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| image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
Years ago, when I was still working full time, I submitted a crochet pattern to a magazine. They wanted revisions done, and became quite testy when they did not receive what they wanted immediately (even though the letter they sent gave me a few weeks.) The experience was such an unnerving one, I did not submit to any more magazines until just recently.
I tried a book proposal to a major yarn company. That did not pan out either - not because of the quality of my patterns, but rather due to the fact they had plans to discontinue the yarn I used. At the urging of my mentor, I learned how to self-publish. Then I figured out how to post it online for sale - on Ravelry, a trade site, on my own site, and on my blog.
Publishing crochet patterns uses many of the skills I have learned in my technical communication classes. I found it was something I had fun doing. Now the test begins - does it pay enough to be worth the time and effort? Only time will tell.
My crochet mentor has continually told me to find a niche and stick with it. This does not mean diversification is out of the question! Rather, find a niche and establish yourself in it, then broaden the scope.
I mention all of this as there are many parallels between crochet for cash and writing online for cash. There is a great deal of competition in each. There are several different ways to go about earning money. Both require a certain amount of time and marketing, and yet they both still depend on customers.
I was told a long time ago to "Find what you like and stick with it. The money will come." I have found what I like. Now I need to determine which niche I can snuggle into.
