Block #2: - Author Visits Overview
What is an author visit?
A lot of authors and or illustrators have a misconception as what an author visit is. So, understanding the nature of the business is important for anyone looking to get into a school.
It's not a book reading.
If you want to make money in this field you need to understand that schools are not going to pay you to be a reader. This sounds like a sweeping statement, and it is, but it's also mostly true. There are always exceptions, so there might be some schools that will be open to this type of visit, but most want more. Keep in mind, administrators and teachers don't like to remove the kids from classroom learning. You need to give them a reason to do it and be good at it.
So, what is an author visit?
An author visit is a literacy celebration. Schools all over the country hire authors to come to their schools to get the kids inspired to read more, and to motivate them to write more. So, if a school's focus is to encourage reading and writing, it would be safe to say that finding ways to get the kids excited about those two aspects would be important.
So, think of it like this, at the end of the school day, have you left the students with some information that they can use in the classroom.
This concept is important to keep in mind as you create programming for grade levels where writing
becomes a major focus.
An author's program that supports aspects of a school's curriculum will help you advance.
Presentations done the "Old Way"
Years ago, an author could get away with a program that revolved around:
- How they got published
- How a book gets published
- Showing family photos
- Showing rejection letters
- Ending with a Q&A
This was a popular format and is still used. But is it one that will get talked about after you walk out of the school, and will it get you more and more work? I do not believe it is. It's old and outdated.
I am not saying that you can't include these elements, many do, but if you look at it from an educational perspective, the kids get little out it. We are professional writers, experts in the field, so leaving the kids with concepts that can be applied in the classroom goes over well with teachers and administrators. The best way of using any element from our lives and writing journey is to find ways to tie that information into the writing process.
Presentations done the "New Way"
Today school event coordinators are looking for well-rounded programs that includes:
- Audience Participation
- A Dynamic Presenter
- A presenter whose experiences are relatable to students
- A presenter that can convey a message in a fun and exciting manner
- Eye-catching and thought-provoking material
- Material that supports the school's curriculum
Off Topic Programming.
Many authors try and present programming that revolves around the topic of their books, be it bullying, self-esteem, wildlife, math, science, etc., and there are ways to include topics like that in an author's presentation and make a big impression from it, while making sure that reading and/or writing, remains the main focus of the event.
What have you been hired to do?
There is a place in the market for programming that focus on specific topics like social issues, and there are many people doing those types of shows. Normally event coordinators looking for that type of program will go shopping for it. So, unless that is what you've been hired to do, try and keep the main focused on the purpose of the event. Use those life lessons, but do it in small doses, and tie them firmly into the literacy message.
Now, ask yourself this question.
What do students need to know to make them better writers, and/or what do you need to do or say to get them excited to read more? And how do you present it in a manner that is fun and age appropriate.
- Illustrators Draw
- Singers Sing
- Animal trainers train animals
- Dancers Dance
- Photographers take pictures
- Musicians Play Music
- Actors Act
- Storytellers Tell Stories
- Use Humor
- Embarrassing moments in our lives are fun
- Be a puppeteer
- Ventriloquists are fun
A teachable moment can be tied into so many fun things.
Look at your books, their messages, lessons learned, what inspired them,
and work from there.
Also keep in mind that each grade level comes with their own specific needs, though there will be some grade levels that share similar educational needs, others will not.