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:
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?
