How many books is overkill for a series?

There is no limit to the number of books in a series. Magic Tree House Series is a long running series.  Many long running series are written by different writers. As long as a book's voice speaks to readers, the series lives.  

Explore the possibility of an overlapping series.  
Example:  Main Character from Series 1 meets Main Character from Series 2. Both characters cross paths throughout the series. Each character retains his/her own story.  Series 1 may appeal to a male readers, while Series 2 appeals to female readers.  

Either way, an author can encourage their audience to collect both series to learn the "full story."  Marketing breathes life into creativity.  Be savvy in your approach to entertaining your readers.

How do I establish myself as a speaker in schools?

The short answer:  One event at a time!  Establishing yourself as a speaker doesn't happen through self proclamation.  Here are three rules I followed entering the children's book market.

• Be informative, entertaining, and professional.  These qualities set speakers apart from wannabes and mundane know-it-alls. Informative enough that attendees leave empowered hearing your message. Entertaining in a way that attendees share their experience others.  And professional in the execution of a quality message.  

• Speak with audiences.  Speak "with" audiences and you'll communicate "with" everyone. Speaking "at" or "to" audiences creates a disconnect. Having connections leads to referrals and repeat attendance. These followers more than likely bring friends each time they hear you speak.

• Connect with other professional speakers. Attend others events to watch the speaker and audience interactions.  Take notes.  How do they connect?  Can their technique be applied to your public speaking? Most speakers are great mentors.  Especially, when the mentee pays attention, asks valid questions, and applies techniques.

Mark Wayne Adams

Author & Illustrator of King for a Day: The Story of Stories

2010 FPA President's Award-Winner