Although I have written more than 40 children’s books, most have been nonfiction educational titles that are marketed and sold directly to schools and libraries. My forthcoming picture book, Just Say Welcome (Kar-Ben, September 2025), will be my first trade title, and I know I need to work hard to spread the word. One marketing vehicle is this website.
I have also recently joined the Jewish Book Council‘s (JBC) Network as an author available for book talks and other speaking events. The JBC’s virtual conference is May 20-22 this year and gives authors the opportunity to pitch their books to the many JBC Network sites, such as Jewish community centers, synagogues, Hillels, Jewish Federations, and cultural centers. After I pitch my book at the virtual conference, the hope is I get bookings with these sites and share my work with a wider audience. That, of course, means I have to craft my book “elevator pitch.” Can I explain my book and get an audience engaged in just a couple minutes? That’s what I’m working on now. If you’re a more experienced trade author, do you have any tips on touring, creating your book pitch, and book talks in general? If you are a Jewish author or have written a Jewish book, have you participated in the Jewish Book Council’s Network? If you have any marketing tips, please share them in the comments or let me know through my contact page.
Emily Raij 