How I Got Published and You Can Too

Don't you always wonder how people get their work published?
I want you to get published too!
This is how I got published in the September 2010 issue of  Romantic Homes Magazine

The article was in the "Make It" section. I framed vintage paper dolls.

When other people got published I always thought well, they are super artists.  Other's that were published probably are super artists, I am not, but what I did have was a little luck and a unique idea. 
I hope  this helps everyone that wants to get their projects or products published. 

This is my publishing journey 

I started my blog April 29, 2010 and went around to every blog I could find, commented on their post and said "Hi, if you get a chance stop over to my blog".  Unknowingly I commented on Jacqueline deMontravel's blog. Her blog was featured in the last issue of Romantic Homes Magazine.  I did not know Jacqueline was the editor of Romantic Homes!  

On May 9th, 12 days into my new blog I got an email from Jacqueline that said "Thanks for stopping, you have a lovely blog and website, if you are ever interested in submitting a project for the "Make it" section of Romantic Homes let me know".  What!!  Now, submitting work and being published are two completely different things, but not in my mind!  

 I pulled out all of my Romantic Homes Magazines and studied all of the "Make it" sections. Then started making things and photographing them.  I emailed the pictures and project details for 4 items to Jacqueline.  I just said "Thank you for your kind words, this is such an honor let me know if any of these projects are a contender".   

 With in 3 hours I got an email "Hi, I am the assistant editor for Romantic Homes and Jacqueline is interest in your framed vintage paper dolls, please send us 5-6 high resolution Pictures".....Wet my pants time!! 

I sent in photos then I didn't hear anything.  OK I thought, that was fun anyway!

Two weeks later I get a message," We received, your pictures could you send us more.  So started many emails back and forth.  How did you think of this project, Who will do this project, we need a biography, etc.

They said "We are considering you for the September issue", but for some reason I just couldn't believe it!

On June 28th I got an email  "Hi Carol, your Vintage Paper Dolls were included in the Make It section!  I took a peek and the layout looks wonderful.  I know you'll be pleased with it.  I believe subscriber issues should be in the mail around 7/14".  OK this is when I jumped up and down!

That's my story, I am absolutely not the expert!  I'm probably a one trick pony and will never be published again, but If I had any tips, they would be;

• Submit unique items, not actually reinventing the wheel, just a new way to present a project, maybe it is just the packaging.
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• Consider what section of a magazine you want to be featured in, then tailor your products accordingly.
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• Submit a project.  I had a friend who got a lovely full page feature in Tea Time.  She sent her cookbook along with a cover letter.  
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• I know someone who submitted pictures of her products she sells in her online store and got published. 
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• The Stampington Company has many publications, this is the information on submitting projects for publishing.
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• Submit to local newspapers, I scanned my article and sent it to the Style Editor for my local paper the Orlando Sentinel and She immediately said She would like to do a story.  They are interviewing me in my home tomorrow.

I would love for you all to share your tips and stories of getting published or people you know who have been published.

Just a reminder to enter the drawing

Please click HERE for this giveaway of Taylor a Vintage Framed Paper Doll along with paper doll cards and tags, the drawing will be on 9/1/2010

Wishing you get published!

 Carol