Helaine Becker, via Zoom!

YOU'RE HIRED AT WRITER, INC. AND  - uh oh! - YOU'RE THE CEO!

ROI. B2B. Profit Centre. Supply Chain. Qualifying the Customer. If these and other business-related phrases strike fear in your heart, this workshop is for you. Learn the business basics you really need to jumpstart your writing career. Note: This class is not about the publishing business. It focuses on the skills you will need as a sole proprietor of a freelance writing or illustrating business. Another Note: Helaine has been a full-time children’s author and speaker since 2002. Prior to that, she owned a school supply business and worked as a Sales and Marketing professional.

Why this topic is fresh, new and essential: Helaine says, “no one talks much about the actual business and sales skills used in the rest of the world outside of publishing. Yet these skills are just as important if you want to sell your written work inside the world of publishing. With the recent upheavals and contractions in the publishing business, it is more important than ever to know how to sell your work effectively, using basic best practices that are de rigeur outside of the book biz, but practically unknown by writers. The skills I will be presenting in this workshop are essential for all people trying to make a go writing or illustrating children’s books, whether or not you are agented.”

What You’ll Learn:

In this extremely practical workshop, you’ll learn the surprisingly sensible (and surprisingly easy!) techniques used by professional sales reps to avoid wasting time and to close their deals.

These include:

•  Identifying your business model
• Following the money
• Qualifying your customer
• Making first contact
• The power of 7
•  Turning no into yes
• Contract basics

Testimonials about the You’re Hired! Workshop from attendees:

"Helaine Becker tells it like she sees it. A rarity among people in general, but even more so in the theoretically gentle world of children’s books. But, this is exactly what makes her such a compelling speaker, especially for other writers. She dishes out what you need to know, honestly, and adds a large dollop of encouragement. She can be funny too!" - Judy Brunsek, Director of Sales & Marketing, Owlkids Books

“I wish everyone could have heard your talk.” – Christian Trimmer, Publisher, Henry Holt Books for Children

“You’ve told us things we’ve never heard at a writer’s conference before” – Debra, PAL author

“One of the best lectures I have been to, and I'm not just saying that. I took seven pages of notes. The background information you gave for this was invaluable.” - Michelle D. – PAL author

“When the author, Helaine Becker came to the San Diego Chapter of SCBWI for a day of training, I did not anticipate the life-changing experience it was going to be. I found her presentation not only illuminating but entertaining. My pen couldn't write fast enough to capture her gems of wisdom about the creative process and publishing business. Her common sense, professional advice was priceless. We have had brilliant, inspiring speakers through our SCBWI chapter. Helaine Becker's day in San Diego was one of the best."  - Kathleen K. – prepublished author

“Hi Helaine, This is to thank you very much for your presentation at CANSCAIP PYI 2022. I watched the recording of "Run a Successful Writing Business" and learned more from it about the business of writing than I have learned over many years of working at it (on and off). Your focus on the importance of business skills makes so much sense! Thanks again” – C., prepublished author

“I absolutely LOVED Helaine's presentation today! Fan girling! I have always suspected her business approach to be true, but have never encountered anyone who speaks my language on this in my writing studies or critique groups. In my past as an Executive Producer (22 years) and Government Relations consultant (19 years), EVERYTHING was about developing relationships and 'sales'. So with my trusty manuscripts in hand, I will use my/her time tested relationship building skills and onward! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”  - Sarah

“Just attended your "Run a Successful Writing Business with or Without an Agent" at PYI. This is the most important workshop I've attended in a long time. I have been writing for twenty years, first YA took 14 years to write, querying, slowly submitting my PBs. Grants, check, placing in contests, check. Publications - not yet. Seven contact attempts - who knew?! Thank you, thank you for your words of wisdom today. I can do this! – T.D.

About the Presenter:

Helaine Becker the award-winning, bestselling author of more than 90 trade books for children and young adults. She is a popular presenter and performer at schools, libraries and festivals, both in North America and internationally. She was selected to tour four times for Canadian Children’s Book Week, a national celebration of children’s books and authors. She has also presented at the World Science Festival in NY, Vancouver Writers Fest, Surrey Writers Conference, Tucson Festival of Books, IFOA, the Orange County (California) Children's Festival, the Festival of Women Writers, Frye Fest, Weaving Words, and other major venues.

You’re Hired! was the keynote session at SCBWI Canada East's regional conference in 2016. It also was presented at the Packaging Your Imagination conference, Canadian Children's Book Centre Symposium, and SCBWI San Diego (Intensive Workshop) and many more. 

Helaine’s books include the international bestseller Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 (Christy Ottaviano Books/MacKids), the #1 Canadian national bestseller and “instant classic”, A Porcupine in a Pine Tree (Scholastic Canada), An Equal Shot: How the Law, Title IX, Changed America Forever (Christy Ottaviano Books/MacKids), Alice and Gert: An Ant and Grasshopper Story (Owlkids), Sloth at the Zoom, (Owlkids), and Emmy Noether: The Most Important Mathematician You Never Heard of (Kids Can Press).  

Awards include the UK Literary Award, Lane Anderson Award for Science Writing for Children (2010, 2013, shortlist 2017) Cook Prize Best STEM Book, Giverny Award for Best Science Book of the Year, Mathical Honor Prize, Picture Book of the Year, Bank Street Best Books of the Year, Junior Library Guild Selection (3x), the Silver Birch Award, and NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book.

Helaine is an active member of SCBWI (Canada East), CANSCAIP (Secretary, 2010-2012), Canadian Children’s Book Centre, The Writers’ Union of Canada and the Canadian Science Writers Association.

She has also acted as a contest judge for the Writers Union of Canada, The Lane Anderson Award, the Canadian Institute for the Blind, and the Toronto International Book Fair. She is an experienced critiquer for one-on-ones. And she’s funny. You’ll get plenty of laughs as well as a good kick in the pants pep talk. No B.S. (boring speechifying).