tips

Tips for Author school visits by Christine D'Amico

Tips from Attitude Press for a
SUCCESFUL AUTHOR VISIT

An author visit is an opportunity to inspire children to read and write. Here are some suggestions to make the most of this opportunity! The following suggestions will enhance the experience for the whole school community:

Plan as far ahead as possible.
Advertise the visit widely to students, parents, and the community as appropriate.
Send reminders a day or two before.
Ensure that the students have read the author’s work.
When possible, tie the subject of the book into classroom curriculum both before and after the visit. This can include art projects and has the potential of increasing the student’s interest in reading.
Send forms home with the students allowing them to purchase the book(s) ahead of time conveniently.
Encourage the students to write down questions they may have for the author and bring them to the presentation.
A planned lunch or similar event with the author can increase the enjoyment of the visit for the students.
Ensure that any equipment requested by the author is available and set up prior to the beginning of the appearance.
Inform the author if the students have prepared questions so that sufficient time can be allowed.
If a book signing is planned, have the author sign the students’ books in their presence. This is more meaningful to them. It is also helpful if the student has their name spelled out on a slip of paper to avoid spelling errors.
Ensure that there is enough staff on hand to keep the children focused.

Agree in writing to the particulars of the visit so that there are no misunderstandings. This agreement should include:

Fees, and time of payment.
Book sales.
Book signing.
Number and length of presentations (allow for breaks and meals).
Number of students in each presentation.
Equipment requirements including tables, extension chords, screens, projectors, or microphones.
Lodging and meal provisions if the author is traveling from out of town.
Any changes in number of sessions or size of groups should be reviewed with the author.

Be creative with funding

Consider community partnerships with other agencies, libraries, your local PTA, or local bookstores.
Consider private funding from local banks or other businesses in the community.
Consider a joint visit with another school in the area.

When introducing the author:

Wait until the students are seated.
Introduce the author enthusiastically.

Plan related activities after the visit, such as art and writing projects, to keep the children stimulated and lengthen the positive experience following the presentation.

Attitude Press
Author Visit Timeline

6 months Plus	Arrange the details of the event with the author and with the teachers, PTA, library staff, principal or other interested parties at the school. This will include issues such as presentation schedule, presentation format, books sales, fees and funding, and selecting classes within the school to participate.
2 Months Before	Start talking with teachers about how they want to incorporate the author visit into the classroom curriculum both before and after the visit. This can include art projects, writing projects, or reading projects.
1 Month Before	Facilitate a Teacher sign up so teachers can chose the day and time to participate in the author visits that work best for their classes.
2 Weeks Before	Begin working with the author’s books in class with the students, preparing them for the event and getting them excited about the author’s visit.
2 Weeks Before	Send Author Introduction flyer home to students
1 Week Before	Send the author’s presentation schedule to all participating staff as well as the author to confirm times and locations within the school.
1 Week Before	Send Book Order Form home with students, allowing students to purchase a copy of the book to be autographed by the author.
Day Before the Event is to end	Send Final Order Book Order Form, reminding parents that tomorrow is the last day for book orders.