Having only published my first book in January 2012, I’m still a very new at this author thing. This is especially true in terms of establishing myself as a speaker available for school and library events. I have, though, had a number of opportunities locally and several out of state (thanks to my sister, who arranged two visits for me while I visited her in Atlanta last year).
Here are some things I’ve learned from my experience:
If You Build It, They Will Come
It’s not exactly like Field of Dreams, but kind of. Teachers and librarians first need to know you exist. The most helpful, easiest way for them to learn about you is through some sort of permanent web presence online — that’s your field. It doesn’t matter if it’s a blog or official website, but you do need to include some key things:
- contact information
- an overview of presentations
- (optional): speaking fees*
How do you determine presentation topics? Start with your own writing process. Teachers are especially interested in having their students hear from a real, live author that writing is not a one-time event but a slow unfolding that requires multiple drafts, feedback, revision and editing, and lots of hard work.
There will also be topics that naturally grow from what you write. Do you focus on fairy tale retellings, like
Liesl Shurtliff? Magical realism, like
Kimberley Griffiths Little? Historical fiction, like
me?
Use your knowledge as a spring board for topics.
Reach Out to Your Community
Beyond establishing a web presence, it’s wise to actively seek out opportunities in the connections you’ve already formed.
- Get to know your local independent bookseller(s), who often have connections with local schools
- Introduce yourself to the children’s librarian at your local library branch
- Tell friends, family members, and those you know in your general community that you’re interested in setting up visits, and ask them to spread the word (contacts from your church, your daughter’s soccer team, your son’s scout troop, your husband’s office — anywhere)
Be Willing to Offer Free Visits…
…but not forever. I know authors who’ve offered free visits for a month. Others who’ve offered for a year. For me, I offered free visits for about six months (though I am happy to continue to offer once-a-year free visits to my boys’ schools, if they’re interested). While it’s a great way to spread the word, hone your skills, and build contacts, I strongly recommend you
begin to charge speaking fees at some time. Why? You’re a professional.
SCBWI says you should. You will be taken more seriously. Schools will prepare for something they’ve invested in.
Other Ways to Spread the Word
Several months before MAY B. released, I sent postcards to all elementary and middle schools in my city. For a handful of schools I sent packets which included bookmarks and a listing of presentation topics (places I’d attended as a child, schools where my children attended, the middle school were I did my student teaching and taught my first year).
Because MAY B. has been selected as a
2013-2014 New Mexico Battle of the Book title (yay!), I’ve decided to do a selected mailing for next year, too. This time, I’ll include this wonderful
Author and Illustrators on Tour booklet. SCBWI‘s Inter-Mountain Regions (Arizona, Colorado/Wyoming, Eastern Washington/Northern Idaho Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Southern Idaho/Utah) recently asked members if they’d like to buy space in this publication, a resource book for schools and libraries looking for speakers. Choosing to be included — and adding it to my mailing packet — was an easy way for me to spread the word.
Resources for School Visits
And don’t forget Skype!
Any questions, comments, or things that have worked for you? Share below!
*Though some authors choose not to do this, I’m most comfortable with having this information available upfront. After studying what other authors charge for visits I settled on
my rates (which are on the mid-to-low end, in comparison).
This is so helpful, Caroline. Someday when I have a contract I’ll probably be peppering you with questions about school visits!
Glad to hear it! I’ll be here to help. Just finished a Skype visit with a third-grade class in Wisconsin. It truly is amazing how easy it is to connect with readers anywhere nowadays.
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Caroline – congrats on your book! My children attend a large (aprox 650 students) elementary school. This year they had several author events (2 with just kids and 1 evening family event) and they were a HUGE hit with the kids and parents! It was a win/win/win as far as I am concerned. It introduced us to a new author, the kids learned about the process of writing and publishing and the author and seller (a small local book store) made some money. We are planning more events like this for next year. The experience the kids had was well-worth the price of the author appearance. good luck!
So happy to hear things like this!
Every time I do a school visit, I think of how thrilled my child-self would have been to have an author at my school. It would have been life-changing, I know it. I love that parents were involved in your visit.
I’ve had this post in my Tabs for reading for a week and finally got a chance. GREAT post, Caroline! And thank you SO much for the shout-out – wow. How do you get listed with the Skype An Author Network?