I'll be attending the conference for the first time, displaying my book at the IBPA booth as well, #1547. Your pre-Conference sounds wonderful. I look forward to hearing more about it. I'll be volunteering on Friday from 5:30 - 7:00 and on Sunday from 1:00-3:00. If you get a moment to stop by when I'm there, I'd love to meet you. You're an inspiration to us Indie authors! If you have a booth, I'll stop by. I'm still figuring out the schedules and locations of things. I've started my schedule for a few talks and am excited about participating in the conference with beloved librarians. I'm also enjoying time with family, so I won't be at the conference full-time.
The IBPA has this Networking Mixer, June 27th @ 6:30pm If you’ll be attending the conference in person, make sure to join us at the IBPA, PubWest, and IPC networking mixer on Friday, June 27 between 6:30 – 9pm. It’s free and open to all, so invite friends and colleagues. Visit this page for more details: https://www.ibpa-online.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1967879&group=
When: Friday, June 27, 2025
6:30 - 9 pm
Where: Circ Bar - lobby of Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Darcy, wishing you oodles of wonderful conversations at the conference and smooth sailing in your travels! Much gratitude for your generosity in sharing what you know about the world of children's books. I am chomping at the bit for the release of your new book "Publish!"
Thank you for another insightful post! I’ve been following your journey and found your experiences at ALA and the upcoming Kickstarter both inspiring and practical.
I’m currently developing a graphic novella series titled Ubuntu Rising: The Children of Thunder. It’s a culturally rich African superhero story rooted in Zambian mythology, aimed at middle-grade readers. I’m considering launching a Kickstarter to help fund the illustration and production of the next volume, but I’m still weighing my options and learning about best practices for children's publishing in this space.
Since you’re launching your own Kickstarter for PUBLISH and clearly have experience navigating both indie publishing and crowdfunding, I was hoping you might have a moment to share any advice. Specifically:
Do you think Kickstarter is a good fit for a graphic novel like Ubuntu Rising?
What key elements make a children’s book Kickstarter successful?
How important are mailing list size or social media metrics before launching?
I’d be incredibly grateful for any insight you can share. Wishing you all the best with NOT EXTINCT and the Kickstarter launch for PUBLISH!
Have fun! I’m so glad you mention business cards & flyers… published writers shouldn’t hesitate to share those with any librarians they meet along the way! It may seem hard to self-promote, but any librarian at a big conference will encounter hundreds of books & author names and it’s hard to remember them later. I once met a wonderful author at a dinner who didn’t tell me she was signing at a booth the following day (luckily I happened upon her, but don’t leave that to chance).
Hi Darcy,
I'll be attending the conference for the first time, displaying my book at the IBPA booth as well, #1547. Your pre-Conference sounds wonderful. I look forward to hearing more about it. I'll be volunteering on Friday from 5:30 - 7:00 and on Sunday from 1:00-3:00. If you get a moment to stop by when I'm there, I'd love to meet you. You're an inspiration to us Indie authors! If you have a booth, I'll stop by. I'm still figuring out the schedules and locations of things. I've started my schedule for a few talks and am excited about participating in the conference with beloved librarians. I'm also enjoying time with family, so I won't be at the conference full-time.
Jeanmarie (J. N. Courtney Publications)
The IBPA has this Networking Mixer, June 27th @ 6:30pm If you’ll be attending the conference in person, make sure to join us at the IBPA, PubWest, and IPC networking mixer on Friday, June 27 between 6:30 – 9pm. It’s free and open to all, so invite friends and colleagues. Visit this page for more details: https://www.ibpa-online.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1967879&group=
When: Friday, June 27, 2025
6:30 - 9 pm
Where: Circ Bar - lobby of Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
1201 Market St
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
United States
Are you going to that?
I don't think so. I'm still working out some details.
Jeanmarie
Oh, great! I'll probably try to stop by on Friday evening then.
I don't have a separate booth, just the IBPA booth this time.
Philly bound!
Darcy
Darcy, wishing you oodles of wonderful conversations at the conference and smooth sailing in your travels! Much gratitude for your generosity in sharing what you know about the world of children's books. I am chomping at the bit for the release of your new book "Publish!"
Thanks! I’m looking forward to ALA and to PUBLISH!
Darcy
Huge Congratulations, Darcy. Knock 'em dead!
Hi Darcy,
Thank you for another insightful post! I’ve been following your journey and found your experiences at ALA and the upcoming Kickstarter both inspiring and practical.
I’m currently developing a graphic novella series titled Ubuntu Rising: The Children of Thunder. It’s a culturally rich African superhero story rooted in Zambian mythology, aimed at middle-grade readers. I’m considering launching a Kickstarter to help fund the illustration and production of the next volume, but I’m still weighing my options and learning about best practices for children's publishing in this space.
Since you’re launching your own Kickstarter for PUBLISH and clearly have experience navigating both indie publishing and crowdfunding, I was hoping you might have a moment to share any advice. Specifically:
Do you think Kickstarter is a good fit for a graphic novel like Ubuntu Rising?
What key elements make a children’s book Kickstarter successful?
How important are mailing list size or social media metrics before launching?
I’d be incredibly grateful for any insight you can share. Wishing you all the best with NOT EXTINCT and the Kickstarter launch for PUBLISH!
Warm regards,
K.A. Mulenga
Children’s Book Author
www.kamulenga.com
Have fun! I’m so glad you mention business cards & flyers… published writers shouldn’t hesitate to share those with any librarians they meet along the way! It may seem hard to self-promote, but any librarian at a big conference will encounter hundreds of books & author names and it’s hard to remember them later. I once met a wonderful author at a dinner who didn’t tell me she was signing at a booth the following day (luckily I happened upon her, but don’t leave that to chance).