From founder Greg Fishbone:
Five years ago I founded the Class of 2k7 after realizing that signing my first book contract wasn’t the finish line I’d always thought it would be, but instead the start of a new process with a steep learning curve and a whole new set of skills. My idea was that a group of debut authors would be able to accomplish things together better than any of us would be able to do on our own, while sharing knowledge and resources along the way. We had a great year and attracted a lot of attention to our books while gaining confidence in the whole process of bringing a book to market. There have been 2k Class groups each year after that and a growing number of other collective groups inspired by us as well.
The focus of the 2k Classes is marketing to Booksellers, Librarians, and Teachers–the BLTs who have the power to put our books in front of readers. We use a variety of tools including a class website, brochure, blog, social networking, group signings, press releases, etc. Members are required to pay dues into the Class budget and provide a fair share of the work necessary to make the group a success. Each 2k Class so far has included members with a wide range of amazing talents and useful experience, and I’m sure that yours will as well.
Previous members:
Carrie Jones, Sara Zarr, Jay Asher, Rebecca Stead, Cassandra Clare, Jo Knowles, Lisa Schroeder, PJ Hoover, Albert Borris, Jeri Smith-Ready, to name a few
Qualifications:
Debut middle grade and young adult novelists whose publishers are listed in Children’s Writers and Illustrators Market
Fees:
$275
Class of 2k12:
If you or someone you know has a debut middle-grade or young adult novel coming out next year and would like to join, email me to learn more.
Missed you last night! And I LOVE your Bookshelf! 🙂
Missed you guys, too. I’ll be back in April, hopefully with one very trained puppy at home.
Wish I did. But that’s great you are letting others know about it. Hopefully someday.
This is great information. I hope I’ll need sooner rather than later 🙂
It’s a neat idea, and I think they’ve been very successful at using it as a publicity/marketing tool online. I love when authors can bond together to support each other.
Wah–I wish I did!! maybe 13 is my lucky number? 🙂