I love visiting schools – if for no other reason than I remember how THRILLING it was to get out of class! It’s just as thrilling these days to meet young and passionate readers.

If you’re considering an author visit, please contact my publicist, Stephanie McLaughlin. She knows my schedule (unlike me), and (unlike me) is a complete and experienced pro at this. Houghton Mifflin also has a detailed website describing how to organize a winning appearance by an author/illustrator. For even more advice from seasoned authors, click here.

How to Create a Successful and Memorable Visit, IMHO

• Prepare the kids! This is SO important. Students who have read or listened to my books, who have visited my website, who have discussed the story and brainstormed queries . . . these are the students who ask AMAZING questions, who listen and respond, who visibly quiver with enthusiasm. They are an absolute joy to meet.

• Offer books for sale. Oftentimes the PTO will manage this as a fundraising activity. Local bookstores invariably love to assist. Houghton Mifflin also sells book direct; call 1-800-225-3362 for more information.

• Equally important: Alert students to the sale! Very few middle school or even high school students carry spending money. Flyers or emails home will remind them (well, some of them) to bring in change. Nothing is as heartbreaking as watching a student stand there empty handed as her friends get their copies autographed.

• Divide and triumph. I completely understand that not every student has the time, ability or inclination to read, and that the school would like to get as much as possible from my visit. Yet I also empathize with readers’ fervent desire to discuss real specifics. How many times in your life do you get to talk to the creator of this world you’ve just devoured? In this situation, I would advise a large assembly for my “Yes, I am a writer” presentation. Then invite those who have completed my book(s) to an intimate book talk. This might motivate more students to read; it will reward those who do; and it allows each of my presentations to be vibrant and unique, saving me the agony of duplicated anecdotes. (We all have our issues; that’s one of mine.)

Here’s me at the Browns River Middle School in Jericho, Vermont. Because all the kids in book club had completed Dairy Queen, I got to read the ending! Many thanks to Joyce Babbitt for the photo and the event.

Fee Schedule, subject to change without notice: $1000 per day plus travel, maximum of 3 presentations per day. For further information, contact Stephanie McLaughlin at Houghton Mifflin Company.

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