thinking of writing a book

[Tela]

Do you think there are too many out there already? What would y'all like to see? What is an angle that hasn't been covered that needs to be covered? I'm thinking about doing something that is real in depth from start to finish. To talk about cabs, design, technique, tips tricks, etc. Of course, I'm talking about wirework here since that's what I do.

Do you think getting a publisher for a hard back is a good idea or digital since that's how people seem to be buying now? Do you think I could sell a digital on my own? Would anyone pay for a book form that might resemble a tute? ?

I've just been mulling around the idea and thought I would share and get opinions. I get lots of questions about my work and wondered if it wouldn't be easier to just write a book.

[maryalece]

I haven't seen any books on cabs that are anything more than that old-fashioned (for lack of a better word) swirly-whirly free form cab, which after a while is like consuming way too much cotton candy, lol, So, I think if you wrote a book about your minimalist approach to setting cabs, I would be all over it. I think this is such a fresh idea, that just has not been touched on to date. This is just my opinion, of course, but that's what you asked for ;-)

[Tela]

Thanks, Mya That's what I was thinking, too. I don't see a lot of minimalist wrapping with the stone in mind. I was also thinking of doing all the tips and tricks as I go. You know, make mistakes to show how to fix or avoid them. I think a book is the best venue for that. It would be hard to do it all a little at a time in each new tute. Maybe, I should do a series of tutes instead- like chapters??? Hmmm.... just thinking out loud.

[livewire]

I just read this today on a chainmaille site. It's founder, Rebeca Mojica, had her first book published last fall.

I couldn't figure out how to send just the pertinent part of the blog, so this is a link for the whole page.

Joyce

[livewire]

Oops, forgot to include the link!

www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/blog/?s=crafty+book&submit=Go

Joyce

[Tela]

;D

Thanks Joyce!! I just downloaded both parts. I haven't looked it over yet, but since, I know nothing, it will be helpful, no matter what.

[Tela]

Well, looking this over makes me want to do a non traditional approach.

Wow. Daunting and discouraging.

[laura]

Well, self-publishing and e-books is becoming a new "traditional" nowadays And much easier to sell, and .. easier to buy. And you probably know it best from selling your tutorials.

[Tela]

That's what I was thinking. Maybe release chapters individually like a tute??

[laura]

off the top of my head I'd say release as chapters and have a serious discount for buying them all together and some options to "select any n" at mid price points. And don't forget to do "cross linking" between chapters as you write (to "hook" those folks who wanna buy just one chapter).

And best to start a new website for it and promo heavily there as you prepare for a release.

Hmm.. gonna stop here before I write a public business plan ;D

[Tela]

Laura, I've said it before and I'll say it again: You have a beautiful mind

[sarahsequins]

Tela,

I agree with Mya that there's a need for a book on creative ways to wrap cabs. Most wire books I've seen have one cab project, tops, and don't go into enough detail.

Traditional publishing does seem discouraging, I have to say. You don't get as much creative control as you would with a self-published book! I like the idea of chapters that you can pick to download. Cyndi Lavin does this, with a free introductory chapter.

www.beading-arts.com/p/e-books.html

There's also CreateSpace. You can get your book published on Amazon once you've written all the chapters! My friend Karen Williams chose this option: www.thebookdesigner.com/2012/01/self-publishing-a-craft-beading-book-in-full-color-at-createspace/#comments

I also asked them both some specific book questions. If you'd like me to copy and paste their answers in an email, you can reach me at sarahsequins(at)yahoo(dot)com. I'd be happy to help!

Oh, and I wouldn't recommend Lulu.com. They're very expensive, and Bobbie Maw has had some problems with them. Also, I'm not nuts about their paper quality.

[Kate]

How exciting for you, Tela. I don't have much imput but I can say that to have the ability to pick and choose chapters depending upon experience. That would be wonderful. In my experience, which has been not quite a year, I've learned the basics from a book and have seen lots of loops and swirls. Also with the experience that I have, I would be very interested to learn those tips and tricks right from the beginning. For that matter, the mistakes, too.

[Tela]

Thank you Sarah, that was very helpful. I had a look at the sites and downloaded the free chapter, which made me want to bead embroider, btw

Kate, you were helpful, too. I really need that kind of feedback.

I have a blog post ready to go tomorrow that will address my intentions.

[wickwire]

Seems to be working for Sharilyn Miller. Her recent books have all been ebooks. Kim Komando had an interesting article on this with a writing program for ebooks. www.komando.com/coolsites/index.aspx?id=9129

[Tela]

Thanks Nancy- I'm a big Kamando fan.

I have decided to flesh out the idea some more before I announce any intentions on my blog. I think I'm getting ahead of myself.

[sarahsequins]

Tela,

I just read this article on publishing books on Kindle. Thought you might be interested: just-ask-kim.com/published-author-publishing-kindle-nook/

[Tela]

Thanks Sarah, I'll check it out

[christine]

Tela, I think publishing a book on cabs is a great idea. You have so many beautiful designs that enhance and showcase the cabs. Through your experience you know so many of the tips and pit falls that can enhance the experience. E-books seem a great way to go about it. I have to say I am very proud of you!

[Tela]

Hi Christine! I've missed you. I hope you've been ok

Thank you so much for the feedback. I've been working day and night- literally- on getting a plan together. I haven't really made any announcements or anything, but it seems likely that I will do it. It will be like writing a tute on steroids.

((HUGS))

[christine]

Hey Tela, Sorry to have been MIA, have spent the last week in play with my 2 year old grandson. What fun but now I am wiped out. I have missed you too and checking in here.
Again, I am so proud of you. As a tutorial and book junkie, I know there is not one out there teaching your style of cab wrapping. Can't begin to imagine the work yet know you are up to the challenge. So very excited! Hugs back to you.

[Tela]

Good for you, Christine! Nothing should interfere with 2 year old grandchild play time, not even jewelry playtime They grow up so fast!

[shiny]

Too many books out there? That's just silly, Tela ... like saying there are too many pairs of pliers! Many of us don't have adequate experience to "find our own style" ... yet. I still have so much I want to learn, and I want to learn it from a teacher I trust. You and Perri both do far more than teach a basic design; you teach technique, and explain all the problems and pitfalls and everything else that can go wrong. That is invaluable!

Please, write your book. I'm a great editor and will do anything I can to help. And I want to be the first one to order your book!

[Tela]

Shiny- thank you VERY much for your enthusiasm, kind offer and support.

You know, I hate to sound morbid, but I have so much experience and well, I don't want to take it with me. I'd like to share it before I go.

[caeterle]

Feb 27, 2012 14:29:51 GMT -5 Tela said:

Shiny- thank you VERY much for your enthusiasm, kind offer and support.

You know, I hate to sound morbid, but I have so much experience and well, I don't want to take it with me. I'd like to share it before I go.

I wasn't sure if that should make me laugh or cry.
I get what you mean, though. Sharing is definitely a good thing if you know how to do it (by that I mean I'm terrible at explaining what I do) and I know many people out there who can't wait for more books with eye candy AND explanations!

[Tela]

I don't know whether to laugh or cry, either. I'm not too old, but not in the greatest health, so I feel my mortality. It's just a fact. I'm not being dramatic. It is what it is.

I'd like to write something with all I know. It would be good for my kids and grandkids, too. They are far too busy to sit down and learn right now. Later on... who knows.

[glenda]

Mar 2, 2012 11:58:35 GMT -5 Tela said:

I don't know whether to laugh or cry, either. I'm not too old, but not in the greatest health, so I feel my mortality. It's just a fact. I'm not being dramatic. It is what it is.

I'd like to write something with all I know. It would be good for my kids and grandkids, too. They are far too busy to sit down and learn right now. Later on... who knows.

Hey Tela!!

Im a bit late to the party but thought I would add:

First off: I totally understand what you mean in your second paragraph but I don't much like your comments in the first!!

'Tela Formosa' is immortal in the wire wrapping world and I don't want to think of it any other way!!

Now, my opinion for what it's worth on your upcoming book!

Personally, I like to hold a glossy covered book. To be able to smell the ink and take it with me where I go - Garden in the summer, car journey etc. An e-book could be printed out I am sure and maybe I am just being old fashioned but there are no glossy pics (or are there? and how much ink would that take!)

Maybe the latest thing is to offer chapters individually. Personally I don't like it. If you are going to progress from basics through beginner and upward will people pitch in too far along and then be dissapointed at their innability to complete the task at hand? Will it reflect the teacher?

If you are offering tutorials/projects within an E book I think it could look very much like a group of tutorials has been put together and called a book! Enforced further by the offering of each chapter seperately!

Probably just me being old fashioned but when I buy a book I want a book, a whole book and nothing but a book! ha ha!!

You take care Tela - and look after yourself!)

Glenda x

[livewire]

I love my books! I have zillions. Everytime I want to learn a new skill (breadmaking, healthy cooking, different types of wire jewelry making, soldering, etc., etc.), I buy books on the subject.

However, I do recognize the realities of publishing. I was recently sent a survey from Rebeca Mojica's chainmaille site (see above), asking opinions about a second book. Among other things, how would we convince a company to publish an advanced book on a subject that caters to a niche market.

Seems like a tough sell, unfortunately.

Joyce

[Tela]

Hey Glenda, nice to see you. I've been insanely busy and just got to this.

Thank you for the compliments and especially for the insight. I agree with you about wanting to have a nice glossy book. The problem is getting published and actually selling one now a days. I did some research and it seems book sales are down, while new book releases are up. Everyone is writing a book lately! I thought the best way to go about it would be the way I was saying- but I haven't given up on maybe self publishing- that way there would be a nice book with pretty pictures to carry around.

Writing a book gets real complicated, real fast. It's most discouraging, actually.

[Tela]

[quote

Seems like a tough sell, unfortunately.

Joyce

[/quote]

Yup, that has been my understanding. So, much goes into the formula, too. It's hard to jump out on that limb. One could invest a lot of time and money and never see any payoff.