Raab Associates, Inc. provides courses-by-phone for children's book authors and illustrators and groups who want advice on children's publishing and career management. Courses are led by Susan Salzman Raab, national marketing advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and co-owner of Raab Associates, Inc., and by other experts in the field.
Telecourses are 1 1/2 hours in length to allow time for discussion. Discounts are available for groups of 5 or more people, and group session topics can be customized.
#1 Marketing Strategies for Creating Your Lucky Break in Children's Publishing
What does it take to get published today? What mix of timing, inspiration, determination, networking and perseverance does it take to attract the attention of a publisher? Can good books succeed these days without a gimmick or movie tie-in? Topics include:
| Building a strong foundation | Casting a wide net |
| Expanding your network | Marketing strategies to use before publication |
| Finding mentors | Laying groundwork for continued success |
#2 Beginner's Course: Children's Book Author Overview
Publishing is a close-knit business, and it's often hard for new authors and illustrators to learn about the industry. For anyone who is wondering:
| How do I start building a career? | Which organizations should I join right away? |
| Whom can I talk to? | What goes on inside a publishing house? |
| Which meetings should I attend? | What can I realistically expect from a publisher? |
#3 Advanced Course: Marketing for Published Children's Book Authors
Understanding the market is important whether you plan to work through your publisher, do your own marketing, or hire someone to promote your books. This course is designed for published authors who want to explore and expand their marketing options. Topics include:
| The role of the author | Broadening your audience |
| Working with publishers | Working with schools and bookstores |
| Weathering bad reviews | Publicity strategies online and off |
#4 Networking Etiquette
Etiquette's important whether you're contacting the media, making new friends at a convention, or negotiating with your publisher. The more you know about the expectations and concerns of the people involved, the better prepared you'll be to know where you fit in. Here's a chance to discuss some of the sticky situations we've all faced and to come up with some good strategies. Topics include:
| Building relationships that matter | Recognize danger signs that you're pushing too hard |
| How to spark interest in your books | Establishing a reputation worth building on |
| Common mistakes on the convention floor | Mail/Phone/E-Mail/In-Person - who to contact and how |
#5 The Publishing Series
This is a series of three telecourse sessions with written class materials, including the following topics:
1. Myths & realities
- --what you expect publisher to do for your book
--what they are likely to do
--working with your publisher
Glossary of terms
- --acronyms ABA, ALA, BEA, CBC, IBBY, ISBN, LC, LMP, NCSS, NCTE, NSTA, PMA, PW, SCBWI, SLJ, TLA
--formats: galley, blad, blues, f&g, advanced copy, hc/pb/plb, perma- bound,ebooks, print-on-demand
---review journals: Booklist, Book Links, Horn Book, etc.
---status: front/backlist, op, os
2. The Life-Cycle of a Book in-house
- --arrival & response
--editorial work
--sales
--marketing/promotion/publicity
--conventions
--special sales
--frontlist/backlist
Organizations/Associations/Journals/Media/On-line resources
- --organizations to join
--what to read (PW, SCBWI Bulletin, list serves, AOL writer's chat)
--contacts to maintain
3. Know your market/Broaden your reach
Networking with booksellers, teachers, librarians, parents, children and teens
Publicity
- --What's the Angle?
--When Should You Start?
--Coordinating with Your Publisher
--Timing
--Events and Tours
--Building on Your Success
Author Appearances
- --Bookstores
--Schools & Libraries
--Conventions
--How much time should you spend on the road?
The Internet
- --Building a Site
--Marketing on the Web
--Chats
Fees and Registration
The fee for each course is $200/individual, or $375 for a group of 5. Cost for the publishing series is $800.
To register, send your name, address, telephone number, email address and a check payable to Raab Associates, Inc. to 345 Millwood Road, Chappaqua, NY 10514. Be sure to indicate which program you're interested in. We'll contact you to arrange the course date(s) and time(s).
Consulting Services
Raab Associates, Inc. regularly provides consulting and research services for publishers and individuals. For pricing and information, call 914-241-2117, or email us at info@raabassociates.com.
