DAYTON BOOK EXPO MAY 1

On Saturday, May 1, 2010, authors from across the nation will gather for the first Dayton Book Expo. In addition to book signings, the one-day expo will feature panel discussions for aspiring authors, activities for children in the Kidz Zone and an appearance by a celebrity author. The event will be held from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in the Great Hall at Sinclair Community College's Ponitz Conference Center, 444 West Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

Valerie J. Lewis Coleman, expo co-founder says, "We have traveled to many cities as participating authors at city-wide book events. Each time wondering why Dayton doesn't have a similar platform to connect avid readers and authors." Coleman, who is an award-winning author and publisher, hosts annual writing workshops in the city. "We collaborated on this endeavor to make Dayton a place where book lovers connect. The expo is an opportunity to promote and encourage literacy in our community. Traditional and self-published authors will provide lively and detailed discussions about the literary business while Kidz Zone will have story tellers, reading games and crafts."

"Marketing is the most difficult aspect of publishing," says Charlotte Brown, author and expo co-founder. "As a bookseller, I was compelled to recognize the authors' accomplishments and will be reporting sales to New York Times and Essence Bestsellers Lists." As an added bonus for authors, the top seller in each genre will be awarded as a Dayton Book Expo Bestseller. The achievement includes a crystal plaque, book medallions and year-long presence on the Web site.

Expo co-founder and award-winning author, LaTonya Branham, invites sponsors to collaborate with the Dayton Book Expo. She says, "We anticipate more than 1,000 book lovers at our first event. Since the expo is an investment in our community, we hope to partner with sponsors as they are vital to its success." Businesses, organizations and private donors can send inquiries for sponsor-level information to Sponsors@DaytonBookExpo.com or call LaTonya Branham at 513.265.9412.

The Dayton Book Expo is consulting with world-renowned artist, Willis "Bing" Davis, on the design of a commemorative poster which will be designed by a Dayton artist. A portion of the proceeds from the poster will be donated to the Haiti relief efforts.

Authors have confirmed from the Greater Dayton area, Atlanta, Memphis, Detroit and throughout Ohio. Authors interested in autographing at the Dayton Book Expo can register online at DaytonBookExpo.com/Registration.html.