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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT PRESENTATIONS

Click here for the Speaker Request Form

FINDING THE RIGHT SPEAKER TO VISIT YOUR SCHOOL OR ORGANIZATION

Why have a Presenter Visit Your School or Organization? 

  • Our members’ presentations are not “entertainment fluff.” The presentations relate directly to your school’s curriculum in Language Arts as well as Math, Science, Social Studies and Fine Arts (depending on the subject area of each author’s books) in an entertaining way.
  • Our authors have often heard things like, “You know, we can tell our students that a million times, but they don’t believe it until they hear it from someone like you.”
  • Meeting a “real” author or illustrator makes a huge impression on young people. It reinforces reading, writing and art and shows students (even the youngest ones) an authentic example of “real life” application of the skills they are learning in the classroom. Kids go back to their classes inspired to do better.
  • Many of our members have classroom activities available that teachers can use to relate the author’s books to state-mandated curriculums or writing tests.
  • A speaker for a community group will enhance your group’s program and goals, and provide an entertaining as well as informative meeting.


PICKING THE RIGHT AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR FOR YOUR NEEDS

Ask yourself the following questions 

  • Do we want large group presentations? Small groups? Or a writing workshop?
  • Do we want everyone in our school do be able to meet this speaker, or a certain grade level?
  • What are the ages of our students?
  • What kind of space is available? Full auditorium? Cafetorium with kids sitting on the floor? Large group space in the library? Classroom?
  • What kind of audio/visual equipment do we have to help the speaker with the presentation? Screen, overhead projector, full power point computer-generated projection system? Microphone, etc.?
  • How many presentations will we need? One large group, or 4-5 groups spread through the day?
  • Will this be during the school day, or in the evening when parents can attend as well?
  • What can we afford?

Then read through what our members have to offer and choose one who best meets your needs.

 

AFFORDING AN AUTHOR ON A SHOE-STRING BUDGET

All our speakers will donate 20% of their book sales back to your school. This will help offset the cost of the visit.

  • Look among our members for those with lower honorariums.
  • See if the author will consider being a “house guest” in someone’s home, thereby lowering expenses. Have a volunteer “chauffer” them to avoid the cost of a rental car if the author must fly in.
  • Search for foundations, community programs, businesses or service groups and ask for their help or apply for their grants.
  • Some of our members are willing to work with you in this area, especially if they live close to your location.
  • Consider having each student contribute $1 or $2 each, just as they would for field trips or other special programs.
  • Look to your PTO or PTA for funds.
  • Hold a special fund-raiser specifically for this purpose.
  • Share the expense with another near-by school with each of you having half a day

 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM OUR PRESENTERS

  • A quality program tailored to your needs
  • Friendly, professional conduct
  • A well-prepared speaker
  • An interesting learning experience for your students and others coming to the program
  • A chance for students and others to purchase autographed books
  • Book order forms or flyers ready for you to duplicate and send out prior to the visit

 

WHAT OUR SPEAKERS WILL EXPECT FROM YOU 

  • A well-behaved audience
  • Prompt payment of agreed-upon fees
  • Some pre-visit promotion within the school and community
  • A room or presentation space equipped in the way you have agreed upon
  • Time during the day to autograph the books ordered
  • Anything else you have agreed upon ahead of time

 

STEPS TO A GREAT AUTHOR PRESENTATION OR SCHOOL VISIT

At least one month in advance:

  1. Choose an author/illustrator from our list.
  2. Contact that person through the information provided.
  3. Agree on a date, fees, expenses, equipment necessary, group size, etc.
  4. Have the speaker send a press kit, sample books, copy ready order forms, flyers or whatever else that author/illustrator provides.
  5. Notify all teachers and staff involved.

Two weeks before:

  1. Make enough copies of book order forms, flyers, etc. to give to each student who will be attending the program.
  2. Notify community news papers of the upcoming visit.
  3. Make sure all needed equipment works.
  4. Make a schedule if there are multiple sessions and send it to all teachers and staff involved.
  5. Be sure teachers have copies of any classroom activities the author has provided.

One week before:

  1. Remind all teachers and staff involved.
  2. Collect all book orders from teachers and let the author/illustrator know how many books to bring.
  3. Show copies of the author’s books to students when they come to the library for their regular time and read them to younger classes as needed.

The Day of the Visit:

  1. Have the room where the presentation will take place ready.
  2. Have water or coffee, and perhaps a small snack, ready for your guest in the teacher’s lounge or other appropriate room.
  3. Provide lunch for the speaker if he/she will be there all day.
  4. Have a table ready for signing books.
  5. Introduce your guest to each session of students.
  6. Assist as needed.
  7. Suggest to teachers that they have students write thank you notes immediately afterward.

After the visit:

  1. Be sure teachers have copies of any follow up materials the author may have provided.
  2. Ask teachers and students how they enjoyed the visit.
  3. Please let us know how it went and pass along any suggestions that may help us improve our site.
Click here for Speaker Request Form

Texas Authors Group
11010 Hanning Lane
Houston, TX  77041-5006
Info — Call 713-937-9184
or e-mail Rita Mills