Tips For Teaching and Book Publishing

Geraldine Wilkins Author

Hey everyone! I'm still buzzing from a video podcast episode where I had the pleasure of talking with Tangular Irby. If you haven't caught that episode yet, trust me, you need to watch and listen to the replay. The conversation was part of Quilt Conversations LIVE!, hosted by me, Geraldine Wilkins, the Living Water Quilter.

10 Teaching & 10 Book Publishing Tips

As featured in my recent podcast interview with Tangular Irby, here are some essential tips for those looking to excel in both teaching and publishing within the quilting community.

Teaching

1. Audience Diversity: Cater to Varying Skill Levels with Adaptable Content
   • Tailor your classes to accommodate different skill levels, ensuring that beginners feel supported while advanced quilters stay challenged. Create adaptable content that can be adjusted based on the needs of your audience.
2. Clear Goals: Set and Communicate Achievable Objectives for Your Sessions
   • Outline clear, achievable goals for your sessions. This helps students know what to expect and keeps the class focused. Whether it's mastering a specific technique or completing a project, clear goals are essential.
3. Comprehensive Preparation: Offer Detailed Supply Lists and Encourage Pre-Class Prep
   • Provide a detailed supply list well in advance and encourage students to prepare their materials before class. This maximizes the time spent on actual quilting and minimizes interruptions.
4. Protecting Ideas: Navigate Intellectual Property Rights for Your Designs and Content
   • Learn about intellectual property rights to protect your unique designs and teaching materials. Consider registering your work to safeguard against unauthorized use.
5. Contract Negotiations: Understand and Negotiate the Terms of Teaching and Speaking Engagements
   • Be clear about the terms of your engagements. Negotiate aspects such as payment, travel, accommodation, and material provisions to ensure a smooth and professional experience. 
     
6. Building a Brand: Stand Out in a Crowded Market with a Unique Teaching Style or Niche
   • Develop a unique teaching style or focus on a niche area within quilting to differentiate yourself. This could be a special technique, a unique approach, or a particular type of quilt.
   
   
7. Engaging Online Presence: Use Social Media and Websites Effectively to Market Your Skills
   • Utilize social media platforms and your website to showcase your work, share tips, and interact with the quilting community. Regularly post updates, tutorials, and insights to keep your audience engaged.
8. Logistical Coordination: Manage the Complexities of Travel and Material Transport
   • Plan and organize the logistics of traveling to teaching engagements, including the transport of materials and equipment. Invest in durable and portable storage solutions to simplify this process.
9. Financial Stability: Diversify Income Sources Beyond Teaching Contracts
   • Diversify your income streams by selling patterns, kits, and offering online classes or webinars. This reduces dependency on teaching contracts and ensures financial stability.
10. Feedback and Growth: Use Feedback for Improvement and Manage Your Professional Reputation
    • Collect and use feedback from your students to continuously improve your teaching methods. Maintain your professional reputation by addressing issues promptly and incorporating constructive criticism.

Publishing

1. Identify Your Niche
   • Determine your specific area of expertise within the quilting industry. Focusing on a niche helps you create targeted and relevant content for your audience.
2. Market Research
   • Conduct thorough market research to understand the needs and preferences of your target audience. This helps you create content that resonates and fills existing gaps in the market.
3. Build an Audience
   • Develop a loyal following through consistent engagement on social media, blogs, and newsletters. Create valuable content that keeps your audience coming back.
4. Professional Photography
   • Invest in high-quality photography to showcase your quilts and designs. Professional images enhance the appeal of your work and attract more attention.
5. Collaborate with Quilting Influencers
   • Partner with well-known influencers in the quilting community to expand your reach. Collaborations can introduce your work to new audiences and boost your credibility.
6. Consider Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
   • Weigh the benefits of self-publishing against traditional publishing. Self-publishing offers more control and higher profit margins, while traditional publishing provides broader distribution and recognition.
7. Understand Copyrights and Contracts
   • Familiarize yourself with copyright laws and the details of publishing contracts. Protect your intellectual property and ensure you understand the terms of any agreements you enter.
8. Create a Marketing Plan
   • Develop a comprehensive marketing plan to promote your publications. Use social media, email campaigns, and quilting shows to reach a wider audience.
9. Secure Distribution Channels
   • Ensure your books and patterns are available through various distribution channels, including online retailers, local quilt shops, and at quilting events.
10. Gather Feedback
    • Collect and analyze feedback from your readers to improve future publications. Use this information to refine your content and enhance your reputation in the quilting community.

I hope these tips are helpful, a beginning. Be sure to catch the replay of this inspiring episode of Quilt Conversations LIVE! It's a must-watch if you're interested in learning of Geraldine's journey as a quilter teaching as well as Tangular's tips for becoming an author. Until next time, keep stitching quilts and family stories together!

Tangular Irby

Tangular has penned two amazing children's books: "Pearl and Her Gee's Bend Quilt" and "Charles and His Gee's Bend Quilt," aiming to ignite a passion for family traditions in the hearts of young readers.

Tangular's goals for her future are anchored in learning, a testament to the living nature of traditions.

Connect with Tangular Irby at Gee's Bend Made

https://geesbendmade.com

https://www.instagram.com/geesbendmade

Categories: : quilt conversations live podcast