Great Gracious Grant

Anne Sibley O’Brien and I were awarded the fine news that we had received a grant from the Maine Arts Commission (glory be their name) to produce 15 profile postcards to support her outreach for After Gandhi: One Hundred Years of NonViolent Resistance.

Charlesbridge Publishing has already done heroic work for the book producing a stand-alone website, downloadable posters, an ed guide, a book trailer, and a widget. They also did extensive outreach to peace, justice, and social action groups and publications.

Anne Sibley O’Brien, the writer, illustrator, activist that never rests asked, “what can I do and how do I pay for it?”

We decided since the pub had social networking covered, we would reach out to the groups associated with each of the 15 figures and movements profiled in the book. Using Anne’s water soluble pastel B&W portraits and the bold, beautiful design choices of the Charlesbridge Publishing art director, Susan Sherman, we are madly at work producing a series of oversized postcards to gift to the social action world.

Bring your address book to the Portland, ME Launch Party on May 1. We will be leading a major postcard writing campaign to activists, educators, and readers. Free prints to anyone that writes a postcard and a free book to the busiest postcard writer.

Wee Thoughts for Creators:
-After asking yourself who is MOST likely to buy the book, then ask yourself the best means to reach them. Who? Our answer was activists and promoters of the persons profiled. How? We researched addresses and sent the out strongest tool –Anne’s striking portraits.

-If you are an illustrator, look at art grants. They often look at grass roots efforts to promote fine art. Promoting your picture book MAY fall into their parameters.

-Do what Anne does, continue to ask “what’s next and how do we pay for it?” It is never too late to be promote your titles.