AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS/ILLUSTRATORS

National Press Release--Vision Public Relations Group
E-Mail: coo@visionpublicityservices.com

African-American Children's Book Writers and Illustrators conference provides new and seasoned writers and artists with opportunities to network and learn from expert editors and published authors and illustrators in Charlotte, NC, April 25, 2009.

"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 online at AACBWI.com to be held at the Hilton Charlotte University Place hotel in Charlotte, NC.

AACBWI provides writers and illustrators with tools for success. According to the Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) report, published 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. Next year, AACBWI will celebrate its sixth year of literary service!

AACBWI Historic Conference is Open to All:
Both AACBWI and its first conference are open to anyone interested in children's book writing and illustrating—not just 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 are given on a first-come-first-serve basis. 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.

Sabra Robinson,
Host of AACBWI

About African-American Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (AACBWI): AACBWI is a volunteer community that provides encouragement, inspiration, professional development and networking opportunities for children's authors and illustrators. AACBWI is not an official affiliate of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (www.SCBWI.org).

For more information about AACBWI and the conference, visit www.AACBWI.com. Sign up to join the AACBWI online forum at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AACBWI.