1
Yes You Can! Write Your Own eBook by mamas*little*treasures
2
You are creating beautiful designs already, right? Or you have created a unique accessory for children and babies, or gorgeous tote bags for mom, or whimsical home décor items. And suddenly everyone is asking you, “How do you do that?” Well, if you are ready to share that information with others who want to learn, it’s time for you to write your very own eBook pattern! It’s not hard, but it does take time and attention to detail. You will need a good camera, but don’t be scared away if you don’t have all the fancy bells and whistles that are available in photo editing programs these days. All of that would be nice, but it is not necessary to get going. And, since I’ve had so many requests in the past few weeks about how to write an eBook pattern, I thought it just might be time for me to write my very own eBook pattern about How to Write Your Own eBook! So, let’s get started!
3
BASIC SUPPLIES Digital camera Computer Photo editing software Project to create and photograph See, you can get started just using what you already have on hand! And I know that you have this stuff, or you wouldn’t be asking the question about how to write an eBook. So pull out your next project, and get ready to cut, stitch, draw, design, and whatever else YOU do best! Now, I’m sure there are as many different ways to put an eBook together as there are authors out there, so the way I do it is not necessarily the only way, the “right” way, or the best way . . . . but it has worked rather well for me, and I’ve gotten lots of comments on my eBooks about how easy they are to work with. So, give this technique a try, but I’m sure you’ll come up with your own, individual way to write your eBook that fits your personality and your particular artistic expressions.
4
STEP 1: Gather your supplies and notions When I write an eBook, I usually start by deciding on my project, and giving it a name. If you can’t think of a name in the beginning, that’s OK. It just seems to help me get my creativity focused! So let’s use my eBook pattern, “Euro Treasures Collection,” as an example. I knew that I wanted to write a book about a design that I had in my mind that would incorporate some of the Euroinspired designs and colors that have been so popular recently. And, since my selling ID is mamas*little*treasures, it just seemed appropriate to entitle this project the “Euro Treasures Collection.” I used the term “collection” because I was going to be including three or four different garments in this pattern. I think most other authors only include one item in each of their patterns, so you can do it either way. My personality is such that I always feel that, “if one is good, two is better, and three or four is WAY better!” But that’s just one of my little idiosyncracies. So, however you want to do that, if you can come up with a name for your project, or a title for the eBook, that just always seems to give me more focus to get me motivated.
5
OK, so let’s say you want to write an eBook on “How to Make a Twirly Skirt.” That would be an appropriate title! But if you want to get a bit more creative, you might call it “How to Make a Triple-Tier Twirly Skirt,” or “How to Make a Patchwork Twirly Skirt.” Anything like that will distinguish YOUR design from someone else’s out there. And of course, we all know how dangerous it is to copy someone else’s designs! But let me say this . . . . there are only so many different ways to make a skirt or a pair of pants. No one has “rights” to a pattern for a pair of pants (after all, the human body is shaped just about the same all around the world!). Just make sure that YOUR design is obviously different from everyone else’s. But of course, that’s why we are working on this; YOU have some great ideas of your own, and you want to share them with the world! So, now that you have a name or a title, you can gather up all of the supplies that you will be using to create your design. Again, let’s say we are going to be writing the eBook, “How to Make a Patchwork Twirly Skirt.” Gather your fabric, thread, and any embellishments that you might need. Lay all of your supplies and notions out on a table, displayed nicely, and take a picture of it!
6
STEP 2: Begin at the beginning! Whatever you will be doing first, just go ahead and do it! So, if the first thing you will need to do is cut out a pattern, just lay it out on your fabric, and take a picture of it. At this point, you might want to think about how you will include the pattern pieces in your eBook. If you have drawn a pattern piece or an appliquÊ design, you will eventually need to draw that on a plain sheet of white copy paper, and scan it into your computer. We’ll talk about that in a later step, but for now just think about how you want to handle that.
7
Now I know, because I’ve talked to many of you, that you create your designs right out of your head . . . . and you draw your pattern pieces free-hand. I always do that for my appliqué pattern pieces, or sometimes I use drawings from my kids coloring books if I can’t quite get something the way I want it. But you will need to include patterns for these pieces, because not everyone feels comfortable doing that! Here’s an example of an appliqué pattern that I kind of just played around with and cut it out of fabric free-hand . . . . and then when I was doing the pattern, I had to re-create it on paper. So, however you do your designs, remember that at some point you will have to create a pattern piece to go with your eBook.
For my Euro Treasures Collection, I just used a top that my girls had around here so that I could get the right dimensions, and then I researched standard sizing measurements to know how much to add or subtract for each size. This is a rather complicated process, so if you can write your eBook without using specific pattern pieces, it is easier to begin that way. Several of my designs are created by altering vintage garments, or simply by using strips and squares of fabric to create something brand new. That way I don’t need to use pattern pieces. I’ve done it both ways, and so can you!
8
This is from one of my patterns that uses only strips and patches of fabric to create the design. SO . . . . whatever you do FIRST, just do it step-by-step and take pictures of everything you do. If you use pattern pieces, lay them out and take a picture of yourself cutting out the fabric. Since I am usually working when everyone else in my family is doing something else (peace and quiet!!!!), I have to take all my own pictures. So, I will partially cut out one of my pieces, lay the scissors in a “cutting” position and take the picture that way.
If your project involves painting, after you’ve taken a picture of all your paint supplies, take a picture of you doing the first step in the painting process. Whatever it is that you do first, take a picture of it!
9
STEP 3: Whatever comes next . . . .take a picture! This is what you will do every step of the way, until the project is finished. Be sure to your pictures are as clear and focused as possible, and you will want to evaluate whether or not each shot “tells the story.” I have found that sometimes it is very difficult to explain what I am doing, and it is only with a picture that it makes sense. For example, when I am talking about cutting a strip of fabric from the end of my long piece of fabric that I purchased, and I want that strip to be 5” wide X 42” long . . . . . how do I describe that? Because the 5” on my long piece of fabric is cut from the “length” of my fabric, and the “length” of my strip (42”) is technically the “width” of my long piece of fabric. See my dilemma?
Here I am cutting a long strip to make ruffles. But I am actually cutting across the WIDTH of my fabric to make a strip that is 5” WIDE by 42” LONG (the actual width of my fabric).
10
See how confusing it can become without pictures? Think about how you want to explain each step, and then take pictures that will accurately reflect what you are explaining. Eventually, in the photo editing process, you might want to add text or other descriptive inserts to your pictures. But we’ll get to that soon enough! STEP 4: Keep going until the project is finished You might be the kind of person that likes to finish one step, take all the pictures for that one step, and sit down and write it up before you forget what you did! I prefer to do the complete project, take pictures as I go, and then do the writing all at once. The pictures help me remember how to describe each step, so that hasn’t been a problem for me, but if you would rather write up each step as you go along, that would work just fine.
Here’s a patchwork design I put together to embellish a pair of vintage jeans. Each step of the way, I just keep taking pictures to describe what I am doing.
11
I think it’s kind of fun to plan ahead and know how I want to present each step! It’s a challenge to think about not only WHAT I’m doing and what comes next, but HOW I can help someone else understand what I’m doing. I love writing eBook patterns! Here’s another sequence of photos showing how I create the ruffles for this little crop top, then how I stitch the ruffle to the top, and the finished top. Just go step by step, and you’ll do great!
12
STEP 5: Edit your photos Once you have completed your project and taken pictures of each step along the way, it is time start the actual writing process. You will need to download all of your pictures and save them to a file and name it so that you will be able to recognize it. This seems pretty common sense, but I’ve spent hours looking for just the right photo file because I didn’t identify them very well. Save yourself some time and just name those files! There are lots of photo editing programs out there, so whatever you are using, just be sure that you get your photos as clear and focused as possible. Start with your original shot, and then enhance it and sharpen it, and perhaps add some descriptive text.
13
Once I have all of my photos edited, I like to make a collage of the finished project to use as the first page of my eBook document. This is not necessary, but it does give your eBook a finished, professional look.
14
STEP 5: Begin writing your eBook I always start by opening a new Word document. This will eventually be converted to a PDF document. If you do not have a PDF conversion program, there are several available online that are free trials. Check at the end of this eBook for resources. If you have made a collage of the finished project, insert that into the document on the first page. Then on the second page, write up a short introductory paragraph: “This is really fun and easy! Lots of Euro flair for your little princess! You will need to use the pattern pieces for the pants, and you can either make these pants capri length with a curved hemline, or full-length with a straight hemline.�
Ruffled Capris and Optional Apron Skirt Then you will need to insert a single picture of the finished project so the customer can see exactly what they will have when they have completed their project.
15
Next, I always list my Basic Supplies, including the picture that you took of all of your supplies in the very beginning of your project: Fabric and Notions: 1 ½” yd. primary fabric ¾” yd secondary fabric for ruffles and Fabric scraps for appliqué 1 yd. fabric for apron Matching thread Rick-rack or other decorative trim 1 yd ¾” elastic Basic Info: Use ¼” – 5/8” seams throughout garment construction.
STEP 6: Write it out, step-by-step Once you have your document started, then you just need to think your way through whatever it is that you do to create your design and finish your project. Start with “STEP 1:” insert the first picture, and describe what you did in that step. Then move to “STEP 2” and “STEP 3”, and so on until you complete all the steps, making sure that you insert a picture of each step or procedure and describe it as clearly as you can. Here are some examples:
16
STEP 1: Print out pattern pieces Print out the pattern pieces with the page scaling option for your printer set at “none,� and all margins (top, bottom, and both sides) set to -0-. Measure each piece to be sure it measures the same as indicated on each pattern piece.
STEP 2: Cut your crazy patch pieces Now, cut each of the sets of two squares of each color, into five or six pieces. You can cut them randomly as shown, making sure most of them have diagonal lines, and four or five sides. Some of your patches can be true triangles with only three sides, but you will have more options when you are piecing if you have more sides available on each patch.
17
STEP 3: Trace the appliqué pattern pieces onto the right side of each fabric square, and cut out. Remove fusible web from the back of each appliqué piece, and lay out the butterfly design where you want it on your t-top. Be sure that all edges of the appliqué pieces are positioned so that they all have fusible interfacing behind them on the inside of your top.
Continue this process until you have completed all the steps! STEP 7: Adding pattern pieces or appliqué designs This is perhaps the most challenging part of writing an eBook. As I mentioned earlier, if you do not need to create pattern pieces for specific sizes, such as in an appliqué pattern or a design that is primarily embellishment or altered garments, then you don’t need to be concerned so much about sizing. Here are some examples of patterns that do not require size information:
18
For this type of appliqué pattern, I simply draw my design on an 8 ½” x 11” sheet of copy paper and scan it into my computer. Then I use my photo editing program to add the text and colors.
19
If you have a design that requires actual sized pattern pieces, you will need to draw your pattern out on sheets of copy paper. The easiest way I have found to do this, is to tape four to six sheets of paper together, draw out my pattern, and then take them apart and make separate “sections� for each pattern piece.
This is a rather tedious step in the process, but it is SO necessary if you want your customers to be happy with their purchase! If you want to hand-draw your pattern pieces, here are the steps:
20
A. Start with a sketch of your design and determine which pattern pieces you will need for your design. Unless you are very familiar with traditional sewing patterns, you will probably want to use a computer generated pattern program. B. Now you can either use a garment that you already have in the size that you want to make, or you can use standard size measurements available on the back of any commercial pattern envelope. You can also learn more about drawing and sizing patterns from a variety of books that are available through Amazon. C. If you use a garment that you already have, carefully take it apart and press each piece. Trace around each piece, and then using standard sizing measurements, add or subtract the necessary measurement from each section. D. For this pattern, I started with the basic measurements for a size 3T, and then researched standard garment measurements, and added or subtracted the difference to create sizes 2T, 4T, and 5T. So, for instance, if a size 3T has a 21” waist and a size 2T has a 20” waist, then I would reduce the waist measurement on the pattern pieces by a total of 1” to make a size 2T. (This would typically include reducing each side of the waist pattern piece by ¼”, on the front and the back, for a total reduction of ½” from the front pattern piece and a reduction of ½” from the back pattern piece, for a total reduction in the waistline of the garment by 1”) I did the same for the side seams, the center front and back seams, and the length. E.
Draw around each pattern piece, including the added cutting lines for the various sizes included. Once you have the basic outline of each pattern piece, it is important that you identify each piece and carefully separate the “sections” so that they can be re-drawn onto individual sheets of 8 ½” X11” paper.
21
F. Once you have your “sections” for each pattern piece, you will need to re-draw (or trace) each piece, CENTERED on a new sheet of paper. This is so that when they are downloaded and printed out, the customer will be able to cut out each “section” and tape them all back together. G. Trace all of the cutting lines with a black Sharpie marker, including any optional cutting lines (as in this pattern for the Euro Treasures pants, which can be made either as full-length flare-leg pants or capris).
22
H. After you have all of your pattern pieces drawn out to scale, and included any additional sizes that you want, you will again scan these pattern drawings into your computer for finishing edits. At this point it is very important to check and re-check to be sure that your measurements and dimensions are correct. I. Make any adjustments in measurements, scan and print out the pieces in draft mode, and re-measure until your pieces are exactly the right size. When they are the correct measurement, scan the pieces into your computer and use your photo editing program to add all the additional information needed to identify and re-construct the complete pattern pieces to be used by the customer. (See below). J. If you choose to use pattern drafting software, that would probably be an easier way to accomplish the same result. But I usually do mine this way, so that there is no question about the originality of my designs. You can find standard size measurements in a variety of sewing websites and books. One of the books that I have found most helpful in sizing adult garments is Make Your Own Patterns by Rene Bergh which can be purchased from Amazon. For sizing children’s clothing, the best resources I have found are through the various commercial pattern companies, either on their websites or on the backs of the pattern envelopes. Perhaps that is the next eBook I should write! But this eBook is primarily about writing up your ideas, not specifically about how to make patterns. Once you have your pattern pieces sketched, measured and scanned into your computer, you will next need to edit them. A simple photo editing program will work just fine for including the basic information. You will want to include the following information on each of your pattern pieces: * Identification of pattern piece (FRONT, BACK, TOP, etc) (if there is more than one “section� to a piece, identify it as Front A or Back B or even Front A1 and Front A2)
23
* Name of pattern design: “Euro Treasures Collection Ruffled Capris” * Length and width measurements * Size indicators at the seam and cutting lines “2T” “3T” 4T” and so on * Center front or back on fold, if required * If there is more than one “section” to a pattern piece, indicate where each “section” connects to another piece
I like to use my clip art to insert little “icons” into the corners or wherever two or more “sections” are to be matched up. 24
25
Once you have all of your “sections” of your pattern pieces drawn out with a Sharpie marker, scanned into your computer, and all the edits for size information and measurement information, print out each pattern piece / “section,” and measure them to be sure that they are, in fact, the measurement that you have indicated on each piece. This can be a very time-consuming part of the project! You will also have to do this after converting to a PDF file, because that process may change the sizing. Once it is finished, however, you will be all set!
You will need to adjust the settings on your computer and printer until it prints out just right, and then include that information in your eBook. This might include information such as “Set printer to zero margins,” or whatever you have determined works best for the program you are using. I have only had one customer who had trouble printing out pattern pieces from one of my eBooks, and then I printed the pieces out and mailed them to her. Once you know that your pattern pieces are printing out the correct size, insert them into your eBook document at the end, after all of the instructional steps and photos. You will need to doublecheck the measurements again at this stage just to be sure that nothing was altered or shifted in this process. It takes a bit of experimentation to figure out your computer and editing program, but it is definitely worth the extra time and effort. 26
But you will insert them full size, like this: 27
28
Notice the little icons in each corner, to match up with the icons on the pieces that match up to this one. Also notice that it says “Match this side to Back -B2-“ Once you have all of your pattern pieces inserted into the end of your document, and made sure that they print out the correct size, you are almost finished with your eBook! STEP 8: Finishing up your eBook Of course, you will want to be sure to read through your eBook, check that all the pictures are in the correct location and that they are centered or placed in an attractive design. You will need to edit for spelling and typographical errors. Read through your eBook critically, noticing any parts of the instructions that are not as clear as they could be. If possible, have someone else read through your eBook before you send it to a tester. When you are satisfied that your eBook is clearly written with good photos, and all your pattern pieces are inserted and print out correctly, you will need to add page numbers to your document. This can usually be done with any basic word processor programs. Finally, you will want to include a copyright statement. Mine is very simple, but I think adequate: Copyright 2009 by Nina Newton aka mamas*little*treasures. All text and images contained herein are owned by and are copyright 2009 mamas*little*treasures. None of the contents of this pattern eBook may be reproduced or republished. This pattern is for the express and sole use of the customer for personal or home use, and may be used to create garments for the customer to sell on his or her own.
Feel free to use this wording if you can’t think of anything else! The final step before sending it “out the door” is to convert it to a PDF file. Here are some links to PDF conversion sites: http://www.pdftodocconverterpro.com/ http://www.version-2008.com/pdf/v4/index.asp?PID=7253ec05-8d8e4a4c-a3c8-07f5ca097411
29
http://www.nuance.com/pdfconverter/converter/ Once you have your document converted to PDF, be sure to print out your pattern pieces again to be sure that the measurements did not change in the conversion. If that should happen, take some time to adjust the Word document by resizing your pattern pieces little by little, re-convert to PDF, print out and measure until they are printing out the correct measurements. Remember, the customer will be purchasing the PDF file, so it is important that the measurements are correct in the PDF file. If you have any questions, please email me at AngelBabiesBoutique@msn.com and I will be happy to help you with your eBook pattern.
30
STEP 9: Before you submit your eBook for publication . . . . I have several testers that have been testing my eBooks before I actually send them to the various websites that now sell eBooks. Having a tester read through your instructions really helps you determine if your eBook has clearly explained the process of creating your design. And they can catch any typos or spelling errors . . . .or they can even help you notice if you left out some really important step! Testers are your best friends, so be sure you reward them generously for their assistance. I hope that this little bit of guidance will start you on your way to writing many eBooks of all your wonderful designs! There are so many people out there who really want to know “How did you do that?� and I am sure that once you begin writing eBook patterns, you will love it as much as I do! And for me, the reason that I love it so much, is that I love to help others have as much fun with designing and creating as I do! Happy designing, writing, and publishing your new line of eBook patterns! Copyright 2008 and 2010 by Nina Newton aka mamas*little*treasures. All text and images contained herein are owned by and are copyright 2008 and 2010 mamas*little*treasures. None of the contents of this pattern eBook may be reproduced or republished. This pattern is for the express and sole use of the customer for personal or home use, and may be used to create garments for the customer to sell on his or her own.
31