Sunday, May 31, 2009

Hispanic Heritage Month Event

I would like to let you know about a unique opportunity being presented to the Society of Latino and Hispanic Writers of San Antonio by Barnes and Noble, San Pedro Crossing, during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Debra Castanon, our Community Relations Manager at Barnes and Noble, would like to feature 8 to 10 of our writers/members who have published a book an opportunity to talk about their book via an author panel discussion.

The event would be held on a date to be determined (please provide input on the best date to hold this event with exception of Sept 17-21) between Sept. 15 and October 15--although we would like to host the event in September.

What is unique about this event is that if you're selected to be one of the authors, and you are self-published, Barnes and Noble will sell your book at the event on consignment. As you're aware, Barnes and Noble has not allowed consignment sales for quite a while so this would be a wonderful opportunity to not only talk about yourself and your book, but to sell it as well in the store at this event!

This event is not limited to self-published writers. If you have a book published by a small press or a large publishing house and are looking for an opportunity to promote your book in the store, this could be the opportunity you have been looking for. If selected, Barnes and Noble will order your book if it doesn't already have it in stock.

As I mentioned, we're looking for about 8 to 10 authors who will have about 5 to 8 minutes to present their book via a panel discussion. Since this event is in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, I would like to strongly encourage Hispanic authors or authors of books dealing with Hispanic culture, to consider being a part of this event.

If you are interested in being a part of this wonderful opportunity, please email me at Vincent_bosquez@yahoo.com and bring a copy of your book to our Monday, June 8, meeting. I will collect all the books and turn them over to Debra who will consult with the store manager and possibly the corporate folks for the final selection. Barnes and Noble will publicize this event with in-store posters and mentions in their store newsletter.

I know we have had several members publish books this year, or have appeared in an anthology, or know of authors who have published books who would like the opportunity to present at Barnes and Noble--please forward them this email.

As I mentioned, I believe this is a wonderful opportunity and encourage everyone to consider participating in this event and help me pass the word. Remember, June 8 is the deadline. Bring your book to the June 8 meeting at 7:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, please email or call me at (210) 845-4582. Please remember, not everyone that applies will be selected.