By David A Maurer
Daily Progress, Charlottesville, VA - Dec 2009

As a "just-published" author, Jayne wasn't quite sure how to go about getting her children's book into the hands of parents.  She quotes, "Tate Publishing has an excellent marketing department, and they've been instrumental in getting my books on all the .com book sites, and doing the 'behind-the-scenes' marketing that is impossible for an author to do on their own.  But, the author is the best representative of their book. Being very new at this, it never dawned on me that I was the primary person responsible for setting up local book signings.  It was very time consuming trying to find venues," Cox said.

"This year, in the midst of planning another book signing schedule, I thought there must be a lot of authors who are having similar experiences.  I thought it would be a lot of fun to have a huge book signing event and invite different authors. In early October, I started looking for authors to participate, and it all just snowballed."

Cox's idea has evolved into the Meet the Authors Book Signing Event, and is free to the general public. About 40 published authors, with books in genres from suspense to cooking, will fill the ballroom from wall to wall. "There were so many responses from authors that a waiting list was started . I knew about six authors, and that's where I began," said Cox. "Before I knew it, I was getting emails and referrals from authors throughout Virginia.  Fortunately, I have secured just as many sponsors as I have authors. Every table is going to be sponsored by a company in our community." Cox said nearly every business she contacted responded favorably.

"I definitely plan to make this an annual event! I used to be self-employed as an event planner, so organizing this event is right up my alley. It combines both of my interests."

Cox's venture into the publishing world came about because of a Christmas story she wrote 35 years ago as a high school English assignment. "No kid likes to do homework during the  Christmas holiday, but we had gotten this assignment..." Cox said. "I remember it like it was yesterday.  I was at my desk with my head in my hands, and tears welling up in my eyes because I was so frustrated at having to do the assignment. I said a prayer asking Jesus to help me think of something to write. Before I knew it, two hours went by and I had this amazing story that rhymed. I had never done anything like that before." The story became A Miracle at Bethlehem, A Christmas Story. The teacher graded it a 95%  and noted in the margin,"...with illustrations, this could be a very nice children's story."

For 35 years the story about an unpopular hyena named Tina languished in a drawer. Then, six years ago, Cox decided to pursue its publication.  "I had always wanted to do something with the story, but I found it to be an arduous and disappointing task," Cox said. "You're sending query letters out to many, many publishing companies.  I particularly liked Tate Publishing and Enterprises in Mustang, Oklahoma, a Christian publishing company, and sent the manuscript to them.  To my delight, they accepted it right away. The book is for children ages 10 and under, and includes a free audio download. You can program the book into your computer, and it will read it to a child, along with sound effects. It's very well done!"

"So often, at this time of year, we're trying to find the perfect gift for someone.   Come to the Meet the Authors Book Signing Event, and there will be plenty of great books to buy! There is a book for nearly everyone at this event.  I invite  everyone to come out, support our authors and find that perfect gift!"