North Harris College Writing Center and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators to co-host the New York / Texas Exchange
 
How important is a first impression? An editor’s first impression of your manuscript is critical. A first page can give your story wings or sink its chances of ever seeing daylight. Want an insight from a professional about your first page? How about information about writing children’s books?
 
Editor Susan Kochan of Penguin Putnam is just one of five presenters offering workshops at this year’s New York / Texas Exchange - Writing and Illustrating Books for Children event on Jan. 26, 7:45 a.m.
to 5 p.m. at North Harris College. 
 
For Kochan’s presentation, each registered attendee may submit the first page of one manuscript for editor’s comments during her session. Each page will receive a written note from Kochan, and some first pages will be used during her talk.
 
Additional presenters and their workshops include:
·  Author Paula Danziger, The Write Career: All That Glitters
· Illustrator/Author Hudson Talbott, The Write Illustrations
· Author Elizabeth Levy, LEVYty: The Write Humor
· Author Ellen Yeomans, Write from the Heart: Sensitive Subjects

North Harris College’s Writing Center and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) will co-host the Exchange. Participants will hear each presenter’s take on getting published in the childrens’ book biz. 

The day’s activities include a lecture by each professional, lunch and time to view art and publications from all local subscribers who are SCBWI members. The public is welcomed at no cost to view the art and book displays exhibited in NHC’s Library art gallery and to attend an afternoon autograph session. A reception for librarians and educators is being planned as well. 
 
Registration fee for the entire program is $50 for SCBWI members ($65 non-members) before Jan. 7. After Jan. 7, the fee is $60 for members ($75 for non-members) Seating is limited and a box lunch is provided. For more information, guidelines or to register, call Sally Lee at 281-980-9538, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.SCBWI-Houston.org

“This is a very exciting event,” says Charles Trevino, NHC associate professor and SCBWI member. “These editors, authors and illustrators are professionals, who are willing to share some of their behind-the-scene information in getting published in today’s market.”
 
North Harris College is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one mile south of FM 1960, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. Registration for spring classes is now in progress. For more information about the college, call 281-618-5400 or send e-mail to: [email protected]
 
North Harris Montgomery Community College District, the fourth largest community college in Texas, comprises North Harris College, Kingwood College, Tomball College, Montgomery College, five satellite centers and The University Center.  Cy-Fair College, the district’s fifth comprehensive college, will open in 2003.