I’ve never been interested in getting published until this year. I decided that I’d make it a goal for 2014. I’ve been highlighted on different blogs and by different companies but there is just something great about seeing your work in print…or in a digital magazine too, I guess. Though for me, print is better. I just like turning the pages. Like…I recently bought this book by Ana White, even though the same projects are on her blog for free. Must. Turn. Pages. Plus, I like to tote a book or magazine around with me, especially near water. (This being present on my mind since my son just jumped into the pool with his phone in his bathing suit pocket. Our family needs to keep it low tech near water.)
I’m happy to report that I got published in the 2nd Quarter Issue 2014 of the Hobby Lobby Scrapbooking magazine. That was super cool! It’s still in the stores, ’cause I was checking myself out in there just yesterday. LOL! I’m in there as part of an ad for Glue Dots. I’ve been on their Design Team since 2011 (blog hop tomorrow, btw). You don’t have to be on a Design Team or part of an ad to get into this magazine though! Just create your project and apply here!
For the Best Chance of Getting Chosen
When applying to magazines be sure to fit the requirements for the call. If it’s for Halloween, create Halloween…even if it’s still Spring outside. Put on a scary movie and get into the crafty mood. 😉 The biggest thing you can do for yourself is to make sure you have good lighting for your photo as well as a nice background. I’ve seen plenty of spectacular projects get overlooked in the crafty world because the photos were too dark, too small, too…something. If you’ve done all you can to make your photo look great and it still isn’t, try manipulating it in some editing software. You don’t need pricy software! I swear by PicMonkey for quick changes and ease of use…and I even have Photoshop…gathering dust. Want a free week of PicMonkey Royale features? Click here.
Sometimes they Contact You
Sometimes you don’t need to apply at all. I made that “Oh Happy Day” project above…back in September 2013, I think, and posted it on my blog. In December, I was contacted by Northridge Publishing who asked if they could publish it. I had to box it up and send it to them and they gave it a professional photo shoot. I’m sure it was pampered and given the star treatment. Clearly, it got to eat some popcorn and travel…while I was at home…without a postcard or call from it at all. They offered a small gift certificate and All Access to their magazine for a few months in exchange for it being published. Um…I still can’t access the mag and haven’t received the gift certificate…so… When you decide to let someone publish your work, consider how important that particular piece is to you. If you think, “I could make another one, it’s just paper and I only want to see myself in print”…then print is payment enough. Right? So…I should just let it go. I mean…you should just let it go. 😉 (Even though the only way I could even see my project in their magazine without paying for it is because it is part of the preview. Just sayin’. ..letting it go…letting it go…) UPDATE: I’ve been reminded (by Helen in the comments) that the payment can take a few months. Right! I forgot that. It’s a well known rule. Unless you’re me…and totally forget. In my mind everything is Amazon Prime fast…and then there are those “face reality” days, right?
My “Oh Happy Day” Project Published in Cricut Magazine Birthdays Idea Book May 2014
Apply to These Craft Magazines
Here are some craft magazines can submit your work to:
Northridge Publications (for Scrapbook Trends, Cricut Magazine, Cricut Ideas Books, Create Ideas Books, Cards Magazine)
If you know of other magazines that you think would make a great addition to this list, let me know and I’ll add them.
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