Discover how to shine at school author visits with easy things you can start doing right now.

Getting your book in front of readers is one of the best things you can do as an author.  However, simply reading your book is not enough.  Think of it.  You’re reading a book to a digital native.  Let’s dive into how I structure my school author visits that leave kids energized and excited about reading.  These ideas will help you structure your presentations in order to shine at school visits in the future!

Before Your Visit:

• Contacts: Think about the various people that have connections to schools that can help you when you’re new to this and getting started.  Over time, you’ll build up a network and even branch out on your own.  Make genuine connections via phone calls, emails, or drop off flyers to express your interest in being a guest at their school.
• Added Value: What things can you provide that add value to your visit before you’re even there?  Think of how you can help them build up the hype before your visit.  This will allow you to shine at school author visits before you arrive! I like to provide the following:
  • Book trailers
  • Teacher resources (not just a coloring page)
  • Craftivities
  • Special school pricing (if book sales are welcomed)
• Contracts: The easiest way to ensure that everyone is on the same page is by providing the school with a contract.  This helps your visit run smoothly and outlines your expectations for the day.

During Your Visit

• Sessions:  Think of how many sessions you will do in one full-day visit or offer a schoolwide assembly.  Also, how many students do you prefer in each session?  Think about the types of activities you’re doing and what types of logistics are involved.
• Engagement:  Your personality and energy are contagious.  This starts from the second students see you.  As a former teacher, this is one area that comes naturally.  Don’t be afraid to practice your sessions with your own kids, pets, or in your living room.  This is where you will shine at school author visits the most!
  • • *BONUS TIP*  If you have the ability to screen share your presentation and book to your TV, do it!  You’ll be able to see how your presentation looks “on the big screen” which mimics how it will look in a school.
    • *EXTRA BONUS TIP* Invest in a wireless clicker. Click here for the one I use.
  • Interactive/high participation presentation: Have students act out parts of your story, invite students to be characters in your story, chant the repetitive parts, etc.
  • Writing camps: Figure out how your presentation ties into reading or writing lessons.  How can you help strengthen the standards teachers are teaching?  These are great for upper grades!
  • Craftivities: What “craft activity” can you do with the students after you read to extend the learning? This could even be something the students do before your visit to add more hype.
• Life of an Author:  Students are always fascinated by how you became an author and/or illustrator.  They are curious about the process so include a little of this in your presentation.
  • *BONUS TIP* You can develop this into a full presentation if you’re invited to a school for Career Day.
• Lunch with the Author: This is such a special time for students to chat with you in a smaller group.  Also, while not required, it’s fun to give your “lunch bunch” stickers or other little goodies to make it an elevated experience.
• Book Signing:  Another special time for students.  Use this time to talk to them about their interests and get to know them.  It’s more than just signing your name in the book.

After Your Visit

• Post-Visit Order Form: Some schools will appreciate an extra form once students go home and talk about their day.  Simply providing an easy way for them to order your book post-visit is all it takes. This also allows them to get the special school pricing discount on the books (create a coupon code and add that to your website for easy ordering).
• Post-Visit Communication: A lot of work goes into coordinating your visit (probably more than you think). Find a special way to thank those that helped your visit be a success.  I have a few ideas if you need some help.
• Share: If permitted by the school, share about your visit on your social media channels.  Some schools have strict privacy policies regarding pictures, so please be aware of this before posting, especially images of students.

There are so many factors that go into school author visits that there’s no way I could cover it all.  If you have specific questions, I’m always here to help out!

Have an amazing visit!

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