August 2, 2010

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.

  • Consider what section of a magazine you want to be featured in, then tailor your products accordingly.

  • 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.  

  • I know someone who submitted pictures of her products she sells in her online store and got published. 

  • The Stampington Company has many publications, this is the information on submitting projects for publishing.

  • 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





36 comments:

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Carol,
I have been so excited for you. I got a copy of the magazine and saw your sweet paper dolls.
The article is so lovely. You did a great job.

Thanks for the tips on how to get published.

hugs
Sissie

La said...

You are so sweet, Carol. I bought my issue late last week. The layout is beautiful. La

Kat said...

Those are very good suggestions Carol. Yes, I submitted my cookbook to Tea Time and they published a wonderful article about me and my book. You never know until you try. So all you talented gals out there, don't be afraid to submit something. You never know when something is going to catch a publisher's eye. And you could be published too!

Anonymous said...

I loved your idea! I received my issue and saw them in there. Congratulations on being published that is very exciting!
Blessings and light,
Charmaine

Anonymous said...

Carol thanks so much for sharing your publishing journey with us!! I can't imagine how much fun it would be to make it to a publication!!

I have had several blogs ask for pictures to have my home featured and feel like it is still such a work in progress that I have graciously declined. I keep thinking it's not worthy but geez, I should just give it a try anyways!! Thanks for inspiring me!!

bee blessed
mary

Anonymous said...

O I forgot to tell you that I get this wonderful magazine and it was fun seeing your cute dolls in it!

the old white house said...

Hi Carol! Thanks for the tips, I have being published in a Somerset as one of my goals. The 2nd etsy store was #1, the blog was #2 and now I believe you've given me the umph I need to get goal #3 taken care of! I will have to make sure and pick this issue up soon, I haven't seen it yet, maybe JoAnnes. Thanks again and Congrats to you! Theresa

Debbie said...

Thanks so much for the story behind the publishing. I love stories like this. They give me chill bumps. Seriously!

I am not surprised that the editor noticed your style. I noticed it myself the first time that I visited here.

Again, CONGRATS! And thanks for the tips and story.

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Way to go!! I'm so happy for you. What a wonderful surprise to be featured in such a beautiful magazine as RH!! You are too sweet to mention how you got there, too! And sumpin' tells me you're just getting started!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Carol~ it was SO fun reading your article this month!! Thanks for sharing your story!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on being published, and your framed paper dolls are really magazine worthy, I think you are wonderful and creative, what an inspiration you are. Thanks for sharing! XOXO

Olivia said...

Thanks for the tips, I just shot her an email about my junky lampshade makeover, it is really shabby.
Hugs,
Olivia

Jocelyne said...

Thank you for sharing your story. I've always wanted to be published and have even submitted written articles. I will not give up! You are such an inspiration to me. Thank you again.

Jacalyn @ rmebathproducts.com said...

Thanks for the tips Carol! I was lucky enough last month for one of my items to be featured but I'll have to think about what you did for RH! BTW, you are a wonderful artist!

Hugs,
Jacalyn

Debbiedoos said...

Carol, I think it is fantastic that you shared all this with us. I make nothing...I paint a lot though:) I mean I make very little crafting was never my strong suit...I just love to decorate and bring color around...you have a talent for making these little dolls, and it was recognized...I am truly happy it was. Debbie

the cape on the corner said...

what a great story, and congrats about the newspaper coming out for an interview, too. i actually used to write for my county's newspaper-every monday the life section would be written by local teens, and i wrote movie and cd reviews, lol. it's funny to think about that now.

so glad you stopped by the cape on the corner, and i am hearing that there are a lot of us crazy cat ladies around. i think that's a good thing, lol.

Recaptured Charm said...

WOW Carol. That is totally amazing. How exciting for you! Congrats. I'm sure it wont be the only time you'll be published.
Truly wonderful.
Lisa

Clarissa Emily said...

Very cute! Seeing these paper dolls makes me feel very nostalgic. My sisters and I used to play with paper dolls all the time! Thank you for stopping by my blog and taking the time to leave a comment. I hope to hear from you again sometime! :) Have a lovely day!

Marianne said...

Thank you for sharing this story! I am bookmarking it because getting published is one of my dreams too and you just showed me that I have to take action myself if I am serious about it. Thank you for the inspiration and motivation!

Erin said...

I'm so excited for you!! I got chill bumps and actually teared up reading your story!!

I think that would a dream for most of us! :)

And thanks for stoppying by my new blog and commenting! I get super giddy everytime someone leaves a comment. :)

Unknown said...

Congratulations on getting published!Those were useful tips that you shared.I think it also takes a lot of courage and confidence in your abilities to approach somebody and get your talent appreciated so great job there!

Last but not the least,thanks for visiting my blog.Have a lovely day.

Anonymous said...

Ha Ha....maybe .... just maybe...cream cheese cherry pie is a euphemism for something else. teehee!

Again, Carol, many congratulations on my being published. Fancy that. I can now say I have a friend who has been published! And thank you for paving the way for a lot of us. Love and Hugs, Lynn

gail@My Repurposed Life said...

wow! congrats! I am so happy for you.
in answer to your question about my bench. I have not attached the top to the table yet. When/if I do it will be with "L" brackets.
gail

Debbiedoos said...

I just heard something exciting, can you hear me singing...???

Pam Kessler said...

That is so great! I will have to pick up that issue. Thanks for the tips.

xinex said...

Wow! Congrats and thanks for sharing your story.
Pretty framed paper dolls!....Christine

Rebecca Nelson said...

I will do my best to PICK YOU my friend! I've entered you into my giveaway!

Congrats again on this article! FAB!

xoRebecca

Anonymous said...

Just reading today's Sentinel and loved the article on you. You go girl! I am a new blogger too and never thought of the paper doll framing idea. I could have been collecting paper dolls for years as my husband is an avid postcard collector and I'm sure I could have found paper dolls at all of the paper shows I've traveled to with him. I love paper dolls too and just never thought of the cool framing you are doing! Congrats and I'll need to read more of your blog to learn where you find your paper dolls! You've inspired me girlfriend and I'll be checking you out in the Orange Tree Antiques Mall in Winter Park. I live just down the road in DeBary. Maybe I'll even be lucky enough to catch you in your booth so I can bend your ear about how you've pursued your passion!

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Congratulations Carolyn!!!
Oh girl, if anyone deserves to be published, it's YOU!
You provide us with so many awesome tips and such beautiful inspiration each time you post here. It's time for the world to know about you!!! :))
I haven't seen the copy yet but I'm so happy for you. Now I can call you my FAMOUS friend, although in my heart, you were ALWAYS famous to me from the beginning :)

Pamela Kellogg said...

Your blog is gorgeous! Your tips are wonderful and your photos are stunning! I'm following you now and I will add a link in my sidebar.

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Carol,
What a great journey you have been on and thank you for sharing your awesome talent with us all.
I am so excited for you and I know there will be more to come.
I can relate to this in that I also got an email from RH to be apart of there promo ads in pink pages. I was so excited, but they also said they would stay in touch for a future feature if I have an item to go along with an article after seeing my treasures in my shoppes. So who knows maybe there could be something more. I just stay busy and let God do the rest.

Congrats on your local paper interview. I bet it was lots of fun. Our local interviewed me when I went to the White House. It was exciting.

So happy for you sweetie. You are a great talent and so deserve it.

Thank you for stopping by today.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

Bring Pretty Back said...

What a GREAT story!!! I am so very happy for you! I would love to write something for a magazine ~ and the BIG dream is to someday write a book. I am so thrilled for you!
Have a pretty day!
Kristin

Lucy - By the Hill said...

Hi Carol!
Long time no post-y. BIG CONGRATS! I will have to get that magazine!

I actually got published once, way back when! I can't even find the magazine now, I think it's in a trunk!

It was a Canadian craft mag that no longer exists. I did an article and instructions for making copper tin punch Christmas ornaments. They actually made front cover!!..

I thrilling experience for you as it was for me!
Keep sending in the projects!...

Annesphamily said...

Awesome! You did a terrific job and I am glad I am going to get to know you! Congrats and your blog is delightful! Anne

Leave a Legacy said...

Hi Carol, Congratulations on being published in Romantic Homes. This is how I found your blog, loved your story and pictures and your framed paper dolls. Thanks for posting about how this came about. I've always wondered how someone got picked to be featured in this magazine, which I've always loved.
Your blog is great too.

Barbara Jean said...

Oh my gosh!!

This is so amazing!

Encourages me to try for it.

blessings, and again, thanks for such a wonderful blog

barbara jean