Host an Author
According
to some Year 3 students, an author visit is “better than Santa Claus. Because Santa only comes once a year, but
when you pick up a book by someone you have met you get a good feeling every
time.” So why not directly connect the
author and the students by organising a visit by an author (or an illustrator)
to your school?
Organising a visit does involve some preparation
and planning but consider involving and delegating to the students themselves,
providing invaluable in-context learning.
Most authors and illustrators have agents to handle
their bookings while others prefer to handle their bookings themselves so check
their websites to find out personal preferences. If nothing is offered, send the person an
email to find out. The Australian Society of
Children’s Book writers and Illustrators has a speakers’ directory page.
Some of the key Australian booking agencies are
The Children’s
Bookshop Speakers’ Agency
How much?
The Australian
Society of Children’s Book writers and Illustrators recommends its members
to use the rates set by the Australian Publishers Association as a
minimum.
Consider your options for meeting the costs:
·
Sharing the
author with neighbouring schools
·
Fundraising
·
Involving
your local public library
·
Investigate
if a video link via Skype is an alternative enabling cheaper costs particularly
if the desired guest is interstate or international.
Be clear about the costs involved:
· Are payments to be made directly
to the presenter or to their agency?
· Who will meet the costs for meals
and accommodation?
· Costs of travel involved?
Payment is part of the deal and it is better to
have everything sorted up front so the memory of the visit is not soured by an
unexpected expense.
Preparing
for the visit
Ensure that you and the students have a thorough
knowledge of the author’s works so the conversations can be informed and
informative. Develop a program that not only focuses on the purpose of the
visit but which generates excitement and anticipation. Have the students create posters, book
trailers, quizzes, almost anything apart from
‘read-and-review’ so they begin to feel a real sense of occasion. Have them
create a display of both these and the author’s works in the library or
wherever the visit is to be held so there is a sense of expectation and familiarity.
Most authors allow time for a Q&A session so
have students prepare some questions in advance. Have them imagine they are allowed to
interview the author but they can only ask three questions, so they have to be questions
that have never been asked before.
Author
Visit checklist
confirming dates, addresses and contact details
identifying and understanding the content of the
author’s presentation
clarifying amount of and responsibility for
expenses
providing maps and
parking details or pick-up arrangements
identifying needs such as a whiteboard, computer,
screen, microphone and ensure these are provided and working efficiently before
the presentation
ensuring that your network runs the software the
author may use and that any websites they may visit are unblocked
providing a table, a jug of water and a clean
glass
having hosts to greet the guest and introduce
him/her to the principal and the TL
ensuring your guest knows where the bathroom is
and has time to use it
taking them to the staffroom, introducing them to
the staff and ensuring they get a cup of tea/coffee
having hosts to show the media and other guests
to the venue
having students prepare a thank-you speech and
present an appropriate gift
writing a formal letter of thanks within a day or
two of the visit
confirm if there will be book sales and signings,
and advertise to parents
invite the media or prepare your own media
reports for the school newsletter, website and local outlets. (and the QSLA
newsletter!)
Ensure that your guest takes away the best
impression of your school and looks forward to coming again.
Barbara Braxton August 2011
Other useful links include
Carolyn Mock has shared this
file which has more ideas and which she says "may be used &
adapted for your school. I just ask that I am credited as original author in
footer."
PETAA
has produced a guide advising authors and illustrators of how they can
offer a quality school visit. It includes requirements for each jurisdiction's
requirements for Working with Children documentation. It also includes a link
to PETAA Authors and Illustrators websites.
Author Profiles
Megan Daley has
created a number of profiles
which may assist you and your students in learning about some of their
favourite authors.