A week ago, I posted a list of books to help a budding woman business owner start any type of business. This week, I bring you a list of books geared toward women wanting to start a craft business. So, if you are thinking of turning a hobby into a business, or have already started a craft business & want advice on how you can expand and promote it, you should check out these great books:
1. The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and On-Line by Kari Chapin *k
This is the ultimate business guide to the handmade crafter. Kari covers how to set fair (and profitable) prices for your crafts. She defines different selling venues, and how they work – from Etsy, to craft fairs, to online stores. She also covers how to get the word out about your business through media.
Kari’s Website: Kari Chapin
2. Crafty Superstar: Make Crafts on the Side, Earn Extra Cash, and Basically Have It All by Grace Dobush *k
This book will show you how to sell your crafts part-time. It also includes business forms, lists of resources & a directory of indie craft shows you can join. Other areas that are covered are how to get press, how to package your crafts and how to deal with customers.
Grace’s Blog: Grace Dobush
3. The Creative Entrepreneur: A DIY Visual Guidebook for Making Business Ideas Real by Lisa Sonora Beam *k
A visual, results-oriented book with a left brain/right brain approach to developing your business focus. You will learn a creative process for developing and testing ideas. As well as how to develop a business strategy to get the results you want.
Lisa’s Blog: Lisa Sonora Beam
4. The Savvy Crafters Guide To Success: Turn Your Crafts Into A Career by Sandy McCall
A book written by professional crafter, Sandy McCall, for the person who wants to become a professional crafter. This book covers selling your crafts, and finding ways through teaching, among other areas, to promote yourself. Sandy teaches you how to teach the best art/craft classes & how to write regularly for craft publications.
5. Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business by Meg Mateo Ilasco *k
This guide covers how to develop products, to naming the company & writing your business plan. It also covers applying for licenses, paying taxes, sales, trade shows, publicity & marketing.
Meg’s Blog: designer’s library
*k – This book is also available in kindle edition. Don’t have a kindle? You can download the free apps for your pc, iphone, or ipad at amazon.
