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:

• Order books.

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.