Raab Associates
WHAT WE DO... We work with publishers, authors, specialty toy and audio companies and others to bring books and products to the attention of consumers most likely to purchase and recommend items for children. In 2001, we completed installation of an advanced, integrated computer system which allows for faster and more accurate ways of collecting and disseminating information for clients; staying in constant contact and providing same- or next-day responses to media requests; and it enables us to provide detailed reports on demand to our clients. The agency houses a 7,500-name database of national and local contacts interested in children's books and products. Our national contacts include producers at major TV and radio programs; editors at children's, women's, parenting and special-interest magazines; columnists for wire services and syndicates; reporters at top newspapers; editors for web sites in a broad range of interest categories. We maintain regular contact with key booksellers, contacts at review journals, industry associations and educators, including national workshop leaders, who are dedicated to ensuring that quality books and products reach children.
The agency has served as the off-site children's publicity department to publishers, toy and audio companies including Kids Can Press, Kingfisher, National Geographic, Pleasant Company and Briarpatch, Inc. We also work as adjunct staff to publicity and marketing departments of publishers and industry associations, such as Annick Press, Cricket Books, Penguin Putnam and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
As industry consultants in the children's field, we have advised companies from Africa, Europe and Canada as they enter the U.S. market. Companies organizations and individuals in the United States use our services to conduct market research and retail sampling campaigns and to expand their product reach into new markets. We also act as publicity agents and provide career management advice to children's authors and illustrators. Author and illustrator clients have included Avi, Paula Danziger, David Wisniewski and Jane Yolen.
BACKGROUND
Susan Salzman Raab founded Raab Associates in 1986 as the only agency dedicated to promoting and marketing children's books. Over the years, that has expanded to include other quality products for children and families. She serves as the Marketing Adviser to the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and, since 1994, has written the bi-monthly "To Market" column for SCBWI's national publication, The Bulletin. She is also the author of the book, An Author's Guide to Children's Book Promotion, now in its seventh edition. A regular speaker at industry conventions, she has also discussed children's book marketing and trends in media interviews on TV, radio and with the press.
