Best-selling author and publisher James Russell: Creative Book Marketing

NZSA Auckland Branch meeting
Friday 7 May
Meet from 5pm, meeting starts 6.15pm
The Coffee Club, 42 High Street, Auckland CBD (on the edge of Freyberg Square)

James Russell is a best-selling writer, with sales of almost 100,000 in New Zealand and a further 70,000 sold overseas in four languages. The author of the self-published children’s picture books the Dragon Brothers trilogy: The Dragon Hunters (2012), The Dragon Tamers (2013) and The Dragon Riders (2014), Russell has also published five Dragon Defenders novels for readers aged 9-12. An innovator and augmented reality (AR) enthusiast, Russell’s children’s publications use AR technology to bring three-dimensional ‘magic’ to his books.

This year James is to launch his first two novels written for adults – Mine, on June 1, 2021, and Lines, on August 1, 2021.

James will be discussing Creative Book Marketing

James Russell’s book marketing experience is broad. His self-published children’s books can be found in every book store in New Zealand and are the #1 junior novels by a Kiwi author on the Whitcoulls Kids Top 50. He’ll tell you how he did it, and some of the pitfalls he faced along the way.

James also launched The Dragon Defenders series of junior novels internationally through Amazon, Ingram Spark and Findaway Voices in February 2021, and so far has sold over 5000 books. He’ll outline his strategy.

In June of this year, he launches his first novel for adults, entitled Mine, with a second novel – Lines – to launch in August 2021. He’ll give insight on his marketing strategy for the launch of the two books.

Our meeting will be held in The Coffee Club, 42 High Street, Auckland CBD (on the edge of Freyberg Square) – they are staying open late just for us! We don’t require a koha but instead encourage everyone to buy drink and food which suits your budget and dietary requirements. Please support their business as they are allowing us to use the space for no cost. Parking is available just up the road in the Victoria St carpark and The Coffee Club is an easy walk from the train or ferry.

Inside the Machine: Branch Positions

All activities by the NZSA Auckland Branch are organised by the committee. There are several people who assist (we are always happy to hear from you if you would like to help) but the constitution requires that the role of Chair (currently Weng Wai Chan), Secretary (currently Elizabeth/Libby Kirkby-McLeod) and Treasurer (currently Drazen Milosevic) are formally appointed each year. The current position holders are willing to stand for another term. If you would like to be considered for the position please email the branch before 4pm 10 May. If no other candidates stand the incumbents will be reappointed automatically.

New Books

Anyone wishing to present a new book at the Friday meeting please notify the Auckland Branch before noon on Thursday 6 May. Please also bring to the meeting printed details of the book presented for inclusion in the minutes.

Final Note

The Auckland Branch works to create meetings which are inclusive and welcoming. The meetings aim to be a great introduction to NZSA for new members as well as a place of community for all. For this reason:

  • the business part of the meeting is kept brief and finer points about the running of the branch are managed at committee level. No new business is added to the agenda on the night.
  • all members are expected to act in a professional, appropriate manner.
  • If you would like to include a matter in the agenda please email the branch. Thank you from all members.