Carmen Oliver (she/her) launched The Booking Biz in 2014, combining her leadership and publicity skills with her love for children’s books.
As a former assistant regional advisor for the Austin SCBWI chapter, she understands what it takes to create well-executed conferences and events, the “devil is in the details.”
Since 2011, she’s been a frequent moderator for the Texas Book Festival, Writers’ League of Texas, and Austin SCBWI regional conferences.
As a freelance writer, blogger, and book reviewer, her articles and reviews have appeared on ReaderKidZ, PR by the Book, the SCBWI Bulletin, Austin Family, and many more. Her published children’s books can be found on her author/presenter website at www.carmenoliver.com
Carmen believes in providing excellence in customer service and business relationships. In 2010, she received the Meredith Davis Volunteer of the Year Award from the Austin SCBWI chapter. She now serves on the children’s selection committee for the Texas Book Festival.
Julie Ann Hartman (she/her) is an educator and writer of children’s books. She is passionate about children connecting to subject matter and experiencing the “AH-Has” of learning. She says her favorite part of being a teacher is seeing the light bulb go on in a student about a new topic.
Since Julie Ann is no longer in the classroom and her four boys are almost all grown up, becoming a Booking Biz Associate Agent brings her love of children’s lit and education together. Connecting authors and illustrators to young audiences is her goal. The author/illustrator presentation is the key, and she works closely with her clients to polish their presentations to make their school visits meaningful and inspirational. No detail is too small, and all details are considered when booking a client with a school, library or conference.
When Julie Ann is not immersed in a good book, you will find her baking chocolate chip cookies, spending time with her family, and cheering on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.