School and library visits are an essential part of being a children’s author or illustrator. They provide visibility, keep you in touch with your audience, and can even be a significant source of additional income. But how do you tap into this important market? Giving unforgettable presentations and knowing how to market yourself are the keys to success.

This workshop introduces the participant to publicity techniques and the fine points needed to create fruitful relationships with the media. It also offers instruction, practice, and a reallife experience in the development of public speaking and presentation skills.

This workshop will help you fine-tune your presentation and marketing skills, by offering

• useful strategies for creating and delivering engaging talks;
• videotaped public-speaking sessions and school presentations with useful feedback;
• tips for marketing yourself to schools, libraries, and other potential venues;
• information on developing brochures, Web sites, and other useful promotional tools; and
• helpful pointers for working with the media to promote yourself and your work.

Guest Faculty - Bobbie Combs
Bobbie is a free-lance children’s book specialist and one of the owners of Two Lives Publishing, a small niche publisher of children’s books. She has devoted her career to children’s books in various ways: manager of a children’s independent bookstore; children’s buyer and children’s sales/marketing director of a book distributor; publicity assistant; freelance children’s book reviewer; Webmaster for several industry sites; author; editor; and publisher. Nearly all these jobs have required a special focus on public relations and marketing: working with independent bookstores, chains, and wholesalers to increase their awareness of authors; developing relationships with media (local, national, and niche); ensuring that books reach the right reviewers; developing tailored mailing lists and utilizing the Internet, author Web sites, and e-mail to gain maximum exposure.