Two helpful indie biz books for makers

Image Credits: Boy Wonder

Every once in a while it's a good idea to get out from behind your computer screen and to read a book or two. And if you are like me, you are more likely to read something in the non-fiction vein and specifically something in the how-to category. Besides being an opportunity to reduce eye-strain associated with staring a screen all day long, and more importantly, there are great resources out there that aren't online. What a concept, right?

Here are two titles that I recommend for creative makers who are new to or who want to get started with their own independent creative business.

image credit: Chronicle Books

Craft, Inc. - RevisedEdition: The Ultimate Guide to Turning Your Creative Hobby into a Successful Business, by Meg Mateo Ilasco

Without a doubt a must have for any independent maker who wants to get started or who is just getting started with their own business. Includes invaluable info on creating business plans, marketing research, protecting your work, being your own publicist and more. One of the best parts of this book are the really fantastic, pointed and totally chock-full-of-information interviews with successful independent creative business owners. There really is nothing quite like learning from those who are doing what you want to do! The first edition came out a couple of years ago and was a completely fantastic resource, but the new edition (September 2011) is even better with sections on social media and online marketplaces added.

image credit: Kari Chapin

The Handmade Marketplace Your Guide to Selling Your Crafts Locally, Globally and Online, by Kari Chapin

Another really great resource for creative makers who want to learn the nitty-gritty about how to market your crafts and set up your handmade business. Some highlights from the book, include: translating an idea into reality, pricing, how to accept payment, networking, approaching print media and more. It's broken up into little chunks that make it possible to focus in on the topic you are interested in. It also includes tips from what Chapin calls her “Creative Collective” and who are people who influenced her and who are also successfully self-employed. I look forward to Kari Chapin's next book (coming out July 20120 and which seems like the next logical progression--it’s called Grow Your Handmade Business: How to Envision, Develop, and Sustain a Successful Creative Business.

Jen Wallace shares her indie life at Indie Fixx where she writes about making, creating, cooking, learning, playing, loving, and pretty much anything else that strikes her fancy.

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