Early Lesson Learned as a New Demand Studios Writer

In my new gig as an eHow turned Demand Studios writer, I’ve submitted five how-to articles with sewing and quilting related titles. It’s been fun and I’m definitely getting better at thinking step-by-step and figuring out how to explain things without the benefit of photos as backup. But I’ve just experienced my first rejection!

Yes, my How to Make Rag Quilted Curtains article was rejected for an erroneous formula and sewing steps that “are difficult to visualise for someone who does not know how to rag quilt.” Fair enough. Upon telling my sweetie all about it, I realized that I said “add” when what I meant was “multiply” and in checking the article – yep – that’s what I wrote, as well. So indeed, the formula for calculating the needed number of squares was in error.

As for the steps being “difficult to visualise” (my editor must be British), I guess that’s why it would be nice if we were able to include photos. But DS only allows photos from their library and the pickings are pretty slim when looking for specific shots. And considering that the photos attached to my already published articles aren’t showing up on eHow anyway, I guess it’s a moot point. So it is what it is.

And what is that? Why, an opportunity, of course! I have a good article and a digital camera. I could:

• Post the article on another how-to site with an modified title and appropriate photos.
• Post the article on one of my blogs or websites.
• Develop it into a pdf pattern to sell.
• Use it as part of a rag-quilting eBook.

So basically I have several options to consider and I’m sure there are more. And I’m not limited to just one! An article rejection transformed into a variety of opportunities – how cool is that?


For those who might be interested in giving rag quilting a try, be sure to invest in rag snips if you plan to make more than one or two - especially if you're using denim or other heavy fabric.