
Previous Events:
May 14, 2013
Low Cost Marketing for Children's Books with Kellie Celia from Walden Media
It's no secret: authors are increasingly expected to carry the weight of their promotional efforts. But a full-fledged marketing campaign can run into thousands of dollars and more, leaving few options for those with smaller budgets.
In this workshop, learn how to establish relationships with book bloggers and tastemakers, utilize social networks to build buzz, and create your own online marketing campaigns.
Kellie Celia has worked in a marketing and editorial capacity for the publishing arm of film production company Walden Media for the past seven years.
April 9, 2013
Agents Panel with Regina Brooks, Holly McGhee and Jim McCarthy
Our Agents Panel will feature Regina Brooks from Serendipity Literary Agency, Holly McGhee from the New York based literary agency- Pippin Properties and Jim McCarthy of Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. Find out what each agency is looking for and how they operate. Buy tickets early as this event is sure to sell out
March 12, 2013
"Saying Yes . . . And"
How to Use the Techniques of Improvisational Comedy When Creating Your Stories.
Chris Grabenstein is the multiple award-winning, best-selling author of the Haunted Mystery series for Random House Children's Books and the Riley Mack caper series for HarperCollins Children's Books.
Chris uses the rules of improvisation every time he sits down to write and will show you how to avoid writer's block...forever!
February 5, 2013
"Never Give Up. I Repeat. Never Give Up."
Making the Good News and Bad News Work for You
Creating characters and images from ink, whether in the real world, or digitally, Priscilla Burris delights most in bringing out the element of expression, emotion, and what's bursting to be shared from heart and soul and life!
A native Californian of Hispanic descent, Author-Illustrator Priscilla Burris counts herself crazy blessed to have grown up right across the street from her local neighborhood public library in East Los Angeles, where her love and devotion for children's books was born.
January 8, 2013
What Libraries Are Looking For In New Children's Books with Betsy Bird
Selling to the library market isn't anything like selling to parents or teachers. With their diverse clientele librarians have distinct needs and wants unlike any other buyers out there. Find out what libraries are looking for in new children's books (CORE Curriculum titles, gaps, themes, trends, etc.) and what they definitely need to see less of.
December 11, 2012
Portfolio Critiques with Lucy Ruth Cummins and Kerry Martin
Three portfolios will be chosen by lottery and critiqued in public by Senior Art Director Lucy Ruth Cummins of Simon & Schuster and Kerry Martin, Senior Art Designer at Clarion Books.
November 13, 2012
Agents Panel
Our agents panel this year will be made up of John Cusick of Scott Treimel Literary Agency, Stephen Fraser of Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency, and Rosemary Stimola founder and President of Stimola Literary Studio. Find out what each agency is looking for and how they operate. Buy tickets early as this event is sure to sell out
October 9, 2012
Picture Books from Beginning to End
Allison Wortche, Associate Editor at Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers will address picture book pacing, narrative arc, beginnings and endings.
September 11, 2012
You're Such a Character
Creating realistic, relatable characters is key to developing a story that sells. Penguin Executive Editor Jill Santopolo will analyze some fictional characters who do the job well, and will talk about some tricks authors can employ to inhabit their own characters more fully. Come ready to climb into your characters' skins, speak in their voices and see the world through their eyes.
June 12, 2012
The Revision Process with Abrams Senior Editor, Maggie Lehrman and author Lisa Greenwald.
How does an editor help strengthen what an author submits? How does an author handle an editor's suggestions? Maggie Lehrman, Senior Editor with Amulet Books, Abrams Books for Young Readers and one of her authors, Lisa Greenwald, author of the middle-grade novels MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN, SWEET TREATS & SECRET CRUSHES, and REEL LIFE STARRING US will speak about the author-editor relationship.
May 8, 2012
Turning Fact into Fiction with Nora Raleigh Baskin
How do you find the "Story" within your own memories and history and use it successfully in your writing? Nora Raleigh Baskin, author of eight novels for middle grade and young adult readers, a Publishers Weekly Flying Start in 2001, and the 2010 winner of the ALA Schneider award will talk about turning fact into fiction.
April 3, 2012
Emma Dryden - Travelling the Digital Landscape: Where We've Been & Where We're Headed.
Formerly a VP, Publisher with Simon & Schuster Childrens Publishing, Emma Dryden is the recent founder of drydenbks, llc, where she is a children's book editor, editorial & publishing consultant, and a sometime author. She has been a creative app consultant with Ruckus Global Media, leads the editorial panel for new eBook platform, uTales, and is on the board of SCBWI. www.drydenbks.com
March 13, 2012
It Takes Two To Tango: How Art Directors and Illustrators Really Work Together
Laurent Linn, Art Director at Simon & Schuster Books for oug Readers along with Scott M. Fischer, Illustrator of Jump! and Lottie Paris Lives Here will talk about their work together.
February 7, 2012
Agents Panel
Our agents panel this year will be made up of Alyssa Eisner Henkin of Trident, George Nicholson of Sterling Lord, and Edward Necarsulmer IV of McIntosh & Otis. Find out what each agency is looking for and how they operate. Buy tickets early as this event is sure to sell out
January 10, 2012
Anchoring Your Story: A Discussion On Setting
Michele W. Burke, Editor with Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers will be talking about the importance of setting in children's literature. Almost sure to sell out so buy your tickets early.
December 13, 2011
Portfolio Critiques with Patti Ann Harris of Little, Brown Books
Three portfolios will be chosen by lottery and critiqued in public by Senior Art Director Patti Ann Harris of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.