AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS (AACBWI) FIRST CONFERENCE, APRIL 25, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2009

CONTACT:
Sabra Robinson
704-763-8441
aacbwi@aol.com
www.aacbwi.com

AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS (AACBWI) FIRST CONFERENCE, APRIL 25, 2009 -- LIMITED SEATING

Sabra Robinson, AACBWI Founder

Charlotte, NC (BlackNews.com) - African-American Children's Book Writers and Illustrators mission is to assist, grow and encourage aspiring African-American children's authors and illustrators in obtaining their literary achievements by promoting opportunities for writers and illustrators. AACBWI is proud to present its first literary conference, which will provide new and seasoned writers and artists with opportunities to network and learn from expert editors and published authors and illustrators. This conference will take place 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. A conference bookstore will also be available during the conference and will be open to the public. This free, open-to-the-public portion of the conference is in keeping with our mission of giving back. It's anticipated that parents and kids, teachers, librarians and children's book lovers will stop by and meet our published members and keynote speakers. Black Forest Books & Toys is our conference bookseller.

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.

* Eleanora E. Tate--(Keynote) 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--(Keynote) Award-winning illustrator of over 25 children's books (Sure As Sunrise: Stories of Bruh Rabbit and his Walkin' Talkin' Friends)
* Sarah Ketchersid--Senior Editor, Candlewick Press
* Eileen Robinson--Former Scholastic Executive Editor and Harcourt Editorial Manager, now of F1rstPages.com editing service
* Christine Taylor Butler--Author of more than 40 books (A Mom Like No Other)
* Karen Strong--Atlanta resident and AACBWI host (AACBWI)
* 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 $70 for AACBWI members to $140 for non-members. Students and seniors also receive special pricing.

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.

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