hello lovebirds!  when i recently got inspired by megan’s recommend reading list over at crafting an mba, i decided to share with you some of my very own favorite crafty books! whether you’re just now thinking about opening an etsy shop, ready to start a blog, or looking to be the next amy butler, there’s something for everyone in the following craftilicious reads.  enjoy!

title: Craft, Inc.

author: Meg Mateo Ilasco

Craft, Inc. helps teach and inspire you to turn your craft hobby into a successful business.  meg mateo ilasco guides you through developing products, naming your company, writing a business plan, applying for licenses and tons more.  with chapters on sales, marketing, trade shows and publicity, plus interviews from successful pros (jill bliss, jonathan adler..) it’s a must read for anyone who is ready to go big with their crafts.

title: Start Your Own Blogging Business

author: J.S. McDougall

this handy book is an easy read (i finished it in one afternoon) and full of helpful info.  if you’re thinking about starting a blog, Start Your Own Blogging Business guides you through setting it up, attracting visitors, engaging readers and offering advertisers.  a must read!

title: Crafty Superstar

author: Grace Dobush

Crafty Superstar is the perfect book for someone just starting out with a small etsy shop.  it covers all your basics and helps you set up shop, get paid, package your goods and begin getting some press.  a great quick read for the newbie!

title: The Anti 9 to 5 Guide

author: Michelle Goodman

whether you’re ready to get out of the cubicle or determined not to get there in the first place, The Anti 9 to 5 Guide by Michelle Goodman gives you the advice you need. applicable to a broad range of careers (not just craftsters), she’ll help you quit you job, save money and become your own boss.

title: The Handmade Marketplace: How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and On-Line

author: Kari Chapin

in this book, Kari Chapin helps you determine the right price for your items, discusses opportunities such as indie craft fairs and sites like etsy, gives photography tips and even some publicity advice.  after reading, you’ll be able to makes sense of the global possibilities for marketing and selling crafts.

title: The Savvy Crafter’s Guide to Success

author: Sandra McCall

The Savvy Crafter’s Guide to Success is written by a professional crafts person, for the wanna-be professional crafts person.  with chapters on everything from organizing your work space to finding outlets, tip on photographing your work, keeping records, and submitting your work to publishers, you’ll be well on your way to building your career.  Sandra McCall guides crafters through the world of crafting with pertinent information on how to build and maintain a craft business, how to teach the best arts and craft classes, how to write regularly for craft/home publications, and how to get your designs sold.

do you  have any favorite must-reads?

wrap up: {book shelf} {books} {craft guides} {esty business} {etsy shop help} {must reads} {small business}