How to organise, afford and plan an author/illustrator visit:
Whether you are just in the planning stages, have made your booking or just thinking about the possibility, here are some ideas, hints and tips to help you plan an author visit to your school, community group, conference or festival.
Don't forget to think creatively and ask Christina for help.
Don't forget to think creatively and ask Christina for help.
- Financing a visit can sometimes be an issue (sadly we can't work for free, we have bills to pay as well). If you are considering how to fund your visit here are some ideas to get you started:
- cost sharing with another school (i.e. combine sessions together, share accommodation and travel costs)
- organise an assembly sized visit so no-one misses out, this can be booked as one session (see prices)
- fund raise, make it a book theme, free dress days, reading sponsorship are some great ideas
- apply for a grant: make sue you get a quote on cost first before applying. This is great for whole day or one week visits or even residencies.
- look at booking a Skype session, this can save on travel and accommodation (and will often give you a sneak peek into an authors working space as well.)
- Once you have made your booking, inform all staff that it is in the calendar. Communication is key.
- let teachers know the authors website so they can research and look up the author with their students
- plan a theme or focus for your visit ahead of time and communicate that with your visiting author
- plan where the sessions wil be held. Consider student comfort and easy access for your visitor.
- will you be inviting parents along? Let them know in advance so they can decide if they want to purchase books ahead of time to be signed on the day.
- read the authors books (yes, I know, it is suprising how many don't think to do this)
- put a display in the staff room, library, foyer and classrooms in the lead up to the visit. A well prepared school will get the most out of a visit and students who are well prepared will benefit greatly from this learning experience.
- Get the students excited!
- talk to students ahead of time and practice asking questions rather than making statements (we love to hear student stories but with limited time, hearing about the dogs breakfast doesn't usually benefit the other students!)
- Have your students think about questions ahead of time. So many are shy or forget what they want to ask.