When I list items for sale I work in batches, so when the lighting is good I photograph as many items as possible while I can, then I do a photo editing session, and when I can’t do anything else I create listings so they just need the photo’s to be added then they can go live.
Is there an easier way to create listings that are set up already hidden rather than ‘List’ the item then go into ‘manage listings’ and hide each item?
You need at least one photo to create a listing. However, this could be a random photo or your logo, just as long as there is something there. If you want to create a listing without it being live - fill in all the fields and preview the listing, but instead of listing, if you click ‘add new listing’ and continue through your batch, or just go back to your shop or another Folksy page, the listing will be saved in ‘drafts’, so it’s complete and you can add the photos later and then list it so it goes live when you are ready.
Hope that makes sense. 
Yes I also do this sometimes. As long as you’ve previewed the listing you can then back out of it (e.g. close window or go back to home page) without listing it and it’ll sit in drafts until you’re ready to swap out the photos.
I have been working on a new line and have them all in draft format, ready for the beginning of Feb once my sale would have finished. Easier than publishing then hiding.
I also list new items with a random photograph and keep them in drafts until I can get some good light for photographs.
Thanks for the replies everyone, and thank you @feelfeltfound for making it clear that I need to preview the item before backing out.
Merry Christmas to you all 