Overview
I’ve worked on a number of high profile books and series, including Harry Potter, Alex Rider, The Gruffalo, Where’s Wally, and have worked with many high profile authors, including Neil Gaiman and Patrick Ness. I’ve marketed books for all ages (from books for babies through to YA and crossover titles) to a variety of markets (retailers, parents, schools, libraries children and teens).
I have a particular skill for copywriting for different contexts (e.g. book blurbs, sales material, advertising) and in creating content (activity material, quizzes, reading group guides/teachers' notes) for children and teen readers.
As an author of books for children and teenagers (published by Orion Children's, Hot Key Books and Piccadilly Press), I'm well-placed to provide guidance on writing synopses and pitches, and helping authors plan events, and create resources for events.
I'm also an Expert YA reviewer for lovereading4kids.
Services
Fiction
Awards
- Book Marketing Society Award: Highly Commended for 'Araminta Spook' series
- Book Marketing Society Award: Special Award For Sustained Marketing Excellence for Harry Potter (team award)
Work experience
Joanne Owen
Since 2011 I have worked as a freelance children's book marketing professional, initially managing all marketing activity for multi-award-winning independent publisher, Nosy Crow. Other publishing clients include Bloomsbury and Usborne.
I'm particularly skilled in the following areas:
- creating exceptional sales material and Point of Sale
- conceiving, copywriting and executing consumer campaigns aimed at children of five and upwards
- ad copywriting
- writing reading group guides/teachers' notes that stimulate engagement with books (great for distribution in library and school networks)
- creating child-friendly content-rich material such as activity sheets that are ideal for author events, and for use in bookshops, schools and libraries
- writing teen-oriented book-based content e.g. Buzzfeed-style quizzes
- providing guidance in writing synopses and pitches
- assisting authors in devising school events, and creating resources for use at events
Walker Books
Conceiving, copywriting and delivering consumer marketing campaigns across outdoor, print and digital media. Books/authors worked on include Where's Wally? Alex Rider, Patrick Ness, Cassandra Clare.
Presenting to bloggers, retailers and librarians.
Leading pitches to agents, authors and promotional partners.
Macmillan Children's Books
Overseeing all marketing and publicity activity for Macmillan Children's Books, heading a team of five and managing campaigns for the likes of The Gruffalo 10th Anniversary, Young Sherlock and The Immortals YA series.
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Conceiving, copywriting and delivering award-winning trade and consumer marketing campaigns across outdoor, print and digital media. Books/authors worked on include Harry Potter, Neil Gaiman, Celia Rees, Mary Hoffman, Angie Sage.
Creating stand-out sell-in material (catalogues, presenters, proof packs) and Point of Sale
Presenting to retailers and librarians.
Leading pitches to agents, authors and promotional partners
Borders
Head of children's book buying for all UK Borders and Books etc bookshops
Portfolio
