Tips for Successful Author Visits

→ Make sure your students are ready! This is one of the most important items for a successful author visit. If possible, have students read my books before I visit. In the least, have them check out my website, read my About the Author page and start brainstorming on questions they want to ask. I love questions from young people and any time I can encourage even one person—whether they be students or teachers—then my work is done. Teachers, have your students write down questions they might want to ask ahead of time. They can be turned in to me at the beginning of the talk, if you’d like. The more you prepare, the better the presentation will be for me, the kids, and the teachers and the less likely it’ll be for people to want to snooze through the talk.

→ I will want to do a book sale. I travel with copies of my books, so please make time during the day for me to have a book sale/signing for your students. Inform parents and students alike ahead of time so they’re prepared and have money to purchase books. The more information you can get out to your students, the better the event will be for everyone. Flyers or emails to parents will remind them to send cash or checks with their children. I get so upset when a kid tells me they didn’t know to bring money and wish they could have gotten an autographed book.

→ Targeting the groups. Not every one of your students will have the desire, ability, or inclination to read or hear from someone who published a book. In this event, I am able to just discuss life in general, experiences, triumphs, defeats and overcoming obstacles. I can tailor my presentation to your students’ needs.