What makes a submission successful, assuming, of course, a fantastic idea?

Wait, you’re saying.  That’s not enough?

Nope, not always.

These are tips I’ve learned from working with Jaala at Knitcircus, from other designers, my personal experience and Shannon Okey’s The Knitgrrl Guide to Professional Knitwear Design:

  1. Include everything requested in the call for submissions (if you don’t, it suggests you might not be able to turn in other things in the correct format, with all the correct information).
  2. For your description, include methods of construction, etc. I want to see that you’ve given thought on how to actually create your project.
  3. Submit it in the format requested in the call for submissions (including, if specified, how to name it, the title of your subject line, to what email address to send it, etc) (same reason as above).
  4. Spell the name of the person correctly (it shows attention to detail, and, to a certain extent, respect).
  5. Spell everything else correctly in your submission (attention to detail).
  6. Make sure your sketch and swatch adequately convey your idea.

For example, this is what I need for Hitch:

  • Description, including your inspiration for your piece and how it fits into the collection. Also include proposed sizes, ease, techniques, method of construction, etc.
  • Sketch
  • Schematic (hand drawn is fine) for garments & for accessories with unusual construction
  • Charts, if available/pertinent (Envisioknit or Knit Visualizer preferred)
  • Proposed yarn & ideas for substitutions
  • Your email address and phone number
  • Format the above information into a single PDF saved as YourName_item.pdf (i.e. StephannieTallent_sweater.pdf). (If you’re submitting several designs, submit them as individual PDFs.)
  • Email your PDF to me at stephannie@sunsetcat.com, with the subject line “Hitch submission”.
  • Consider whether you are willing to help promote the book before you submit proposals.
  • Submissions due by 15 April 2012.

In your cover email, be brief, but you should mention your background, link to other designs you’ve done, etc.  If your design doesn’t quite work, but I can see other designs you’ve done that suggest you would be able to tweak your design so that it could, I might see if you’d be up for that.

I’m not saying that I want you to send me examples of other things you’ve done in the email or in the submission — but I am saying if I’m intrigued, I’ll likely check out your Ravelry designer page or your blog.

p.s. Before anyone asks, no, I’m not going to reject something just because you’ve spelled my name wrong.  However, it doesn’t give a good first impression, you know?  Same with most of the other things.