How I Landed a Book Deal & Got My Crochet Designs on an International Magazine Cover

March 14, 2025

Have you ever dreamed of seeing your work in a published book or featured in a major magazine? I’m here to tell you—it’s possible! And I’m sharing exactly how I made it happen.

Today, I’m celebrating a huge milestone: my crochet pattern book officially launches March 7, 2025! This journey started with one bold step—sending a cold email—and led to opportunities beyond what I could have imagined. Here’s how I went from independent crochet designer to published author with my work on an international magazine cover.

The Inspiration That Started It All

About a year ago, I was listening to a podcast featuring Susie Moore and Cathy Heller. They both shared powerful stories about how they got their work noticed:

Susie Moore submitted a guest post to a wellness website, which went viral and established her as an expert in her industry.
Cathy Heller landed music placements on major TV shows by directly asking music directors what types of songs they needed.

The key takeaway? Ask how you can serve others instead of just promoting yourself. I immediately thought, How can I do this with my crochet business? I had experience writing, so I decided to pitch a crochet pattern or article to a publication.

The Cold Emails That Changed Everything

One night in February 2024, I sat down and searched for crochet magazines. I found three editor email addresses and sent personalized emails introducing myself.

For the first time ever, I typed: Hi, my name is Marcy, and I am a crochet designer.

That simple statement shifted my mindset. Claiming your title makes it real.

In my emails, I didn’t just say, “Here’s my work, hope you like it.” Instead, I asked:

What do you need? Are there specific amigurumi patterns or tutorials you’re looking for? I’d love to contribute!

Here’s what happened next:

One editor never responded.
One editor replied within 12 hours.
The third responded a week later—and this is where the magic happened.

The Book Deal Offer

The first editor who responded was incredibly generous. She not only invited me to submit patterns for their magazine but also mentioned that she was the editor for their pattern books—sold online and in craft stores like Michaels, Joann’s, and Hobby Lobby.

Then she said something that made my jaw drop:

If you’re interested in submitting a book proposal, I’d love to see what you come up with.

I was stunned. I immediately said YES!

She explained the process: I’d submit a proposal, and if accepted, I’d receive a book advance and royalties for seven years. The next book review round was three months away, so I had time to plan.

I sat down one night in front of the fireplace, sketching out six amigurumi animals with names and backstories inspired by my family. Two weeks later, after getting feedback from friends, I submitted my proposal.

The editor responded the next day: I love it! The team will review it in a few weeks. Fast forward to May 2024, the day before my birthday—I got the email: They accepted my proposal!

I spent the summer designing six patterns, creating tutorials, and sending everything in by the end of July. By January, I got the official sale date: March 7, 2025. And now, here we are!

The Magazine Cover Story

Remember the third editor who responded a week later? She was the editor of an international crochet magazine based in the UK. She loved my work and asked for Christmas and Easter patterns for their upcoming issues.

After sending my designs, she approved them all. Not only did I get paid commissions for each, but they also sent me all the yarn I needed for free. Then I decided to set a bold goal: I wanted my design to be on the front cover. Every issue of this magazine featured an amigurumi design in the top right corner. I told myself, My design is going to be there.

And guess what? When the Christmas issue dropped, there it was—my little elf on the cover.

Two months later, the next pattern I submitted? Also on the cover. These experiences reinforced something important: Believe in your work. Set big goals. The doors will open.

Lessons from This Journey

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. That one email changed everything.
Ask how you can serve. Editors and publishers are looking for content—offer them something valuable.
Claim who you are. Saying “I am a crochet designer” made it real for me.
Build strong relationships. Meeting deadlines and being easy to work with opens future doors.
Set big goals. If you believe your work belongs on a magazine cover, act like it does.

This experience has reshaped the way I view my crochet business. I’m already brainstorming my next book proposal and planning more magazine submissions. If you’ve ever considered submitting a pattern to a magazine or writing a book—DO IT. Send that email. Knock on that door. You never know what’s waiting on the other side.

Tag me on Instagram @SimplyHooked1 if you take that step—I’d love to hear your story!