As an author, school visits are a special and unique experience. They offer students a unique opportunity to connect with authors, learn about the writing process, explore different genres and envision themselves as future writers. The magic of an author visit happens when students see authors as real people with stories to tell. Author visits also offer a unique chance for teachers to enhance their classroom instruction and create memorable learning experiences.
Why Author Visits Matter
Hint: This is the MAGIC of an author visit
Improved Literacy Skills – Author visits can help students develop stronger literacy skills, such as comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills.
Understanding the Writing Process – Students can learn firsthand about the journey of creating a book, from initial ideas to final publication.
Engage Students – Meeting an author in person, listening to their stories and addressing their questions, can spark a genuine interest in reading and writing.
Inspire Creativity – Authors can share their creative process and writing inspiration, which can encourage students to think outside the box and explore their own creative potential.
Promotes Reading Habits – Creating a positive and supportive reading culture in the classroom and school, author visits can help students become more confident and enthusiastic readers.
Career Inspiration – Author visits can help students see that writing is a viable career path and inspire them to pursue their writing dreams.
Author Visit Challenges
Adapting to Different Age Groups – Each age group has unique needs and interests, so authors must adapt their presentations and be flexible. I recently read my book to children in grades Pre-k – 6th grade. It was necessary to adapt the story for the younger children. Rather than reading word for word with younger children, I did more of a picture walk as I told the story.
Dealing with Unexpected Situations – Things do not always go according to plan. You must be prepared to handle delays and technical problems. I’ve been in schools where the microphone would not work and I needed to use my teacher voice. Another time the clicker did not work with their equipment. The show must go on and you make the best of it.
Tips for a Successful School Visit
Prepare – Research the school, the students, and talk with the Director, Principal or Teacher to see how you can adapt your presentation to support classroom learning.
Engagement – Use interactive activities, questions, and storytelling techniques to keep students engaged. Children love to be a part of the story. I encourage them to predict what might happen next or ask questions about the characters and their behavior in the story.
Be Authentic – Share your own writing journey and personal experience to connect with students on a deeper level. Children are curious about your job as an author, your struggles might mirror some of their struggles. It is important for them to learn that writing is a process.
Follow Up – Send thank-you notes to the school and teachers. This is a must in my book. Teacher and Principals appreciate your note. It does not have to be lengthy, but include some personal insights about your visit. They will in turn remember you when a colleague asks for a recommendation.
Book Copy – Leave an autographed copy of your book for the school library. Not every child can afford to purchase a copy of your book. By leaving a copy for the school librarian it ensures that every child will have an opportunity to read your book.
Resources for Teachers – One of the things that I created was a Readers Guide for both of my books. A readers guide provides some lessons that teachers can use to extend learning from your book. If you are not familiar with lesson plans or curriculum you can hire a teacher to develop the materials for classroom use.
Author school visits are a valuable investment in students’ literacy development and overall education. By creating a positive and engaging experience, these visits can inspire a lifelong love of reading and writing.
With gratitude …
I am so glad you’re here. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am grateful that I can share my writing journey with you. It is an endless journey of learning and growing. A journey that I am enjoying.
I am now booking author visits for the fall, 2025 school year. If you are a classroom teacher, teacher assistant, Parent Teacher Association President, or After school Director I can work with you to create a visit that will meet the needs of your students. Please contact me to book your visit.
My website has been updates and it is now interactive. There are surprises everywhere. Click on the balloons and see where they take you. Can you find two writing videos? Freebies? A chocolate chip recipe? There’s even a special freebie to anyone who subscribes to my newsletter. Check out the resources for children, parents and teachers, librarians and homeschooling families.
Please consider purchasing a copy of Two Wins for Wiley or Gertie Saves the Day for gifts. There are so many great spring events and books make great gifts. Books can be read over and over again. It is my wish to get as many books as I can into the hands of children. Children need to hear all kinds of stories. A book is the best gift for both children and adults!
Call to Action …
You can really help this author by leaving a book review on Amazon or Goodreads. You can leave a review for Gertie Saves the Day here or here. Two Wins for Wiley here or here. Reviews can be as easy as 2-3 sentences. It should take about 30 seconds to leave and would make a huge difference for this author.
