns. I’m not a super creative person, I enjoy patterns that other artists create. These patterns speak to me.❤❤❤

  • @sdschantz
    @sdschantz 4 місяці тому

    Thank you for this great video! Very informative- I had no idea how the publishing industry worked. Thank you so much for sharing. And by the way, I’ll be doing a lot more pre-ordering from now on since I know what it means to the author! ❤️❤️❤️

  • @ericallerton809
    @ericallerton809 4 місяці тому

    ❤❤🎉🎉
    Got my book last night!!!!started reading it like a novel!!!!!love it 💕😁💝 so much!
    My very first knitting book!!!! 🎉and I am addicted to socks!!!perfect!!!
    Excited to start a few of these and make them all!!!!
    Thank you !!!!so much!!!!
    The pictures!!
    Elaine ❤🏠🧦🧦🧦

  • @zuniaberrydesigns6664
    @zuniaberrydesigns6664 4 місяці тому +1

    My book arrived today…it is beautiful! I can’t wait to dive in and I love the back flap!❤🎉

  • @staciehite6834
    @staciehite6834 4 місяці тому

    Woo Hoo! I got your book from my LYS today!

  • @kristalrose29
    @kristalrose29 4 місяці тому

    I asked Hubby to pre-order this for my birthday and it’s supposed to be here today! I’m very excited! I love seeing folks making a living off their passions. It gives me hope that someday I can do it too.

  • @WovenTalesDesigns
    @WovenTalesDesigns 4 місяці тому +1

    Congrats on your book again! Can’t wait to receive mine and continue my new sock obsession! I’m glad you waited to work with the right publishing company, thanks for being transparent and honest about your experience ❤😊

    • @summerleedesignco.6471
      @summerleedesignco.6471  4 місяці тому

      Me too! I'm actually astonished that I was mature enough to wait for the right fit 😂

  • @noelleparris9451
    @noelleparris9451 4 місяці тому

    Well I have already ordered your book, and I´m waiting for shipping info. Very much looking forward to it, I know it will be one of my most used resources! I thought your topic this episode was interesting and you shared quite a lot of information. I am sure it was helpful to those interested in publishing their own work one day. Congrats on your achievement!

  • @annettegourlie565
    @annettegourlie565 4 місяці тому

    And you get the book on release day with a pre order. I’m so excited that I will receive my book today!

  • @DebMustard
    @DebMustard 4 місяці тому

    I have the book on my Kindle!! Love the Hole tshirt! Then I read your favorite movie is Overboard!! 😻 😍

  • @spottedbearknits3824
    @spottedbearknits3824 4 місяці тому

    My book is arriving today. Can’t wait!! You are so inspiring (I’m a sock knitter, not an author)…