Step 1: Decide what kind of visit you want.
Read through the materials on my website. Contact me to discuss the kind of visit you want. I typically do 2-3 assemblies in a day, usually arranged by grade (K-1, 2-3,4-5 or K-3, 3-5, 6-8) and I am happy to tailor the presentations to the needs of your school. You can also arrange to have a writing workshop for a small group of children in addition to the assemblies. Or, if funds are limited, consider a Virtual Visit. I am also happy to do an evening event that includes parents.Decide if you are going to offer books for sale – this is a good way to pay for the visit or raise money for your school. Seek funding approval.
Step 2: Pin down the particulars.
I will send you a contract spelling out what we’ve discussed, including my fee and any travel and accommodations costs. You can download Book Order forms from my website. I will provide you with any additional promotional materials you need to spread the word.
Step 3: Get ready.
12 weeks before my visit:
8 weeks before my visit:
- Tell teachers that I’m coming and encourage them to get their students ready. Author visits go best when the students know the books.
- Tell teachers they can download a Teacher’s Guide to my books at no charge.
6 weeks before my visit:
- Fill out the prices you will charge for books on the Book Order form and specify who to make the check to.
- Send book order forms home to parents.
4 weeks before my visit:
- Make sure you have books on hand at school for teachers and librarians to share with students.
2 weeks before my visit:
- Remind teachers that I’m coming and inform me if they have any special requests or concerns.
- Send me the day’s schedule, including contact numbers in case of travel meltdowns.
1 week before my visit:
- Check that you have all the equipment that we discussed. Usually I will need a microphone, a projector and a screen for assemblies and a flip chart and easel for writing workshops.
Day of my visit:
- Set out the equipment.
- Set up a table for book signings in the library or another convenient location.
- Make sure there’s water on hand and lunch if I’m going to be there all day.
- I will also need an out-of-the-way place to stow personal belongings.
- Make sure to have payment ready for me at the end of the day.
Step 4: Stay in touch!
Please take pictures of my visit if you can – I love to post them on my website. And please fill out the evaluation form I will give you when I arrive. I count on that feedback to make my visits the best they can be. If you want your kids to write to me afterwards, just ask me for an address. I love getting their letters and I always answer them.
