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Shelle

Thank you very much for the nice compliments. To answer your questions, my very first design that was published was my Tahiti Poncho, and it was published by Annie's Attic in "Poncho Panache", which is still on store shelves. I was a little disappointed however, because they made a couple of mistakes and practically re-wrote the pattern. It wasn't the way I originally wrote it. I was upset to see the mistakes, and to have MY name on it. I wrote to them to let them know there were some mistakes, and the reply was that they were in a hurry to get it released, and that's what happens when you rush. I then had some things published in a couple of crochet magazines, and had better results. I had 3 things published in Country Afghans magazine, and my Purple Pizzazz Wrap was in Crochet! It was later included in another publication called "Top It Off". But my best experience was with Leisure Arts. They are so nice to work with, very professional, helpful, and they do a great job with your designs. I got 4 Royalty Contracts, which pay royalties as long as the book stays in publication. It wasn't hard at all - I just e-mailed them some pics, they asked to see the actual items, I sent them to them, they reviewed them, then sent me the contracts to sign. I do know now that they prefer to see photos sent via regular mail. They have review, then if they like what they see, they'll contact you. If it's not what they're interested in, they'll send the photos back with a letter indicating the reason they don't want to publish them. But you shouldn't let that discourage you. It doesn't mean they're not good, it just means it's not what they need right now. Debra Nettles is the director of design relations, and she's the one to send your photos to. The address is inside the cover of any Leisure Arts book. Their huge facility is in Little Rock, Arkansas.
I'd love to see your stuff. Can you post pics, or e-mail me some? crochetqueen1@verizon.net
Hope this helps!

yarngirl

Thank you so much for your advice! Your credentials are very impressive. I think you have quite a career in front of you!
I'm in the process of getting my computer fixed and my camera hooked back up. I may just post some freebie designs on this site. I like it here!
I just finished typing up a pattern for a hook holder to send to Crochet World. I'm thinking of trying to send something to Maggie's Crochet.
I hated hearing about your Annie's Attic disaster. I'm sure most crocheters realize that the mistakes are not your fault. I read a long time ago that most patterns are typed up by people that don't even crochet! The more experienced crocheters will still be able to figure out your patterns. But, it is disheartening, yes!
Good luck on your designs! I know you probably have many projects in the works! Do you still buy patterns or do you just do your own thing now?
You are very inspiring!

Shelle

Yes, I do still buy patterns. And, yes I do have tons of things in the works. So many designs, so little time (sigh). I wish I could crochet 24 hours a day, but darn it, other things keep getting in the way like housework, eating, sleeping, etc.

You sound like a very smart, ambitious lady and I wish you all the best in all of your designing endeavours. Let me know what happens. And send me some pics as soon as you get your computer & camera going. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to contact me. Good luck, Honey.