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The UK division of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is opening up its annual conference to published authors for the first time.
This year, the conference will include "Pulse", a series of professional development events, said chair Marnie Riches.
“We’re a breeding ground for aspiring authors but we’ve got quite a few published members as well,” she said. “We’re providing professional advice but there is also the networking and socialising element.”
The idea for Pulse came from SCBWI member and published author Candy Gourla, who pointed out that “mid-list authors often struggle because publishers put huge marketing spends behind the big-hitting writers such as Jeff Kinney”, said Riches.
The conference will take place 1st-2nd November and the Pulse track will open with a keynote speech from Sally Gardner.
Riches has also organised an event on how to use twitter, a website building advice session, and a panel discussion on how authors can reach out to schools.
Finally, BBC presenter Claire Balderson will host mock interviews with authors, who can take the videos home to post on YouTube or their own websites.