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Abrams, American Library Association, authors, Beach Lane Books, chapter book, conferences, Graphic Novels, illustrators, Kate Messner, Katherine Roy, kidlit, librarians, MG, Nell Cross Beckerman, picture book author, picture books, publishers, SCBWI events, Scholastic Press, YA
by Nell Cross Beckerman

What is ALA? Who gets to go to ALA? How can I go to ALA? Will my publisher pay for me to go to ALA? What is it like going to ALA? WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH ALA??
Perhaps these questions have been floating in your head for years, easy to ignore or not contemplate for too long. That’s what it’s been like for me. But this year, as the American Library Association (ALA) held its annual conference in San Diego last month, it was impossible for me to ignore the giddy updates and photos flooding my socials with friends who were SO EXCITED TO BE AT ALA!!!! Because I was there, too.
As a traditionally published picture book author who debuted in 2020, I’m happy to share my recap of how I got to go to the conference, along with some insider tips to help demystify attending ALA Annual.
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