The first time my students saw a big name author come to our school, even the most reluctant readers charged through their reading, scribbled questions on scraps of paper, and clamored for front-row seats. Somehow, the in-person star power of an impressive author drew them into the pages of a book and had them bubbling about literary possibilities.
In the last few years, I’ve organized in-person author visits with several New York Times bestselling authors and a Pulitzer prize winner. Of course, virtual author visits are a far lower lift and significantly less expensive but if you’re up for the challenge and big-bang impact of in-person visits, I have a few tips and tricks for booking successful authors even when money is tight.
Be prepared to discuss options as authors may have strict guidelines about the kinds of events they’ll do. In some cases, consider if a Skype visit would fit your needs better.
Not all authors engage listeners and readers in the same way. Before you go to all the trouble of finding partners, raising money, or doing extensive research, take a bit of time to find out what the author is like in person. I’ve worked with authors who have carefully spoken to every student in the book-signing line to those who wanted to leave the event without a single conversation.
Bringing an author to your school takes a lot of work but there’s nothing quite like watching students bubble with excitement at the prospect of meeting a real author. A little bit of work can lead to weeks of magical preparation and an inspiring literary event.
Marissa E. King
|
Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and receive
top education news, lesson ideas, teaching tips and more!
No thanks, I don't need to stay current on what works in education!
COPYRIGHT 1996-2016 BY EDUCATION WORLD, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.