Event Description
| Publishing Trends, Marketing Opportunities, and the Evolving Craft of Captivating the Little Ones |
| A Panel Discussion with Q&A |
Mon. March 25 at 6 PM Pacific
Join us for “No Kidding — Children’s Books Are Big Business,” where you’ll explore the intricacies of publishing trends, marketing opportunities, and the evolving craft of captivating young minds. This panel discussion features an array of experts, including celebrated children’s book authors, esteemed publishers, innovative marketers and promoters that span self-publishing to hybrid and traditional publishing spheres.
You’ll walk away with insights into the creative and commercial aspects of producing content that resonates with children and stands out in a competitive market. Learn about the latest strategies for reaching young readers, the importance of storytelling in a child’s development, and how to successfully navigate the publishing industry’s shifting landscape. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted children’s book business, equipped with practical advice for engaging the next generation of readers and bringing your book to market.
Kitty Felde, award-winning public radio journalist, podcaster, TEDx speaker, writes the “Fina Mendoza” series of middle grade novels and podcasts designed to introduce civics to kids
Steven Joseph, award-winning author of the “Snoodles” series and “The Last Surviving Dinosaur: The TyrantoCrankaTsuris”, first-generation American, son of a Holocaust Survivor, masterful attorney, seasoned negotiator, engaging speaker, and long-distance runner
Cheryl Willis Hudson, award-winning children’s book author, member of the PEN Children’s Book Committee, and co-founder of Just Us Books – published titles include the classic “AFRO-BETS ABC Book” and “Bright Eyes, Brown Skin”
Wade Hudson, president of Just Us Books, an independent publisher of children’s books that celebrates Black history and culture, and an award-winning author of the recent title “The Reckoning”
Derek Taylor Kent, author of 19 books for a variety of ages and genres, is most well-known for his 4-book middle-grade series “Scary School”, published by HarperCollins, and is co-founder of Whimsical World
Kelly Anne Manuel, children’s book author of 31 books – one for each day of the month – spanning four series: “The Essentials Series”, “The Rainbow’s End Series”, “The Classics”, and “My Name Is Series”
Lee Wind, Harvard graduate with a master’s degree in education, he writes stories empowering kids and teens – the same books that would have changed his life as a young gay, Jewish kid
Moderator:
Desireé Duffy, advocate for storytellers, futurist, entrepreneur, marketer and public relations professional, and founder of Black Château, the Webby Award-winning Books That Make You brand, and The BookFest
