March 10, 2026 @ 7:00 pm - March 12, 2026 @ 7:00 pm
Online
$59Overview
Mini Online Course
Whether you’re debuting your first book or building momentum with your backlist, understanding how publicity works—and how to work it—is essential. In this mini online course, Alyssa Reynoso-Morris and Saraciea J. Fennell combine their expertise as a traditionally published author and veteran publicist to demystify the publicity process and empower you to be your book’s best advocate.
This is a short course of two, 75-minute sessions. Sessions will be recorded.
- Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
- Thursday, March 12, 2026 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
- Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat.
- You’ll have access to the recordings through April 30, 2026.
Why This Workshop?
This course is designed for authors at all stages of their publishing journey who want to better understand the behind-the-scenes of book promotion and learn how to effectively collaborate with their publicity teams—or fill in the gaps if you’re taking on the marketing yourself!
Learn from picture book author Alyssa Reynoso-Morris and author and publicist Saraciea J. Fennell as they discuss topics like:
- Publicity vs. Marketing: What’s the Difference?
- Social media platforms and newsletters – what works – and why?
- Avoiding Burnout: Setting Boundaries
- Assets Every Author Needs
- and more!
It’s a Great Fit If…
- Writers of books for kids and teens. The examples shared will be from a multitude of genres (including YA) with a focus on publicity and marketing for authors (not illustrators.)
- You would like to develop or refine your marketing and promotion plans for your backlist. This short course offers tips for marketing your work and for working with publicist professionals.
- You are a debut author. Learn ways to get your new title into the hands of readers, including children, teachers, and librarians.
- You are comfortable with the craft elements of building stories, but need some support when it comes to spreading the word about your work.
- You’re looking for something short, sweet, and smart! This is not a full workshop. Instead it is two, 75-minute sessions meant to engage and build your knowledge of marketing, promotional and publicity opportunities.
Tentative Agenda
At registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course, and sessions will be recorded.
All Times are Eastern Time.
Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
Part One: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
Understanding the Publicity Landscape
- Publicity vs. Marketing: What’s the Difference?
- The Role of the In-House Publicist
- Assets Every Author Needs: What should go in a Press Kit? From bios to media kits to press-friendly websites. We got you covered with a Press Kit Checklist.
- When and why should an author hire a publicist? How much does a publicity cost (approximately)? How to appropriately vet a publicist before hiring one?
- Try this at home: Draft your personalized “Media Kit.”
- Q&A
Part Two: Thursday, March 12, 2026 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)
Creating Your Author Publicity Plan
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Identifying Your Publicity Goals: Exposure, credibility, book sales, speaking engagements
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Social Media & Newsletters
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Pitching Yourself Like a Pro: Media outlets, bookstore events, libraries, grassroots strategies
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Booking a Tour on a Budget
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Avoiding Burnout: Setting Boundaries, managing bandwidth, and what not to do
- Try this at Home: Draft a pitch email for local media
- Q&A
About This Publicity & Marketing for Writers Online Workshop
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Feedback Can I Expect in this Workshop?
Feedback Expected
- None included in the course. There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.
Will This Online Workshop Be Recorded?
IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE:
- If you are unable to attend either session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through April 30, 2026.
- Please note that if you cannot attend live but you’d like to receive recording links by email, you must register for this course. Recordings are not sold separately; they are only available to those who register.
- Please also note that if you register for the course after the start of the first session, you will not receive recordings immediately. You’ll receive both recordings after the close of the last session, usually within 24 hours.
Where Can I Find Resources on Marketing in Kidlit?
Related Resources
See our list of resources
- Getting Attention for Your Books: Two Authors Share Some Things They’ve Learned
- 3 Questions With Alyssa Reynoso Morris and George Jreije About School Visits and Events
- 3 Ways Children’s Authors and Illustrators Can Use Podcasts for Storytelling & Marketing
- Podcast: Jess Rinker & Debbie Gonzales on Marketing Platforms
- Carmen Oliver on Connecting Authors With Children
How Does This Workshop Support Our Mission?
Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. Kids need to know about your books to fall in love with your stories. This opportunity can help you develop marketing, promotional and publicity plans to get your stories into the hands of kids.
