African-American Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators 1st Conference Apr. 25, 2009, Charlotte NC

PR Log (Press Release) – Nov 26, 2008 – Charlotte, North Carolina...
“I bet I could write or illustrate a kids’ book.” Has this thought ever crossed your mind? Or are you a published author or illustrator that needs a boost?  If so, register now for the history-making African-American Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (AACBWI) conference at the Hilton Charlotte University Place hotel.

AACBWI Provides Writers and Illustrators with Tools for Success
According to the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) report, Publishing in 2007, of the roughly 3,000 titles received by the CCBC in 2007 just 150 had “significant African or African-American content.” In 2003, the ratio was similar when Charlotte writer Sabra Robinson founded AACBWI as an online forum to provide writers and illustrators with tools for career success. Today, the AACBWI forum boasts over 200 members.

AACBWI Historic Conference Open to All
Both AACBWI and its first conference are open to anyone interested in children’s book writing and illustrating—not only people of color. To attend the conference, which includes a lunch buffet, all you need are the desires to network, increase your knowledge about the publishing business, and most importantly, strengthen your ability to write and illustrate books for children. You must also pay to register.

Network with Panelists and Workshop Presenters  
Conference attendees can learn from and network with the professionals listed below during panel discussions, workshops, critique sessions, and informally. For session titles visit AACBWI.com.

Sarah Ketchersid—Senior Editor, Candlewick Press
Eileen Robinson—Former Scholastic Executive Editor and Harcourt Editorial Manager, now of F1rstPages.com editing service
Eleanora E. Tate—North Carolina resident and award-winning author of over 15 fiction and non-fiction books for children, preteens, and teens (Celeste's Harlem Renaissance! )
Don Tate—Award-winning illustrator of over 25 children’s books (Sure As Sunrise: Stories of Bruh Rabbit and his Walkin' Talkin' Friends)
Christine Taylor Butler—Author of more than 40 books (A Mom Like No Other)
Jacquelin Thomas—Divine young adult novel series author (Simply Divine)
Kelly Starling Lyons—Picture book author (One Million Men and Me)
Christine Young-Robinson—Picture book author (Chicken Wing)

Manuscript & Portfolio Critiques
Conference presenters will critique participants’ manuscripts or portfolios for an additional fee. Critiques are limited and first-come-first-serve. Register soon, while slots last.

Costs and Sponsorship
The conference ranges from $55 for AACBWI members to $125 for non-members who register early, plus critique fees. Fees for non-members increase after February 1, 2009.

Conference sponsors include the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI.org). Complete details about conference costs, student and senior discounts, and sponsorship packages are available at AACBWI.com.