SCBWI Ventura/Santa Barbara
The Business of Writing and Illustrating for Children:
Cyber-Promotion and School Visits
January 26-28, 2007
4:30 p.m. Friday – 1:00 p.m. Sunday
at
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Mission Renewal Center
2201 Laguna Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
For published authors and illustrators (books or periodicals),
or those with a contract for an upcoming children's publication.
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JANUARY 12
ABOUT THIS WEEKEND
If you have ever been overwhelmed with the thought of licking one more stamp or envelope to promote your books, school visits or services, then this is the right retreat for you. Gather with other published authors and illustrators to discover ways put cyber-promotion to work for you and free your time up for more creative endeavors.
During the weekend, you’ll participate in instructive sessions,
small group idea-shares and hands-on development of materials related
to your works. You’ll find ways to “work smarter, not harder”
at promotion from the comfort of your computer chair.
SESSION 1: “Blog Your Book: The Easy Way to Market Your Book”
One of the most important things an author needs in order to successfully
market a book to a publisher is a solid platform. Publishers want to know
you can provide buyers for the book. A blog can help solve the problem
if you don't have a list already built. Blogging experts Patsi Krakoff
and Denise Wakeman will show you how to maximize your blog presence to
attract the media - and drive book sales as you do.
About the Presenters: Patsi Krakoff and Denise Wakeman
Patsi Krakoff and Denise Wakeman, known as The Blog Squad™, teamed up in 2003 to work with authors, consultants and other solo professionals to maximize their marketing strategies by implementing ezines, blogs and ecommerce tactics. Their "blog crisis prevention" programs help turn ordinary blogs from boring to brilliant. Krakoff and Wakeman have co-authored "Build a Better Blog: The Ultimate Guide for Boosting Your Business with a Professional Blog", "Confessions of a Reluctant Blogger: From Boring to Brilliant in 30 Days" and the "Blog to Book Project" (www.blogtobook.com). Their blog is at www.BuildaBetterBlog.com.
SESSION 2: “Revving Up Your Online PR Machine by Roxyanne Young”
How can you position your website to generate traffic and sales? In this
workshop you will learn how to use online publicity tools to drive traffic
to your website, create a digital press kit/school visit kit, optimize
Search Engines locators, use streaming audio and video to maximize your
site's PR potential, and set up a shopping cart to sell books and other
products related to your work to help generate income. Participants will
receive an action plan and a special report on how to write a press release.
About the Presenter: Roxyanne Young
Roxyanne Young is the Editorial Director of SmartWriters.com, named one of Writer's Digest's 101 Best Websites for Writers in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006. The co-author of TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS: MYSTERIOUS CREATURES THAT MAY OR MAY NOT EXIST (Darby Creek), Roxyanne also does business, technical, and copy writing as well as developmental editing for children's writers. www.SmartWriters.com and www.SmartWritersPro.com.
SESSION 3: "A+ Author Materials: How To Be Every Teacher's Pet"
Money and time are scarce commodities in school districts and classrooms,
and competition for limited resources is fierce. But authors who add value
to their school presentations with materials aligned with state standards
have an edge with the people who have the power to say, "Yes! Come
speak at our school!" Bring your favorite published or soon-to-be
published book and learn how to create lesson plans and student handouts
that will make you every teacher's pet!
About the Presenter: Barbara Jean Hicks
Barbara Jean Hicks, a former teacher of students at all levels, is an educational consultant who helps school communities develop programs to meet federal education requirements. In a former life, Barbara also wrote marketing copy and edited and proofread manuscripts for numerous trade publishers. She is the award-winning author of thirteen "grown-up" books and four picture and board books. Her first children's picture book, Jitterbug Jam (Farrar Straus & Giroux, 2005, illustrated by Alexis Deacon), received several starred reviews and was named a 2006 ALA Notable Children's Book, among many other honors. www.barbarajeanhicks.com
SESSION 4: “Cybersafety: What Every Author Needs to Know”
The Internet can be a scary place, and presents some very real threats
to writers, from phiishing scams, to Identity threats, to hijacking your
computers. This presentation will cover concepts, principles and procedures
for getting the most from the Internet, without exposing yourself to the
bad guys. A CD-ROM packed with tools will be included.
About the Presenter: David Boeshaar
David Boeshaar is a systems analyst for Disney and a computer consultant who has helped many children’s authors and illustrators out of sticky cyber-jams.
BONUS SESSION: “Blogging with Greg Pincus”
Gregory K. Pincus has written for the big screen (Little Big League), the small screen (the Disney Channel's Alley Cats Strike and many other movies), and the computer screen (where you can find him blogging at http://gottabook.blogspot.com). Greg is thrilled to have his first novel, The 14 Fabulous Fibs of Gregory K., coming out soon from Arthur A. Levine Books.
FACILITATOR: Alexis O’Neill
Alexis O’Neill, V/SB Regional Advisor, author, school visit expert
and columnist of “The Truth About School Visits” for the SCBWI
Bulletin.
SCHEDULE:
On Friday, we have our first meeting at 5:00 pm, dinner at 6:00
and then The Blog Squad after dinner until 9:00 pm. Breakfast the next
morning is at 8:00 am. There will also be a program after dinner on Saturday,
but it will be shorter (with a social to follow).
CLICK HERE to print out registration form. Non MS Word users - CLICK HERE to print out registration form.
Who can register for the Retreat? Any published SCBWI member (books and/or periodicals) or a member who has a contract for an upcoming children’s publication.
Are there any preparation requirements? Bring
along 1) any published book(s) and/or articles for which you wish to develop
materials. 2) five copies of your bio -- one 50-word bio and one 100-word
bio.
What are the accommodations like? Dormitory setting with bathrooms
and showers down the hall. Single rooms and double rooms available. Buffet
meals at 8 a.m., noon and 6 p.m.
How much does the retreat cost? The fee is $350.00 per person double
occupancy and $375 per person single occupancy. This includes overnight
accommodations for two nights (Friday and Saturday), meals from Friday
evening through Sunday breakfast, & all sessions.
Are Daytrippers welcome? The day-tripper price will be $275 and includes all sessions and all meals. (Friday dinner, 3 meals on Saturday, 2 on Sunday).
What is the refund policy? No refunds on full payment after January 12 unless there is someone to take your place. All refunds are subject to a $50 processing fee.
When is the fee due? NEW
DEADLINE: January 12, 2007
Questions? Contact Alexis O’Neill: CLICK
HERE to e-mail Alexis or (805) 581-1906