Get Started! Planning an author visit, and Tips for Success Planning Arranging for an author visit takes some advance planning.  You’ll need to book with the author at least three weeks prior to your desired date.  October, November, March, and April are usually the busiest times of the year for authors.  Keep this in mind, and schedule far enough in advance to avoid conflicts. Determine what grades will be involved in the assembly There is a limit of up to four presentations per day, so knowing how many students you want to include will also determine the type of presentation, what size space you will need, etc. Making the Visit a Success Essential to putting together a rewarding author visit is communicating with the author. Once you have confirmed a date, you’ll start working directly with the author to plan the details. The day’s schedule (number and length of presentations, breaks, meals or any possible meetings with faculty, students, and parents) Type of presentation and grade level of students Equipment that needs to be available for the presentation Autograph policy Consider having the author sign a school banner and several instant photos. The banner can become a great keepsake (collect new signatures each time you have a visitor) and the photos can be offered in a raffle with a copy of the author’s book. Remember that the single most important reason to invite an author is to provide a learning opportunity for students. Using the "Tips for Success" will create a strong curriculum connection, and will help to promote book sales for the author.  It is important to remember that the author is compensated strictly through product sales. Tips for Success Let's make it an exciting day for everyone!  It is essential that faculty and staff talk with students about the visit.  The more students know about the book and the author, the more comfortable they will feel, and the more they will participate in the presentation.   Use these tips to help prepare for the visit. Ensure each classroom scheduled to attend the presentation has access to the author's book — reading the author’s work aloud in class should be mandatory. Put together a packet for each teacher who will participate. Include order forms, and the free biographical information and poster available on the authors’ pages. Send order forms home with students at least one week prior to the author visit. Encourage students to bring their parents.  Send out fliers inviting parents to attend. Arrange a meeting for all the participating teachers so they can discuss classroom activities and lessons based on the author’s work and visit. Have students participate in the poster contest.  Winner receives a free book (provided by the author).  Hang posters in the hallway prior to the visit. Outline the characters' journey on a map or timeline, discuss endangered species, collect magazine photos of wildlife and create a collage. Help students prepare question to ask an author during any planned open discussion time. Remind students to return orders at least two days prior to the visit. Send "last chance" order forms home two days prior to visit.