CLS: Hope & Determination

Find strength, inspiration, and education from speakers whose stories share hope and determination, even while faced with life’s difficult moments.

MARIANNA RICHMOND | Author

10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Thursday, July 7, Orchestra Hall | “From Brain Tumor to Bestselling Children’s Book Author”

10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Friday, July 8, Orchestra Hall | “From Zero to Nine Million Copies Sold: An Insider Peek into the Publishing Industry”

At 9 years old, Marianne Richmond had her first epileptic seizure. There would be countless more until the cause was finally determined in her 20s: a benign brain tumor. Complicating her journey was her mother who, because of her own trauma, didn’t allow Richmond to have medication to control her seizures. It was during her recovery from brain surgery that she started painting cards for her well-wishers and wrote and self-published her first book. Since then, the prolific author has gone on to write and illustrate more than 70 titles and sell nine million copies of her beloved books that help people share their heart and connect with those they love. “I write for the unique everybody,” says Richmond. “Although our stories are different, our feelings are a lot the same.”

Many people want to write and publish a book. And yet, the publishing industry remains a mystery. Do I need an agent? Should I self-publish or seek a traditional publisher? How does a book go from idea to bookshelf? Who decides which books get seen? How do I make and sell books myself? In 1991, Marianne wrote, illustrated and self-published her first book. Two decades later, she has sold nine million copies of her 70+ books with front-row knowledge of how exactly it’s done. With self-publishing on the rise, too, there are even more ways to get your book from idea to market.  Come learn from Richmond, a self-made publishing success story.