Join us for a well-balanced and impactful day-long program from start to end. Our faculty, recognized experts and influential figures in the field of Children’s Literature, will inspire and motivate you with big picture ideas as well as tightly-focused sessions, providing attendees with insights or skills to bring you to the next level in your publishing journey.
DAN SANTAT • In a growing world of AI and social media Dan will discuss the inspirations to some of his most important work and show how truth, empathy, honesty, and embracing the beauty of humanity are the real true tools of good storytelling.
TIFF LIAO • What makes a good first paragraph? How can you establish your character and world while avoiding the dreaded infodump? Is it true you should always begin a chapter with action? We'll look at some different examples of beginning chapters that work -- and some that don't -- and learn how to craft an opening passage that will keep the pages briskly turning.
SALLY KIM • How do traditional publishers generally think about marketing and publicity and how do their strategies and tactics vary depending on the book? What kind of marketing support can you reasonably expect and what is the timeline? How should you approach working with your publisher on marketing, and what should you be doing on your own? You’ll learn the answers to all these questions and more in this breakout session of marketing leader turned literary agent, Sally Kim.
TAMMY YEE • Lucky us, we live Hawai’i! Yet even in this multicultural paradise, keiki possess unique cultural, intergenerational, and socio-economic experiences that can make them feel like boats adrift in turbulent seas. Trawling your own vulnerabilities for universal themes can be the lifeline to empower children to embrace their own voices and stories.
SALLY KIM • Submit your illustration or manuscript samples for an opportunity to receive live feedback in this large group session. Whether you choose to submit, or just watch, you'll gain insights on how to make your first impression stronger. We regret that there will not be time to review all submissions, but will try to accommodate a variety of illustration and manuscript types and as many samples as possible. Free with registration–One submission per attendee maximum. Information about how and what to submit will be available in the Events Tab of your Member Home page after registration.
DAN SANTAT • The biggest challenge to writing a picture book is the word count, but with this wordless picture book approach instructed by Dan Santat you will see how your illustrations can tell a large portion of the story which leaves room for the author to add more meaningful impact to the text. Pictures and words have a balance and with that knowledge you can craft more effective stories. You don't need to be an artist to take this session.
TIFF LIAO • This is a Q and A session with Tiffany Liao, a Senior Editor at Penguin/Random House. Enjoy this lively half-hour of questions and answers. Wondering about how to address developmental edits? Looking for insights into current market trends in children's publishing? Curious about what elements would make a strong manuscript in your genre stand out? Bring your questions that you’ve always wondered about for answers that are sure to illuminate.