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In June 2012, at the New Jersey SCBWI conference in Princeton, NJ, I had Lionel Bender, cofounder of the U.K. packager Bender Richardson White, and author Sally Isaacs do an intensive workshop on writing. It was there that Lionel approached Isaacs with putting on a Non-fiction conference focused on opportunities for writers in children’s nonfiction publishing.

Lionel Bender, explained his two-fold mission to Publishers Weekly: “There are plenty of conferences that focus on the nuts and bolts of creating your work. That is not the purpose of this conference,” he said. “I want to open people’s eyes to the opportunities nonfiction can provide, and I want attendees to understand the various publishing models that exist.” Since I had promoted this conference on my blog, I thought you would be interested in hearing about the final results.

The conference focus was to attracted a core audience of professionals already working in the field rather than aspiring writers hoping to break in. A major draw was the caliber of the faculty, which included high-ranking staff from Lerner, Pearson, Cobblestone, Highlights, National Geographic Children’s Books, and Time Home Entertainment, as well as highly regarded authors and illustrators.

Jonathan Sprout attended and said, “I had a great time. There were, I’m guessing, about a hundred participants, so we all got to know each other in various degrees. Many of the paid participants are successful already-established writers. I made many new friends, including several people who have each written over a hundred books. Faculty and paid attendees mingled often throughout the weekend.

“I learned a lot. There was a good deal of emphasis on technology – apps, eBooks and web presence, as well as submission tips – which I especially appreciated. Strange to say, I don’t believe I saw anyone at the NF conference who had also attended our NJSCBWI conference the weekend before. There was very little, if any, information overlap between the two weekends. Each conference provided its special lessons and friends/contacts.

“When I performed at the faculty dinner at the 2012 NJSCBWI (at your request), Lionel and I discovered a common love for The Beatles (although it was Steve Meltzer that night who played one of the best versions of “Norwegian Wood” I’ve ever heard!) So I was asked to perform a song from my forthcoming album the first night of the NF conference. I’ve already committed to returning to the June 2014 NF conference (same location: New Paltz, NY). In anticipation, Lionel and I are sketching out a couple of Beatle melodies that I may perform to a new set of “nonfiction lyrics” that promise to be very funny.”

Faculty member Roxie Munro, author-illustrator of more than 35 books said, “There are other conferences that have a lot to offer beginners, but this one was much better for midlist writers; it was more meaty, more sophisticated.”

Lionel said in his opening, “I see the digital revolution as an opportunity to reinvent kids’ illustrated nonfiction. And the icing on the cake is the Common Core standards, which are making nonfiction important, and making nonfiction writers finally feel like fiction’s equals.”

Science writer, Melissa Stewart said,“There is a revolution going on in nonfiction right now. In this climate, the role of nonfiction is to delight as well as to inform.”

One of the weekend’s highlights was Saturday afternoon’s publishers panel, in which seven faculty members discussed The Future of Children’s Nonfiction. Responding in turn to questions posed by Bender in advance, each panelist offered insight into their company’s approach to the challenges of modern publishing today. Andy Boyles, science editor at Highlights magazine, said he foresees Highlights remaining “ink on paper for the foreseeable future.” But, he added, “Ink and digital can play nicely in the same sandbox. The big question is: How can you make digital pay the bills?” Participants echoed this question throughout the weekend.

Robin Terry Brown, senior editor at National Geographic Children’s Books, described her company’s “sneak-attack approach to learning – draw them in with high-interest topics, vibrant photography, and design” - and shared its formula: “photos, facts, and fun—and all things animal.”

Alyssa Mito Pusey, senior editor at Charlesbridge said, “Nonfiction has always been our core, but as far as our digital strategy the goal is to put its books onto as many platforms as possible. Intellectual property will become king as publishers seek to engage their audience through transmedia storytelling. Print will become a single star in this constellation. Digital is fun, but print is not dead.”

Click this link to read about it in Publishers Weekly.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

With BEA coming up in the beginning of June, I thought this article was appropriate to share. Lionel will be attending BEA and then coming directly from there to the New Jersey SCBWI Conference.  Non-fiction offers a great way to get started in the children’s publishing industry and Lionel brings so much expertise to the subject of getting published. Don’t miss out.  www.regonline.com/njscbwi2012conference

Here’s Lionel:

Go Visit Book Fairs and Book Exhibitions

As a regular visitor to many major book fairs and book exhibitions over some 20 years, I firmly believe that these events are some of the best possible opportunities for children’s book authors and illustrators to learn about their industry, the marketplace, and to network. However, I am aware that many authors and illustrators don’t realize they can attend these events or are dissuaded from going.

You may have heard such statements about book fairs as, “Publishers don’t want to see you”; “You get in the way of the business that is being done”; and “The people you want to meet are not there or are always busy in meetings”. True, at any fair you are unlikely to place your work; be offered any freelance jobs; or get signed up by an agent. But there is a huge amount you can achieve, and the more fairs you visit and are seen at, your chances of success increase greatly.

In the States, there are national and regional book fairs and exhibitions held throughout the year organized by the American Library Association (ALA), International Reading Association (IRA), and education boards. There is also Book Expo and, internationally, Bologna Children’s Book Fair. Attending the major book fairs may be costly for travel and accommodation, but local or regional fairs are easily accessed and affordable—entrance fees are usually less than $50. I do, though, understand that the cost of attending Bologna Book Fair from the States may be no more expensive than attending, say, the annual SCBWI conference in LA from the Midwest or East Coast. So do investigate your situation.

You need to appreciate that you can’t just turn up and expect success. You need to prepare in advance; have a plan of action on the day; and follow up after each fair. Also, you need to respect and acknowledge the business of fairs, and be friendly, polite … but a little pushy and firm! If you decide to visit a book fair, do find out about the format and focus of the fair before you go, and do seek as much advice as you can about how to try and achieve the maximum benefits. I find each and every book fair rewarding and, in one way or another, well worth the time, effort, and expense.

© Bender Richardson White 2012

Lionel Bender is an author, editor, and director of UK book packager Bender Richardson White (see: www.brw.co.uk). At SCBWI conferences he gives talks and workshops on various aspects of publishing, and provides professional advice on visiting book fairs. His company also offers personal guidance and advice at book fairs. For more information contact Lionel at [email protected]

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Here’s some good news to make your heart flutter! 

February Illustration by Nina Mata www.beautifique.org

There were two workshops at the New Jersey SCBWI June Conference that filled up very quickly - Plotting and Producing Freebies to Market Your Book and Reading as a Writer.  I know there were a few disappointed people, so today both  have greed to open their dors by adding a few more spots.  So if you are already registered and were someone who was disapponted, now is your chance to go back in and snag a space.

People taking Author Charlotte Bennardo & Author Natalie Zaman’s Plotting and Producing Freebies to Market Your Book workshop should send a hard or electronic copy of their manuscript–here’s the description of the workshop New Maximum: 14 Writers & Illustrators, All Genres, Advanced, Published, Under Contract or Self Published

The publishing industry is changing; authors are now largely responsible to market their own books. Nat and Char will show you how to plan and  create your own marketing materials to promote your book. There is a max of ten people for this workshop so that we can discuss each  participant’s book. Participants will need to submit a partial or full  electronic copy of their manuscript and/or an ARC and/or cover art if  available to [email protected] by May 10th.  (This is a lot of work that Natalie and Charlotte have agreed to do, so if you can send in what they need now, it would pay off for everyone attending.)

Reading as a Writer – Ann DeForest New Max 25 Writers, All Types, All Levels

All writers begin as readers. The books we loved as kids first opened us to language’s power and enticed us to create our own worlds with words. Reading can still guide and inspire us today. This hands-on workshop will transform your reading from pastime into fruitful apprenticeship. Stuck on dialogue? Having trouble choreographing a battle scene? Dissatisfied with your denouement? Turn to the experts all around you: the books that line your shelves at home or the local library. This workshop will address practical matters like incorporating reading into your writing schedule and setting up a reader’s notebook. We’ll also discuss “imitation,” “annotation,” and other methods of active, engaged reading that will sharpen your writing skills. Participants will have time to solve a particular craft problem (e.g. dialogue, conflict, beginnings) using favorite books as models. Please bring a blank notebook, a work-in-progress, and a book you love.

Two other Changes:

We have opened up two 15 minute time slots on Sunday for Lionel Bender and Eileen Robinson for anyone wanting to recevieve a 15 minute one-on-critique.  This will will lower the price to $65 for those spots – The times are 12:15pm – 12:30 and 12:35 - 12:50pm.

If you want to register or just find more info; here is the link: http://www.regonline.com/njscbwi2012conference

Deadline for “Early Bird” pricing is Midnight March 1st

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy

Lionel Bender is Co-Founder and Editorial Partner of UK-based book packager Bender Richardson White (BRW) and of MJL Digital Publishing. BRW creates, develops, and produces children’s illustrated nonfiction and educational materials for publishers in the UK and across North America. It regularly commissions SCBWI authors. MJL Digital Publishing produces self-guided walks in London for online delivery. Lionel is also the author of 65 children’s illustrated science and natural history books and a regular visitor to major book fairs in the US and internationally.

Lionel will conduct a four hour Intensive Workshop on Friday Afternoon, June 8th titled:

Working in Children’s Nonfiction

Description:

What does “nonfiction” include: not just information books but also educational materials, magazines, games, electronic products: a look at some examples. Understanding age ranges, reading levels, the international co-edition market. Illustration and design of children’s nonfiction.
How authors and illustrators can enter this field. How to pitch a nonfiction idea.

The Art and Craft of nonfiction writing: research; approach, and voice. Working with editors. Managing time. Contractual issues of payment, copyright; ensuring accuracy; deadlines; picture research.
How a typical illustrated nonfiction book is produced: The author and illustrator as part of a team. Stages of production of a children’s nonfiction book. Checking stages.

On Saturday and Sunday he is scheduled to do two workshops (descriptions below) and one-on-one consultations.

VISITING BOOK FAIRS: WHY AND HOW?

Description:

What and where are the major book fairs? Why should you visit them? What opportunities do they offer authors and illustrators? How can you maximize your chances of meeting publishers at these events? How do you get past the gatekeepers on the booths? How should you prepare for a visit? What should you do on the day? How do you follow up meetings? Learn the tricks of the trade from a regular book fair visitor and exhibitor. Question and answer time.

BOOK PACKAGERS 101

Description:

What are book packagers and why should you know about them? How do they differ from publishers? What types of books do they produce? Why do they exist and how do they work with publishers? How do they commission and work with authors and illustrators. How much do they pay? How do SCBWI get to meet them and work with them?
Workshop includes examples of book packagers products and what is special about them; handout with list of book packagers. Question and answer time.

Lots more stuff to report. Some new “Get You in Front of an Agent and Editor” ideas in the works. It is going to be a celebration of success and a path to future successes. Hope you will put it on your calendar of events you want to do.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy