Edit your book thoroughly. Most publishers want to see that you have the book completed before taking a chance on publishing it, especially if you are a first-time author. Have a professional look at the book and correct any errors that can be found. Ascertain there are no grammatical, spelling or structural errors. Format that book with clean, readable font. Because you're publishing a craft book, readers will need to be able to understand your language--so make it simple and understandable. However, many publishers you will approach will ask for the book to be in a certain format before submitting it for consideration for publishing. Be sure to always follow a publishers' guidelines carefully.
Make your craft book stand out within its genre. Visit your local bookstore and look at other craft books. Notice what they offer, how they are written and what experience the authors have. Talk to friends who have purchased craft books and ask them what they are reading and why. Make a list of special points about your book. Detail what your book has that the others do not--even if what the book has is more conceptual than literal. For example, the sale point could be your friendly tone of voice or your experience leading a community craft club for over 10 years. Isolate something that stands out about you and your work.
Write an excellent query letter. A nonfiction query letter includes a very basic overview of your book. Do not be drab or boring when writing this letter. Sell your work starting from the first line. According to Agent Query, you should hook the reader with a catchy first sentence about the book. Mention the kinds of crafts you write about and how well you introduce the topic to the reader. Include the title and word count. Next, write a paragraph with a mini-synopsis of the book's chapters and details and then write a third paragraph about yourself. Let the editor know why you're an authority on your topic and what the book includes.
Purchase the book "2010 Writers Market" by Robert Lee Brewer. Look through the nonfiction listings for publishing companies and literary agents that accept queries for craft books. Visit the website for Agent Query to look for literary agents specializing in the craft genre. These agents will help to sell your book to publishers who print books in the craft genre.
Research self-publishing as an alternative to traditional publishing if you'd prefer more control over your book and if you have no luck with publishers or agents. According to The Artful Crafter website, self-publishing a book is very easy for craft writers. Visit CreateSpace.com or Lulu.com to read about their inexpensive, simple self-publishing plans. Simply register for their websites and upload your book. Design a cover using their templates for covers and choose a price. Order a proof copy to approve and then set your book to "publish." Lulu offers a cheap plan to authors who want to publish easily. Lulu also provides discounted Fotolia.com photo usage to publishers--which may come in handy with a craft book. CreateSpace offers cheap publishing packages that distribute the book to Barnes & Noble, Amazon and other online retail stores.