Get Up Close with Librarians

PAL members, here’s an exciting chance to introduce hundreds of state teacher/librarians to your latest book and your school visit program! SCBWI Western Washington is hosting a session at the Washington Library Media Association annual conference on October 15, and you can apply to participate.

At the event, which will be similar to our semi-annual Inside Story events, authors and illustrators will briefly share the stories behind their books and how they might present them at a school or library visit. Then conference participants will have a chance to chat informally with the presenters, pick up swag and info, and get purchased books signed. The WLMA program describes it like this:

Behind the Books: Up Close with the Creators
Enjoy fast and furious presentations (think speed dating meets TED talks) from local authors and illustrators about their books, then mingle with the presenters for an informal meet-and-greet and signing.

The skinny:

Where: Highline Community College in Des Moines

When:

• The event: Saturday, October 15, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
• The application period: Opens Monday, August 15

Who: PAL members with titles published in 2016*, in two groups:

o   Pre-K and elementary grade readers (through sixth grade)

o   Middle-school and high-school readers (grades 6 – 12)

How many: 20 eligible participants in each age group — first-come, first-served

Our bookseller: Secret Garden Books

How to apply to participate:

1.     First, check your SCBWI membership and PAL status and renew or update as needed. Membership status will be confirmed for all participants, so check your Member Profile at www.scbwi.org now. See http://www.scbwi.org/about/levels-of-membership-2/  for more information about membership levels. See http://www.scbwi.org/pal-publishers/ for information about PAL publishers and special circumstances.
2.     Watch for the application period to open on August 15. We will post the info and link here on the Chinook Update blog and send out a Cvent mail to all current SCBWI-WWA PAL members.
3.     On August 15 or as soon thereafter as you can, apply by completing the Google form indicated when we declare the application period open. You’ll need your 2016 book title, publisher, publication date, etc.
4.     We’ll confirm participation and provide more information by August 31.

So mark your calendars for August 15 and get ready to apply!

FAQ:

Q: What’s the cost?

A: Absolutely zero! This opportunity is free for PAL members of SCBWI Western Washington who have a new title released or releasing in 2016.

Q: Can I apply for both sessions?

A: Choose the reader age group that your book most targets and that you’d most like to meet with at a school or library visit. If your book could realistically fit in either session, please indicate that in your application and we will consider you for your second choice if your first choice is already full.

Q: *What if my book came out in 2015 or is scheduled for 2017?

A: Because space is very limited and the event’s purpose is to help librarians identify books and potential visitors they don’t already know about, we’re starting with 2016 books. If we don’t reach the participant limit, we’ll put out a call for more, using an extended publication range, so watch the Chinook Update. And don’t forget that 2017 books will be eligible for forthcoming Inside Story events.

Q: What if my paperback came out in 2016?

A: If it’s a paperback original, you’re eligible. If it’s a paperback edition of a previous hardcover title, we’re sorry, but spaces will be reserved for original publication in 2016. (See the answer above.)

Q: Can I apply if I live in Oregon or Eastern Washington or anywhere else?

A: No; only members of SCBWI Western Washington are eligible this time. If you live in another region, talk to your region leaders about conducting similar events in your region.

Q: Is there a waiting list?

A: Yes; we’ll automatically build a short wait list so that if someone can’t make it, we can quickly fill that space. We’ll let you know as soon as possible if you’re accepted into the event or on the waitlist.

Q: What should be in my presentation?

A: We’ll provide more guidance when we send participant confirmations, but expect to talk for 2 minutes about the story behind your book, what you like to share with readers, and how you bring a unique experience to students at school visits.

Q: What if I don’t do school or library visits? Can I still showcase my book?

A: Yes, you can still apply to present your book. Have you thought about putting together a school visit program? :)

Q: What if I still have questions?

A: Email your hard-working SCBWI volunteers and PAL liaisons Laurie Ann Thompson or Joni Sensel.