[Saeko Posts: 9 Status: Offline whimsical illustrator]

Hello!  I am an illustrator who loves knitting and crocheting.
Last year, I made a story about a girl learning how to knit and crochet in graphic novel style.
Here you can see some sample images : https://saekosaeko.net/the-knitters
I have been looking for an editor and publishers over half a year, and haven't found one yet.  The problem is, this story is not really fit into specific category (like children's, or craft).  So I am looking for an editor who love knitting /crocheting.
If anyone knows a knitter editor, please let me know!
Or, if you have some suggestions to me, I am so happy to hear from you.

[Vijaya Posts: 7,104 Status: Offline Encourage]

Saeko. I've bought knitting/crocheting books from Kids Can Press -- they're nonfiction. But introducing it in fiction can also work. My very first magazine acceptance was about making a quilt from six-inch squares. I think this is a perennial topic. However, it wasn't instructive. Remember, that with fiction, story is paramount. Good luck with yours.

[olmue Posts: 3,560 Status: Offline]

Oh, your pages are lovely! I think kids would like that kind of book, it's like something you'd see show up at a Scholastic book fair. Even though it's fiction, it would have appeal among a certain kind of student. (My daughter and her friends would have been all over it in upper elementary/middle school.)

It reminds me a little of Robin Ha's graphic cookbook Cook Korean! A Comic Book with Recipes, which was published by Ten Speed Press.

[Pons Posts: 2,482 Status: Offline]

I don't have publisher recommendations, but I love your book. I would have grabbed it up as a child. I think it would also be a popular book to sell at yarn shops and craft fairs. Good luck. 

[dewsanddamps Posts: 2,320 Status: Offline]

No advice, but wishing you luck with this.

[Ev Posts: 3,374 Status: Offline Making learning fun!]

I don't have any publishers to suggest, but I really like your illustrations!!  Best wishes to you on finding a publisher!

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 7,068 Status: Offline Language is so cool!]

I'm trying to think o how you could find out who knits. Maybe try following editors on Instagram or other visual social media. If they post work they've made or other knitted items, you'll see it and be able to comment in your cover letter.

[Saeko Posts: 9 Status: Offline whimsical illustrator]

Saeko. I've bought knitting/crocheting books from Kids Can Press -- they're nonfiction. But introducing it in fiction can also work. My very first magazine acceptance was about making a quilt from six-inch squares. I think this is a perennial topic. However, it wasn't instructive. Remember, that with fiction, story is paramount. Good luck with yours.

Thank you very much for you're reply!
I will look at 'Kids Can Press', very pleased to know the information like this, thanks!  And I do know, the story rules!
Please your fingers crossed that I will find the right editor!

[Saeko Posts: 9 Status: Offline whimsical illustrator]

Thank you very much for your reply and comment!
I have been trying the publishers and editors mostly specialising either children's, or picture book, so getting the information from you helps me a lot.  I will look for the 'Ten Speed Press' on internet.

[Saeko Posts: 9 Status: Offline whimsical illustrator]

Thank you so much, please your fingers crossed

[Saeko Posts: 9 Status: Offline whimsical illustrator]

Thank you for your comment and your thinking about the strategy to know the knitter editor
I'll keep looking for the knitter / crocheter editor.  Please your fingers crossed!

[dinalapomy101 Posts: 1,875 Status: Offline Happy writing to all!]

This looks adorable! I would find "mentor texts," ie graphic novels published for kids that may be similar to yours.  Then see who published them.

If there are not any close enough to yours, consider revising.....

You could have some luck if you perhaps expanded the story so it is a middle grade novel about a girl [DEALING WITH XYZ] and she deals with her stress, uncertainty, etc. but knitting and crocheting.

[Vijaya Posts: 7,104 Status: Offline Encourage]

Gibbs Smith also publishes PBs/activity books. You can check their online catalog here to see the types of books they publish: https://www.gibbs-smith.com/ and their submission guidelines here: https://www.gibbs-smith.com/submissions

[Saeko Posts: 9 Status: Offline whimsical illustrator]

Thank you very much for your reply and suggestion! I will look for the mentor text, thank you!

Unfortunately, I am Japanese, and English is my second language, so I do not think I can expand to the middle grade novel...  (My main job is an illustrator)
But anyway!  I will try hard to find my book's home, so please keep your fingers crossed

[Saeko Posts: 9 Status: Offline whimsical illustrator]

Thank you replying me again!  I have checked Kids Can Press, and sent the synopsis and first 10 pages copies!
I will check Gibbs Smith.  Thank you letting me know the publishers. I went through most of the publishers and agents on the children's writers and artists yearbook (mainly UK base, but they do have North America and Australia addresses), but you gave me the names I didn't know!
Please cross your fingers to find the home for my''Knitters'! Thank you!!!

[HDWestlund Posts: 951 Status: Offline writer and bookseller]

I am not a hundred percent sure on this one, but Chronicle Books does some really beautiful, interesting, and creative books for kids (and adults). They might be worth looking into. They do have an open submission policy, so you do not need an agent.  https://www.chroniclebooks.com

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 7,068 Status: Offline Language is so cool!]

Thank you replying me again!  I have checked Kids Can Press, and sent the synopsis and first 10 pages copies!
I will check Gibbs Smith.  Thank you letting me know the publishers. I went through most of the publishers and agents on the children's writers and artists yearbook (mainly UK base, but they do have North America and Australia addresses), but you gave me the names I didn't know!
Please cross your fingers to find the home for my''Knitters'! Thank you!!!

Good luck.

[Saeko Posts: 9 Status: Offline whimsical illustrator]

Thank you very much for your reply.
Yes, I have already sent the submission to Chronicle books as well.
Thank you again taking your time and please your fingers crossed!

[Saeko Posts: 9 Status: Offline whimsical illustrator]

Thank you!!!

[peggy-bloom Posts: 1 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Hi Saeko -- Your pages from your knitting book look wonderful and I hope you find a home for it with a publisher. Could you please post the name you use on instagram so I can follow your work? Thank you!!

[Kim Kasch Posts: 138 Status: Offline If we were all the same, life would be boring.]

Adorable and cozy pages so cute. Keep us posted on your publishing progress. Fingers crossed 🤞 for you