Texas: North Central/Northeast

While most writers long to see their books in bookstores, have their name bantered around with other well-known authors, and receive royalty checks; the truth is that the market is more difficult than ever before and even good writer’s have problems finding home for their work. The educational market, though also feeling financial pains, is still a strong and viable place for writer’s to get published, have young readers read the authors words of fiction or nonfiction, and bring in money upfront, whether the book(s) sell well or not.

Libraries and schools are filled with books written by authors like you. Want to break in to the educational and work for hire market? Shirley Duke and Kathryn Lay will share their experiences in writing educational nonfiction and present information that will help you write for them, too. They will talk about writing samples, educational publishers, suggesting series and getting assignments, book packagers, the pros and cons, the importance of being a fast, accurate and willing writer, and how to locate these markets so you can get started—and then find your books in libraries, too.

Shirley Duke is a children’s author, editor, freelance writer, blogger, and presenter. She’s the author of two trade books and nineteen educational market science books. She science content edited 24 books this past year. She's written a variety of freelance materials for book packagers and individuals. A former teacher, Shirley began writing for children in 1999 and loves writing about science. She blogs about nonfiction at SimplyScience. She splits her time between Garland and the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico. Visit

Kathryn Lay is the author of 24 books of fiction and nonfiction published and soon to be published books. Nineteen of them are written for the educational/work for hire market. Twelve books are a result of two series. She is also the author of Crown Me!, a humorous middle grade novel and Josh’s Halloween Pumpkin, both trade books. She is the author of The Organized Writer is a Selling Writer. She also has had over 2000 articles, essays and stories published for children and adults in magazines and anthologies. Her website is