How do I Go About Getting My Designs Published?

I've had many people ask me over the years how to go about getting their designs published. There are many questions on this subject, such as:

1. How do I go about sending a design proposal to a magazine.

2. If I submit a design to a magazine, how long should I expect it to take before the publisher responds?

3. What kinds of designs are publisher's looking for?

4. Pattern writing skills

5. Sketching and swatching your designs

6. How many hours a day do you work on your designing career?

7. If I look at another person's design and make something similar, is that considered my design? 

8. Where do you get design inspiration?

9. Freelance Designing

10. Working for a yarn company

11. How do I write a book proposal?

12. How do I find a publisher?

13. Can I send a book proposal to more than one publisher at once?

14. How long does it take to do a book before it's released and on the market?

15. Do you do your own marketing?

16. Do you need to have an area of expertise in crochet to be a professional?

17. Info on hiring pattern testers, tech editors, and contract crocheters. 

18. Do you sketch your own diagrams and schematics for patterns in books and magazines?

19. Is it possible to make a living from crochet designing?

 The list is endless. I could go on and on! I have responded to many emails over the past 6 years from people asking these same questions over and over. I decided to start writing a series of posts on this subject, so I can direct them here. Thank goodness, I've saved many of those emails! I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't had other designers answering MY questions! I owe my success of getting started in this business to a small number of established designers. Two of those designers are Kristin Spurkland (gave the most info), and Margaret Hubert (a sweetheart who's been in the business since the 70's and still going strong!).

I did have one designer (whom I won't mention) tell me that I had not paid my dues enough to write a book! If I had listened to her, I would not be where I am. I had been crocheting for 36 yrs when I began thinking about doing a book (and had designs published in magazines), so I think I paid many years of dues. I believe if a person has only been crocheting for a day, and they come up with a book proposal idea (and have the skills) they don't need anyone's permission to do a book! That's just my thought on this. Don't allow anyone to discourage you. If you have a dream, and it's not going to hurt others (like neglecting your children or marriage) then go for it!
I will be posting on all these subjects (questions on designing) in the next few months, as time will allow me. Happy crocheting!