In 1997, a small reading task force at the National Education Association developed an idea to get kids excited about reading. They called it NEA’s Read Across America, and as March is National Reading Month, the task force chose to kick off the event on March 2nd, Dr. Seuss’s birthday.
Children and teachers embraced the concept with enthusiasm, celebrating the beloved children’s author’s birthday with Seuss-sational school and community events and helping to promote literacy nationwide.
The NEA has partnered with 40 nonprofits and associations all over the U.S. to keep Read Across America alive. They invite schools, libraries, churches, community centers, hospitals, and bookstores to organize events to promote reading for children.
National Reading Month is an opportunity for authors everywhere to benefit themselves and others at the same time. If you’re a self-publishing author, this is the perfect opportunity to contribute to the celebration today and throughout the month of March. Here are some ways you can contribute:
- Find out if your local community has reading events planned and volunteer.
- Plan your own event in conjunction with your school or community centers. You’ll find lots of ideas at the NEA website.
- Contact local media outlets to build relationships as an author and a promoter of Read Across America Day. The more local press the celebration receives, the better.
- Donate one of your books to your local school or library.
National Reading Month is not limited to children, and many people now participate in activities to encourage reading to both children and adults. What better time for authors to celebrate (and promote!) their own books?
To support your efforts, Outskirts Press has created a list of 31 ways you can promote yourself and your work during the month of March. Truly successful authors market their books on an ongoing basis, and participating in National Reading Month will give you a chance to share your love of reading with others as well. Visit the Outskirts Press Facebook page throughout the month of March to get daily tips and advice that will keep you actively marketing your book all month long.
