From SLP to Authorpreneur: Becoming an Author and Operating a Book Business

This course is an introduction to evolving from an Speech language pathologist to a published author. The course provides an overview of how the skills of clinicians can transfer from practicing to publishing. The presenters will discuss the process of transferring clinical and linguistic knowledge to producing literary works and will outline the processes of becoming published through traditional and self-publishing methods. Participants will learn fundamental aspects of marketing and promotion as well as key strategies for operating a book business.

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Presenters

Shontaye Glover Jones
MS CCC-SLP
Shontaye Glover Jones is a children's book author and speech-language pathologist. In 2016, she founded her private practice Having Our Say, LLC to create a space where families and children would feel seen, valued, and be heard. Shontaye has presented to professionals nationwide on the importance of inclusive libraries and has become a trusted book influencer. Shontaye made her debut as an author in 2020. Written under the pen name "Taye Jones," her debut picture book, "Liam's First Cut" is a story that centers family and neurodiversity as Liam, an autistic Black boy, prepares for his first trip to the barbershop.
Keylonda Wheeler
M.S., CCC-SLP
Keylonda Wheeler is a speech-language pathologist, people manager, and published writer. Practicing speech and language therapy in public, private, and virtual schools for several years, she has become increasingly aware of the need to create literature that brings acceptance of differences and disabilities. She is the author of the Inclusive K.R.E.W.E. children’s book series which includes Nia Skye’s Friend on Wheels, Mrs. Key Key’s Speech Room, and Noah James the Rodeo King. In her spare time, Keylonda can be found creating spicy, savory Cajun and Creole cuisine while singing and dancing in the kitchen with her family. She enjoys sharing content to encourage and motivate others in an authentic way with a touch of humor on @KeylondaWrites across all social media platforms.

Learning Objectives

Explain the role progression from speech language pathologist to published author
List key roles and responsibilities of publishing professionals critical to the process
Understand business practices related to operating a book business
Discuss marketing and promotional strategies

Agenda

5 minutes	Introductions
10 minutes	Progression from SLP to author
15 minutes	Roles of publishing professionals
15 minutes	Operating a book business
10 minutes	Marketing
5 minutes	Q&A

Disclosures

Speakers - Financial	Shontaye is the CE Administrator and Managing Director of Bright Ideas Media, which is the ASHA CEU provider for this course. She is the author of Liam's First Cut and The Season of Yes! and receives royalties from the sale of her books. Shontaye Glover Jones is receiving compensation for this course. Keylonda is the author of Nia Skye’s Friend on Wheels, Mrs. Key Key’s Speech Room, and Noah James the Rodeo King and earns royalties from the sale of these books. Keylonda receives compensation for author coaching offered through KeylondaWrites of Passage self-publishing services. Keylonda Wheeler is also receiving compensation for this course.
Speakers - Nonfinancial	Shontaye and Keylonda have no non-financial relationships to disclose.
Speakers - Content	Shontaye and Keylonda have no additional content information to disclose.
Course - Financial Support & In Kind	This course is being sponsored by SLP Toolkit.

ASHA

This course is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs, Introductory Level, Professional Area, Professional Area