« more discussions

• 

  greetings to all!

  Greetings! I'm a black feminist writer/educator and I'm new to Shelfari, but just joined this group and wanted to introduce myself. My first picture book, BIRD, came out last fall and we were thrilled to win several honors and awards: Lee & Low New Voices Honor Award, ALA Notable Book, Kirkus Reviews Best of 2008, Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award, and the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent (the last two went to Shadra Strickland, my amazing illustrator). I'm now trying to get my self-published YA novel, A Wish After Midnight, into young readers' hands, and would appreciate any contacts or advice you might have. I'm happy to provide review copies to librarians, and trailers for both my books can be found at my blog, www.zettaelliott.wordpress.com. I know that self-published books are generally dismissed by adults, but consider the statistics: according to the Cooperative Children's Book Center, less than 3% of children's books published in 2007 were authored by African Americans. I'm looking for a "third way" to get my stories into the world...any and all ideas are welcome!

  Zetta E started this discussion 9 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Wende B 

  Hi Zetta,

  Perhaps we can partner up and help one another. I'm writing a children's book, and also seeking resources. I didn't know the stats were so dire, but hey, never tell me the odds. Let me know what you think.

  posted 8 months ago. ( reply )

  show 1 reply

  • 

    Zetta E 

    Hi, Wende--making connections is definitely important. If you tell me what you're writing on, maybe I can help. Right now Lee and Low (my publisher) has opened their New Voices Contest--that's how I got published, so do check it out. There's info on The Brown Bookshelf website, which is also a great resource....

    posted 8 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Cookie G 

  Hello Zetta,

  I am also new to shelfari and this group. I attent a parenting group in my city. One part of the program allows us to have one on one time with our children and we read them books befor nap time. Im one of the more active parents that often bring books from home into the center to share with other mothers or the center itsself. The organization that I attend are always looking for new ideas to share with the children or get them involved in. Alot of the parents that attend are in the process of gaining custody of their children back, so reading time is one of the ways that they bond with their child. I would love to introduce your books to the group. This is one way to distribute your books. Not just to this group, but to many other organizations like this. Or maybe even to family shelters. I stayed at a shelter last year and their were very little books by African American authors to read to my children, so I know the need and importance to get them out there. You might also try day cares. These are just some suggestions, I hope it helps. I'd love to help in any way you may need.

  posted 8 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Zetta E 

  Hi, Cookie. Thanks for these great suggestions! My picture book, Bird, is generally for older children (8-12) but I do think that shelters and community centers would be great places for it. Right now we're sold out, unfortunately, but more books should be coming in in April. The young adult novel probably wouldn't work for your reading group, but I'd love to find a mother/daughter teen reading group...definitely something to think about. Thanks again for the ideas!

  posted 8 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  mossflower 

  Hi Zetta
  I live in England but if i can help shout

  posted 8 months ago. ( reply )

  show 1 reply

  • 

    imogene (edited)

    Hi... can you tell me anything about the self publisher Author House based in London?

    Also do you know where the conference event commerating Lincoln's Bicentennial will be held? Which university and city? I'd love to know... I know it will be operative July 3, 2009

    posted 8 months ago. ( reply )

• 

  Zetta E 

  Thanks, Mossflower! I wish I could be in England this weekend for the children's literature conference at Oxford...my good friend Laura Atkins teaches at Roehampton, and often organizes kidlit events in Brighton and London. Perhaps you know her already? www.lauraatkins.com.

  posted 8 months ago. ( reply )

• To reply to this discussion, please sign in or join now.

Return to top