If you’re reading this, then odds are you’re part of the kidlitosphere. If so, you owe it to yourself to consider attending the2009 Kidlitosphere Conference.
What is the Kidlitosphere Conference? It’s just what it sounds like — an opportunity for bloggers and authors and others to get together and discuss how the online world intersects with kidlit publishing and vice-versa…and what the two can do for each other.
The Kidlitosphere Conference was started a couple of years back by my friend Robin Brande. I went to that inaugural conference in Chicago and had an absolute blast. It’s a great, informal gathering for authors and bloggers to get to know one another and — best of all — learn how to help each other.
This year, Pam Coughlan (you may know her by her online handle, “MotherReader”) is running the event, which will take place in October in the Washington DC area. It’s a great opportunity to meet and chat with some terrific people in and about a field we all love. Plus, DC is beautiful in the fall, so you can go to the conference and then spend the rest of the weekend enjoying the sights.
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend this year, as prior commitments will keep me away. But if you’re interested at all in kidlit and the kidlitosphere, consider attending. You can find more details on the Kidlitosphere site.
And if you’re too lazy to click that link, here are some basics about this year’s event:
For authors, illustrators, editors, and publishers in the area of children’s and Young Adult literature, the October 17th Kidlitosphere Conference in Arlington, VA offers an incredible opportunity to learn more about online reviewers, blog book tours, blog writing, and social media. Participants will also talk to forty book reviewing bloggers one-on-one about their books in a Meet the Author session. The dinner gives everyone has a chance to socialize, talk, network, and collaborate. And all for a low $100 registration fee, which includes breakfast and dinner.
Featured sessions include:
* It’s Not All About Your Book: Writing Ideas for Author Blogs
* Social Networking for Fun (and Profit?).
* Building a Better Blog: Best Practices, Ideas, and Tips
And several more sessions in the 8:00-5:00 p.m day. Attending authors will have the opportunity to set up a table and show their books to bloggers. This is a great opportunity to connect with the blogging community and promote fall titles.
For more information and to register visithttp://kidlitosphere.org/KidLitosphere_Central/KidLitosphere_Conference/KidLitosphere_Conference.html or e-mail: MotherReader@gmail.com.