Being an Author with AQS

Thankfully, there is more than one correct way to make a quilt and to write the how-to instructions. This has given rise to several major quilt book publishers, and AQS is proud to be among the leaders.

If you're considering authoring a quilt book, this is what you can expect from AQS:

• Clear, succinct proposal and manuscript guidelines
• A fast consideration of your proposal
• Transparency in the publication process
• Generous contract terms
• A close working relationship with editorial staff and individual attention
• Retention of your author's voice; no cookie-cutter books here
  
• Regular contact and communication, from concept through post-publication
  
• Offers to teach at AQS shows once you're published
• The opportunity to tape online classes that provide college credit for students
• Expansive marketing and advertising efforts and assistance, wholesale and retail
  
• Friendly support and advice every step of the way

We offer a lecture at every AQS show that details what it is like to be published by us. If you're considering writing a how-to quilt book, treat yourself to the facts and join us in Knoxville, July 22-25, for "Writing a Quilt Book: The Reality Show," or Des Moines, October 28-31, for "Putting Pen to Paper: Publishing with AQS." Our proposal guidelines are posted under the "Authors" tab at www.americanquilter.com. And you may always contact us at 270-898-7903 or andi@aqsquilt.com. There are a lot of talented, creative quilters out there! We look forward to hearing from you!

Three New Books Are Available!

It's always a great day when a new book comes back from the printer, so imagine how grand it is to have three new releases at once! Get your reading glasses on:

Beyond the Block by the Crafty Ol' Broads (wonderfully fun sisters Linda K. Johnson and Jane K. Wells) lets you let go of block "block." Instead of being trapped by size restrictions or shape limitations, the C.O.B.s show you how to improvise in a controlled way. The results are wild, colorful yet still traditional. Show your flair for color and thinking "outside the block" with this bright, inspiring book.

If you love beads but hate hand work, All Beaded Up by Machine is the book for you. Terry White, author of Thread Painting Made Easy (AQS, 2008), once again shows how the sewing machine can be a terrific artistic asset. Her super simple techniques yield amazing results; no one will ever know how easy all that beading really was. A must-have for embellishment addicts.

If you spend your days in a cubicle dreaming about the quilting you'll do that night, Quilts in My Cubicle will hit the spot. Barb Holtzman, herself a cubicle dweller, has created 12 quilts that are small enough to actually finish and delightful enough to cheer up any cubicle anywhere. Smart tips and hanging suggestions round out this happy little book that will keep you stitching and have your colleagues glad you did.

Talented people work at AQS (if I may say so) and graphic designer Lynda Smith proves it with her first-ever author effort, Quilt This! Practical Patterns for Everyday Quilting. Her original designs are shown as motifs and borders and are suitable for hand quilters or those using any type of machine. No more dreaded "quilt as desired." Instead, Quilt This!

It's been a busy autumn for AQS; stay tuned for three more books coming soon!

Des Moines My Way?

Midwest quilters are very excited that AQS is hosting a new show in Iowa's capital city. And with good reason! Not only will there be 500 outstanding quilts to see and hundreds of vendor booths to shop and loads of great classes, but also the sights and sounds of Des Moines, one of America's best kept secrets. This metropolitan city still has a small town ambiance and the people couldn't be nicer.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to write a quilt book, stop by the Workshop Desk or Admissions Booth and ask for me, Andi Reynolds. I'll be glad to listen to your book idea or answer any questions you might have.

See you in Des Moines, and practice smiling and waving. Those Iowans are friendly folks!