Author visits to Schools
One of the most enjoyable things about being a children's writer is visiting schools. So far, I have been to over 110 schools to give talks and workshops.
For children, meeting an author can really help to increase their interest in reading and books in general. A visit can inspire and boost the confidence of budding authors. Children can also discover how books are written and produced.
During a typical morning or afternoon session:
I can offer entertaining author talks which last for approx one hour. During this time I talk about many aspects of being an author including: the importance of reading, discussing different genres, sharing ridiculous anecdotes about how and why I write, showing how authors work.
PLUS
A one hour class based writing workshop.
For example, I work with the children to create a superhero character. Within the workshop, children work in a small group, discuss ideas for a superhero power and superhero name, discuss and decide how the superhero came to be, discuss and use props to develop a superhero gadget kit. Children record their ideas in written and pictorial form.
My fee for author talks and workshops per morning or afternoon session is £125. I offer a 10% discount for schools booking a second visit.
Before the visit
It can be a good idea for children to have an idea of my books before the visit. It may be through their teacher reading extracts or just by exploring my website.
I would like the opportunity to sell/sign books on the day therefore would ask the school to send out a letter to parents about the forthcoming visit. I can provide a letter for the school to use to pre-order books. Children can also bring money on the day.
I will contact schools to let them know what equipment will be needed. It is usually just a laptop/projector for a presentation plus markers and large paper for workshops.
On the day
Please make sure that office staff know that I am visiting and who my contact is on arrival.
Please ply me with lots of coffee and biscuits (oat ones are my favourite).
After the visit
I will bring an invoice with me on the day or email if required.
I can provide a follow-up letter for those children who want to buy a book after meeting me. I can deliver these to school at an agreed date/time.
Feedback from staff is very important to me so I welcome any thoughts you might have had following my visit. These may appear on my website.
I love hearing back from children so I'm always happy to receive letters, pictures etc. I will write back
One of the most enjoyable things about being a children's writer is visiting schools. So far, I have been to over 110 schools to give talks and workshops.
For children, meeting an author can really help to increase their interest in reading and books in general. A visit can inspire and boost the confidence of budding authors. Children can also discover how books are written and produced.
During a typical morning or afternoon session:
I can offer entertaining author talks which last for approx one hour. During this time I talk about many aspects of being an author including: the importance of reading, discussing different genres, sharing ridiculous anecdotes about how and why I write, showing how authors work.
PLUS
A one hour class based writing workshop.
For example, I work with the children to create a superhero character. Within the workshop, children work in a small group, discuss ideas for a superhero power and superhero name, discuss and decide how the superhero came to be, discuss and use props to develop a superhero gadget kit. Children record their ideas in written and pictorial form.
My fee for author talks and workshops per morning or afternoon session is £125. I offer a 10% discount for schools booking a second visit.
Before the visit
It can be a good idea for children to have an idea of my books before the visit. It may be through their teacher reading extracts or just by exploring my website.
I would like the opportunity to sell/sign books on the day therefore would ask the school to send out a letter to parents about the forthcoming visit. I can provide a letter for the school to use to pre-order books. Children can also bring money on the day.
I will contact schools to let them know what equipment will be needed. It is usually just a laptop/projector for a presentation plus markers and large paper for workshops.
On the day
Please make sure that office staff know that I am visiting and who my contact is on arrival.
Please ply me with lots of coffee and biscuits (oat ones are my favourite).
After the visit
I will bring an invoice with me on the day or email if required.
I can provide a follow-up letter for those children who want to buy a book after meeting me. I can deliver these to school at an agreed date/time.
Feedback from staff is very important to me so I welcome any thoughts you might have had following my visit. These may appear on my website.
I love hearing back from children so I'm always happy to receive letters, pictures etc. I will write back
World Book Day/Week
This is an obvious choice for having an author visit, however, many authors are booked up way in advance for this particular week. Do book early if this is the time your school particularly wants for a visit.
