Lauren Cerand is an independent public relations representative specializing in innovative campaigns, dynamic events and strategic consultation, whose clients include Barnes & Noble ("Upstairs at the Square"), the bands Japanther and The Growlers, and the authors Meg Cabot, Maria Semple and Diana Balmori. Lauren has been called one of the “cultural gatekeepers in the literary world” by Time Out New York and the “Best of New York” by The Village Voice and featured in an article by The New York Observer on “The New Nice." She is “known for her stellar taste” according to Flavorwire, and her work has been described as “honorable, uber-modern, and interactive” by Daily Candy. She speaks often and widely, such as at Book Expo America in New York (watch online) and Penguin Books in London (watch online), and appears this year at New York University (January), Columbia University (March), Rider University (March), “Writing the Future” (Maryland, March), University of the Pacific (California, April), Nebraska Summer Writers Conference (June) and Squam Art Workshops Readers Retreat (New Hampshire, September). Her talk, “Innovative Publicity Now,” is now available. Lauren serves on the board of directors of both Girls Write Now and The Writers Room. She writes about art, politics and style at LuxLotus.com. Lauren is a graduate of Cornell University.