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

[@vdenegre]

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]

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!

[@SweaterWeatherPodcast]

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! 😂

[@summerleedesignco.6471]

Thank you so much!!❤

[@junefrederickson5570]

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

[@katharinearburn8158]

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!

[@skyhowie54]

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

[@jadewaters3288]

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

[@sprinklesparkleglow]

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.

[@jacquelinepirotta]

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]

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

[@summerleedesignco.6471]

Yay! I hope you enjoy it!!!

[@trivialknits]

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]

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]

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.

[@carinaherrling8773]

Hej Summer, thank you very much for pure share of details. It answers a lot of questions i had for some times. And thank you also for your great ideas. Love Love Love your patterns and your style. It's an amazing time to knit. Looking forward to many more...😊

[@AndreaLummis]

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 ❤

[@marythomas5886]

I bought your book because of your enthusiasm and your artistic patterns. I love the photographs and especially the covers. I can’t wait to read and learn. 🩷🧡💙💜

[@kathleengilmore7611]

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,

[@summerleedesignco.6471]

Thank you so much!!❤

[@susananderson5073]

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’

[@krautkopf65]

I’m new to sock knitting and bought a couple of weeks ago the ebook. My new project I’ll be starting up is one of the ones in the book. I’m really looking forward to learning. Great episode!

[@wendycastelli6254]

No kidding...... I was actually watching this video when Amazon delivered my book! I am so excited to read it, learn some new techniques and knit some of your new sock patterns. Congratulations! The book is beautiful (and looks to be packed with great sock knitting info)! I'm sure it will be a big success, and I can't wait for your next one!

[@spunNstitched]

Waiting on amazon to deliver mine!!!

[@summerleedesignco.6471]

Thank you so much!!❤

[@conniedunfield7601]

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!

[@carolinelescard9370]

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

[@summerleedesignco.6471]

Thank you so much!!❤

[@KathleenSalt-g7g]

I am on my way home from work and I got a notification earlier today that my book has been delivered! I'm so excited to get home and am hitting every red light along the way! 😢

[@debbiesmith923]

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]

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!

[@TheMomzombie]

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.🥰

[@summerleedesignco.6471]

Thank you so much!!!

[@kristalrose29]

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.

[@rosie_russell_dogs]

Congratulations on your publication. I live in England and I just went on to Amazon uk to order your book. You’re sold out !!!!!

[@rotherfamily]

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

[@evyknutsen180]

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

[@marygrace7538]

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.

[@wendybradley8420]

I love my book reading cover to cover first than I will dive into making some socks. I’ve been knitting socks regularly since 2020 pandemic time 😂. I’ve learned so much in the first 3 chapters it’s well worth purchasing. Thanks so much!

[@ingridspinknitlove1192]

I would love you to do a video on how to set up your own podcast. What video editing software you use, best practices you’ve found, how to boost activity, etc.

[@cynthiagilbreth1352]

This was so interesting, and I have no desire to write a book. But I do want you to know that I bought both the paperback and the kindle version. The paperback just came today and I can’t wait to go through it, but I am knitting while watching this.

[@lenan6265]

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!

[@BR54niner]

I received my book last week and love it. But I have an embarrassing confession. 😬🫣😂 When flipping through the pages, I thought I saw a 🐸 on page 17 AND…I spent nearly a solid minute looking for the abbreviation page since I couldn’t figure out what DIE stood for ( page 25) and couldn’t fit “double pointed needles” into the letters. UNTIL…it dawned on me and I chuckled out loud nearly to the point of my weak bladder taking over. 😂 Anyways..love the book!! Thank you. ♥️

[@justbewvl7280]

Congratulations again! My Amazon pre order was delayed by a day so still waiting for mine (insert sad face). BUT, I have something to look forward to tomorrow ( insert happy dance face). Go celebrate tonight. You deserve it.

[@joshmccall]

Book is open in front of me and I am knitting sock while watching!

[@joshmccall]

You earn 12% from book sales, how does that compare to pattern sales on Ravelry? Put another way, if I wanted to support you by purchasing a pattern/book, which way shows the most support?

[@jhuntsman17]

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.

[@laurad4839]

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

[@brittschmiesing8960]

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.

[@arwenwestrop5404]

Hi Summer, living in the UK, your physical book won't be available to me until May, so I also got the kindle version. It looks absolutely wonderful! HOWEVER!!! There is one thing seriously missing! I am not a new knitter - although I'm new to socks! - and I'm reasonably intelligent but I have a really hard time knowing what all your abbreviations mean! So your book, fun as it is, is missing that wonderfully helpful list of abbreviations! Could you please create a PDF for all of us newbie sock knitters with your abbreviations? That would be so helpful. Thank you!

[@annpapadopulo]

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

[@sherylmcdonough7700]

My pre-order must be a part of the second printing! While I'm not-so-patiently waiting for my copy I've cast on the colorwork version of your Seasons socks;) Congratulations on such a successful launch!

[@derekmill7412]

Hi Summer, I pre-ordered your book as soon as you announced it. Amazon gave me a delivery date for February and they have now said it will not be delivered until mid May. (I live in the UK).. so disappointed that it's going to take so long. I've down loaded most of your other patterns so I will have to knit up some of these in the meantime. From Bernadette

[@MargotM]

I pre-ordered the book from UK Amazon and expected it on Monday 19th. I've just received an email to say it will be released here on 9 May!! Noooooo. I can't wait to get my hands on this book...... the suspense!

[@joanknights]

Greetings from Maine! Great book!

[@pattybest246]

I got my book today and absolutely love it! I am a long time sock knitter and am excited to read it all and knit your patterns! Congratulations, you are amazing! One of the best sock knitting books I have owned!

[@summerleedesignco.6471]

Thank you so much!!❤

[@andreaorourke]

Just found your channel a couple of weeks back. Binging on your content as I try to knit my first pair of socks. I absolutely can’t wait to purchase your book, I live in New Zealand, so hoping to purchase on amazon when available, 😊

[@wigglymoose]

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)

[@dominyika]

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

[@WovenTalesDesigns]

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]

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

[@kristinahill3708]

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

[@ericallerton809]

❤❤🎉🎉 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 ❤🏠🧦🧦🧦

[@woolenfeet]

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

[@khairunessa]

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

[@RobbieHutchins]

Thank you for being so open and helpful about the publishing process. I found it all extremely interesting. I preordered the book, and am so excited I will have it soon. I’ve only knit one pair of socks before, and look forward to starting up a very personalised sock wardrobe. I know your book will be key to this. I’m sure your royalties are going to be rolling in. You nailed it with this book. #teamsummer

[@audreyh3809]

Happy Release day! 🎉

[@Emily_edge]

This was so interesting! I like to hear how I can support authors and I didn’t know how important presale orders were!

[@flowershopcassie]

My copy is “out for delivery”!! Congratulations!!!🧦🧦🥳🌈

[@dostopitnow]

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.❤❤❤

[@Brinalea1031]

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

[@annettegourlie565]

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

[@debbiesmith923]

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

[@DebMustard]

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

[@klaskelangford8324]

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

[@justjoniok]

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 🍀 & ❤

[@clairerobinson6571]

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

[@janetdubbelman6389]

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

[@cvanberg3923]

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

[@egads4519]

I'd totally watch The Sock Project the movie. I hope you didn't sign away your film rights! LOL

[@Zephyrmoonknits]

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 😍

[@noelleparris9451]

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!

[@shesnoangel]

My book is arriving on Thursday!! But also, you're making me want to buy a Hole shirt!!!

[@barbmckinlay5108]

Your publishing experience was interesting even though I’ll never publish a book. My copy arrives today and I’m taking it to knit group tomorrow.

[@pamelaveley]

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!

[@GiFtEoS]

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

[@ms89012]

My copy of your book arrived today and it is Fan-tastic! I'm already planning on picking up the e-book copy too so I'm glad to hear you get a slightly bigger percentage of that purchase. I flipped through it today and even though I've knit a few pairs of socks I'm inspired to try out the different vanilla patterns and try some new cuffs and heels. Your color combos also have inspired me to get bolder with some scrappy fingerless mitts I'm about to cast on!

[@ms89012]

Also I noticed your book is currently sold out on Amazon! I hope its a HUGE success, you deserve it!

[@brittanyandrade3732]

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

[@BluebonnetsandWhiskey]

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

[@sandras2479]

Hello Summer, I’ve pre-ordered your book and hope to receive it soon!

[@staciehite6834]

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

[@BostonMelG]

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

[@zuniaberrydesigns6664]

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

[@summerleedesignco.6471]

Thank you so much!!❤

[@JoannePriel]

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 !

[@susanandrews23]

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.

[@crochetdecor]

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

[@muddymintsoap]

This video is great! I absolutely adore your book and I love your videos too! I wrote a craft book as well (a soapmaking book!) through a smaller publisher, so my process was very similar, but it sounds like it was faster on the front end. I was paid $8,000 for my advance (in thirds as well) and then an additional $7,000 flat fee for my photography, which I got when I turned in all my photos and they got approved. It sounds like your photography was rolled into your advance? I don't have to pay the $7,000 back. Just curious if you also got a photography fee on top of your advance, since it sounds like you did all your own photography. This was my first book and I absolutely loved the process (and the results!) as well. Thank you for this video!

[@rosie_russell_dogs]

I only found you last night otherwise I would have pre ordered it.

[@spunNstitched]

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.

[@JanetGould-y1d]

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.

[@conniekuykendall5085]

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

[@ellie-cr1ld]

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.

[@alaynezadar8312]

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

[@helenoreillylong9497]

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

[@debbieward9732]

Happy book release!

[@23crazychimp]

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

[@SewKnitee]

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

[@judithcarter7898]

This was such an interesting podcast and this is coming from someone who has no desire to ever write a book. Like I said just a really interesting podcast to see the whole process that goes into the books I love so much!

[@lacichung3517]

Currently watching the Amazon truck tracking waiting for my book!!!!

[@SonjasMaschensalat]

Nice to hear that it will be translated into german too!

[@andreabush1742]

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

[@amyj9907]

This was fascinating! I loved learning more about the process! And congratulations! I’d love to hear more about how the book evolved as you went along-it looks like it was originally going to be called A Year of Socks and feature two patterns for each month. But the final version seems more like a general sock workshop with patterns. I like both ideas-just wondering how you went from one to the other!