SCBWI-WI Spring Luncheon 2009

     All the rain we had here in southeastern Wisconsin would have made today the perfect day to curl up with a good book. Instead, however, I had the great pleasure of previewing books about to be released, talking about books, mingling with some of the state’s best authors, seeing old friends, and making new ones at the SCBWI-WI Spring Luncheon. The annual event brings Wisconsin authors and illustrators together to share lunch and hear from a professional in the publishing world.

     Our guest speaker was Kendra Levin, editor at Viking Children’s Books, which is an imprint of Penguin. Kendra’s shown left, and I’m on the right.

     She spoke on a slew of issues, including how the economy is affecting acquisitions, which I found particularly interesting. Kendra assures us that publishers are still acquiring books (after all, that is what they do), although they’re being pickier and taking fewer risks. As such, she encourages authors to aim for specificity in their work: in hook, plot, target audience, and, later, the agent or publisher to which you submit.

     Good talk and very encouraging.

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L-L-Luncheon

     I’m looking forward to seeing some friends next Saturday at the SCBWI-Wisconsin Annual Spring Luncheon. The event brings together writers and illustrators for lunch and conversation with a professional in the publishing biz. This year, the guest speaker is Kendra Levin, editor at Viking Children’s Books. Take a look at their titles, and you’ll be duly impressed.

     It’ll be great to reconnect with this talented group and recharge for the next bout of writing.

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