A February 2008 lunch at New York’s Rosa Mexicano with my friends Beth Greene and Ann Feldstein of Kravet wasn’t just about the amazing guacamole, it was the genesis of an idea and an invitation I absolutely could not refuse; to create a presentation for designers that could be given in Kravet / Lee Jofa showrooms across the country. The topic we settled upon: An Insider’s Guide to Getting Published. As the former Style Director of HOUSE & GARDEN, who was still in mourning over the magazine’s recent closing, I was thrilled. Not only was it a subject I had lived and breathed, it would also give me the chance to reconnect with friends and editors at shelter magazines, as well as meet lots of new interior designers. I immediately agreed, and got straight to work. I wanted to make sure I put together a talk that would give designers concrete information to help them navigate the tricky waters of getting published as well as to help them gain more general visibility and grow their business.
The key areas I decided to concentrate on were: how to market yourself and build your brand, how to stay on top of today’s changing arena of design magazines and media, how to take excellent scouting shots and create a package to submit, and how to understand what editors look for in selecting or rejecting projects. I wanted to illustrate my points with great images from a variety of magazines and get first hand answers to the most frequently asked questions. To accomplish this I went directly to the source and emailed the top editors. They graciously responded and we prepared a handout that includes key contact information and submission details from each major publication.
With the help of Pamela Bruckbauer at Kravet, who has been my guru and guardian angel putting this road show together, I have traveled the country sharing as much insider information as I could cram into my allotted time. The response has been fabulous and my favorite quote from a designer in Minneapolis was “this has been the most worthwhile hour I have spent in a long time”.
Thank you to the many wonderful designers I have met in Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dania, Naples, Atlanta and Bethpage who were so attentive and asked so many great questions. You challenge me to keep adding new information. Finally, thank you to Kravet and Lee Jofa and to my gracious showroom hosts in each city. Your desire to build lasting relationships with the design community is exemplary.
To designers who haven’t been able to hear the presentation, my next installments will detail some of the topics about getting published I have listed above. To designers who have attended, please send me any ideas or feedback you think might be helpful to share. And for those of you who have been published in the past, share your experiences and suggestions here.
Carolyn Sollis
Carolyn Sollis is a respected editor and journalist, has over 25 years of expertise in the fields of Home Furnishings, Interior Design, Architecture, and the Decorative Arts. Most recently Style Director of HOUSE & GARDEN, and formerly Executive Editor of HOUSE BEAUTIFUL, Carolyn has traveled the globe producing editorial features, covering the marketplace, tracking design trends, and searching for ideas and inspiration along the way. Her passion for design combined with her delight in sharing her knowledge, has made Carolyn a frequent lecturer, panelist, and media guest. She has appeared on national television including the Fine Living Channel, CNN, and the Today Show, been interviewed regularly on radio, and has contributed countless times to newspaper articles giving tips, advice, and an authoritative voice to articles on decorating and design. She is currently working with several top designers serving as an advisor, marketing expert, and Creative Director.
