There’s a reason why Austin SCBWI has such a following around the country. This is a community overflowing with talent. Not only do children’s authors flourish here in central Texas, they are also generous with their knowledge and support. Once a month, SCBWI members gather to hear one of our own share wisdom, experience, and advice about specific aspects of the writing life. (note photo of Gene Brenek, Jenny Ziegler, Debbie Gonzales, and Brian Anderson relegated to the floor of this standing-room-only meeting.)
March 14th, Lila Guzman spoke to a crowded room at Book People about strategies for increasing your manuscript’s marketability. I know of nobody who is as energetic and determined with marketing strategies.
As an author of fourteen children’s books including biographies, historical fiction, and anthology short stories, Lila is a youthful sage of “been-theres” and “done-thats.” She spoke much about considering marketing possibilities while writing a book, whether it is fiction or nonfiction. With creative marketing possibilities in mind, Lila has become a proactive marketer of her books through professional organizations, historical societies, the cities and states significant to the stories, through notable endorsements, and by presenting her work during numerous school visits. The depth of generous tips offered was enlightening to all eager listeners in the audience.
Curriculum, too, is a subject Lila considers with each of her books. By weaving age specific history lessons into her entertaining stories, schools become huge purchasers of her work. Perhaps Lila’s best piece of advice for writers trying to break into the school market was “Think like a teacher.”
I encourage you to take a peek at Lila Guzman’s website www.lilaguzman.com and pick up one of her books for a child in your life or for your inner child. You are assured a history lesson without even realizing it.
Quote for the day:”True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.”—George Washington (1732-1799)First American president
