We are heading into the end of the year, which means it’s time to start dreaming about your 2026 goals. If seeing your name in print or landing a major brand deal is on your vision board, this episode is your blueprint.

In this "Best Of" archive episode (originally recorded when my book ⁠Crochet Snuggle Buddies⁠ launched!), I am breaking down the exact behind-the-scenes story of how I landed a book deal and international magazine covers with a single cold email.

I used to think editors were unreachable. Then, I learned a "service-first" pitch strategy from entrepreneurs Susie Moore and Cathy Heller that changed everything. Instead of asking for a favor, I asked, "How can I help you meet your needs?" The result? A book contract, multiple magazine features, and a massive shift in my business trajectory.

In this episode, we cover:

• The "Service-First" Pitch: How to write an email that editors actually want to read (and respond to!).
• The Mindset Shift: Why saying "I am a crochet designer" out loud was the key to unlocking my confidence.
• The Timeline: From a Monday night Google search in February to a book launch in March—how fast things can move when you take action.
• Manifesting the Cover: How I set a specific goal to get my Amigurumi designs on the ⁠front cover of a UK magazine⁠—and made it happen.
• Cold Email Strategy: Who to contact, what to say, and how to follow up.

Whether you want to submit a pattern, write an article, or pitch a collaboration, this episode proves that you are one email away from a completely different career.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• My Book: ⁠Crochet Snuggle Buddies⁠
• Inspiration: ⁠Susie Moore⁠ & ⁠Cathy Heller⁠

Connect with Me:

• Website: ⁠www.marcymade.co⁠
• Instagram: ⁠@SimplyHooked1⁠
• Email: hello@marcymade.co

Note: This episode is a replay from March 2025, but the strategy is timeless for anyone looking to make big moves in 2026!

For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hooked on Growth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which goes into much more detail on scaling!

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Our Skool Community⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠Join The Next Crochet Kit Club⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠Easter Patterns in Simply Crochet Magazine⁠

🔆⁠Features in Simply Crochet Magazine

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build a successful crochet business, this episode is for you. I’m sharing exactly what I would do if I had to rebuild my crochet business from scratch.

After many years of owning a crochet business, I’m breaking down the 13 smartest decisions that changed everything—from choosing what to sell, using pattern testers, Pinterest and SEO, blogging for organic traffic, building an email list, running ads the right way, managing money, understanding seasonal sales, and protecting the joy of crochet.

Whether you sell crochet patterns, handmade items, run an Etsy or Shopify shop, or want to build passive income with your craft, this episode will help you stop guessing and start building with clarity and confidence.

This isn’t theory, it’s lived experience. Press play and start building smarter.

For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hooked on Growth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which goes into much more detail on scaling!

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Our Skool Community⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠Join The Next Crochet Kit Club⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet Course⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop My Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠⁠

🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠⁠

**⁠⁠Grab the Crochet Project Planner⁠⁠**

This Thanksgiving, take a few quiet minutes just for you. In this calming guided meditation, we slow down, reconnect with gratitude, and ground ourselves before the whirlwind of cooking, hosting, traveling, and giving begins.

Whether you're a crocheter, a creative entrepreneur, a busy mom, or someone craving more peace in the middle of a full life, this meditation helps you return to center.
You’ll release tension, reset your mindset, and remember the powerful truth: your life can change simply by choosing gratitude, one moment at a time.

This episode blends gentle encouragement with mindset principles you love — the belief that gratitude opens doors, shifts energy, and helps you design a life full of joy, abundance, and purpose.

For a deeper dive into growing your handmade business, check out my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hooked on Growth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, which goes into much more detail on scaling!

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join Our Free Community on Skool!

🔆⁠⁠⁠Join The Next Crochet Kit Club⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn to Crochet

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Crochet Patterns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🔆⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab The Crochet Snuggle Buddies Pattern Book⁠⁠

🧶⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab Some Crochet Merch⁠