Returned home (to sleep out, under a massive storm, with the girl scouts) from a wonderful master-class yesterday hosted by the local chapter of SCBWI (Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators): Susan Raab, of Raab Associates. Her company specializes in marketing writers and creators of children's and teen products. Susan spoke, rapidly, in 90 minute segments, and I believe if we had a week to spend together she could have filled it with useful and interesting advice and context for us.
I'm writing an article for Children's Writer's Newsletter featuring services like this, and Ms Raab graciously allowed me to begin an interview with her which we will complete by phone. I'm amazed at how indefatigable she seems!
Before I went, I thought of myself as a basic-intermediate level self-promoter (I don't just mean random bragging, at which I am an expert). I think I did fall in that place on the scales Susan laid out to help determine the cost/benefit ratios (costs including time) of the types of promotional activities to engage in. But, as I hoped I would, I came away with a lot of insights and ideas!
You can have your own pocket consultant with Ms Raab's book: An Author's Guide to Children's Book Promotion. I'll let you know when the CWN article comes out, probably in the fall.
Here, though, is the starting point to get you going: YOU are the brand. Not your book, not your latest genre (necessarily), but YOU. So, what do you have to offer the market?
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Left Coast Crime
2 years ago
What a great resource. I would have loved to hear her presentation. I'm definitely going to keep Raab Associates in mind as I get closer to publishing/self-publishing/whatever.
ReplyDeleteBTW, isn't SCBWI the greatest. I'm fairly new to our regional chapter (San Diego) but continue to be amazed by the resources, presentations and exceptional community of writers that I belong to.
Sounds like it was time well spent! And YES! Please let us know when your article comes out...can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteAli B, it's inspiring just to trawl around the website and imagine the time when you WILL need those services! (And yes, SCBWI is great at creating an informed community. Love it!)
ReplyDeleteCyn, you know, I had a thousand other things that needed to be done, but went anyway. As usual, SO glad I did.
Great post, Casie! Would love to hear more about the "Brand" discussion.
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