44 Inside Schiffer Publishing Séverine Jeauneau, Head of International Sales at Schiffer Publishing talks to Craft Focus about how the company has grown its craft catalogue into a worldwide brand Tell us a little bit about the company. Where are you based? When did the company start? Schiffer Publishing was founded in 1974 in Pennsylvania (USA) and decided to focus on niche subject areas, producing books that combine in-depth, high-quality information with outstanding photography and design. By incorporating premium art papers and specialty bindings, the company created durable, well-crafted reference titles built to stand the test of time. Over the years, Schiffer’s catalogue expanded significantly, and arts and crafts how-to books became a distinct subject area. The company established a strong presence in the international craft market, particularly in woodworking and quilting— two areas that remain key strengths today. Today, Schiffer Publishing offers a wide range of subjects to readers worldwide. Another craft imprint within Schiffer is Better Day Books. The imprint was founded on the conviction that everyone is creative—and that working with our hands brings meaning and well-being to our lives. Better Day Books believes that books have the power to educate, spark new ideas, and inspire creative pursuits that enrich our lives, nurture our families, and strengthen our communities. With this mission in mind, the imprint publishes books that inform, inspire, and encourage readers to imagine what’s possible. Who founded the company and why? The original Schiffer Company was founded by Margaret Schiffer after she discovered the research for Chester County, Pennsylvania, Inventories 1684–1850 in a box in a basement. What began as a single historical project soon developed into a publishing venture. Schiffer Publishing initially mimeographed, ring-bound, and distributed out-of-print historical books— particularly works on antiques—bringing valuable reference materials back into circulation. The company grew rapidly and expanded into a wide range of subject areas for both adults and children. Today, the company is led by Pete Schiffer. Better Day Books was founded by Peg Couch, who brings a hands-on and thoughtfully crafted approach to publishing. With many years of successful experience in the industry, she creates books that blend originality and innovation, designed to inspire and fulfil readers. How has the company evolved? What do you specialise in? Due to its strong market recognition, Schiffer Publishing launched the Schiffer Craft imprint to further develop its presence in the craft sector. The list rapidly and successfully expanded to include a wide range of subjects, such as ceramics, fibre and textile arts, metalwork and jewellery making, drawing, paper art, sculpture, and more. The imprint targets a broad, mainstream audience while continuing to serve experts with authoritative, highquality content created by specialists in their respective fields. Better Day Books began with watercolor titles, positioning the Watercolor the Easy Way series as the imprint’s bestseller. Building on this success, the list expanded into other practical subjects such as sewing, crocheting, drawing, and colouring, as well as a variety of formats— including books, kits, and boxed sets. Talk us through the current products you’re particularly excited about. Do you have a favourite? In the Schiffer list, I’m particularly excited about two books on printing to be published this spring. The first, Eco-Print: The Guide to Natural Botanical Printing on Fabric, is the first in-depth guide to eco-printing,
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