Professional Development Day Overview and Thanks

October 2, 2013 was a day set aside by CGOA at the Fall Chainlink/ Knit & Crochet Show Conference in Concord, North Carolina, to aide professionals and would-be professionals in how to put together a proposal for a book. There was a vast amount of knowledge shared such as MelissaLeapman’s outline on the proposal process, Susan Huxley sharing how to take the best photo to get your idea across, as well as Bobbie Matela giving an inside view of how the an editor will review a proposal. 

Basic tips were covered on actually writing your book by Cari Clement and Marty Miller, since without creative writing and well written patterns, you may not have a product! Renee Rodgers informed us that this may be a daunting task, but you can ask CGOA for a mentor to help get through the process.

Then education on how to promote yourself and your book was addressed. Margaret Hubert shared her blogging tips, while Vashti Braha shared her vast knowledge on newsletters, Amy Shelton gave insight to social media platforms while Patty Lyons gave tips on how teaching can promote your book. Never forget how to use the press to get yourself recognized, and who better to share tips here then Lily Chin. 

Through all of this we were reminded by Andee Graves how to take care of our money makers: our hands. She addressed issues of hand health for years of happy stitching.

It was a successful event that was fortunate to have a wonderful sponsor in Lion Brand Yarn. They help make the day happen! They also supplied material to make afghan squares for Warm Up America, over the course of the day, the attendance made up over 350 squares that will be assembled into blankets for those in need. 

There was also a raffle to help raise funds for Warm Up America. There are many sponsored that donated items to be raffled off. I currently have only a partial list, so I apologize to those that I may miss. But a special thanks to Valu- Publishing Crochet 123, KRW Knitwear, Go Crochet, Simplicity, Leisure Arts, Debbie Bliss Yarns, Universal Yarns, Interweave, Andrea Giattini, and Coats & Clark. Please let all the sponsors know that you appreciate how they helped in making a difference in the lives of crocheters.