Getting the most out of your author visit or workshop...
Preparation for school visits
Children always get a lot more from workshops when they've prepared for them.
They need to have taken time to think about writing, perhaps have done some writing, or thought about their favourite books and why they like them.
Children who are familiar with my books before the workshops really enjoy finding out how those books were made.
I would encourage teachers to get the children to think up some questions in advance - they are often too shy
on the day. This way, children really can get a lot from workshops.
Older children may be interested to read some of my blog posts or articles - as with the books, children will get a lot more from the session (and will have many more questions) if they are familiar with what I do.
Buying Books
Every author hopes that a school visit will lead to the school, teachers and/or children buying some books. It means the children have something tangible to remind them of the day. That book can be inspiring for them long after they've forgotten the workshop.
Schools which send information home (and I'm happy to supply a flyer) and remind children to bring money on the day are successful and many of the children are delighted to buy a book.
Fees
I usually charge €350 per day plus travel costs but I'm open to discussion depending on the occasion.
Please understand that €350 per day does not mean €50 for an hour especially if it entails long-distance travel.
The preparation for one session is often the same for multiple sessions on the same day. That said, I'm always happy to discuss my fee depending on the particular event.
Consider joining forces with another local school or bookshop and I can do a session in both schools on the day.
Children always get a lot more from workshops when they've prepared for them.
They need to have taken time to think about writing, perhaps have done some writing, or thought about their favourite books and why they like them.
Children who are familiar with my books before the workshops really enjoy finding out how those books were made.
I would encourage teachers to get the children to think up some questions in advance - they are often too shy
on the day. This way, children really can get a lot from workshops.
Older children may be interested to read some of my blog posts or articles - as with the books, children will get a lot more from the session (and will have many more questions) if they are familiar with what I do.
Buying Books
Every author hopes that a school visit will lead to the school, teachers and/or children buying some books. It means the children have something tangible to remind them of the day. That book can be inspiring for them long after they've forgotten the workshop.
Schools which send information home (and I'm happy to supply a flyer) and remind children to bring money on the day are successful and many of the children are delighted to buy a book.
Fees
I usually charge €350 per day plus travel costs but I'm open to discussion depending on the occasion.
Please understand that €350 per day does not mean €50 for an hour especially if it entails long-distance travel.
The preparation for one session is often the same for multiple sessions on the same day. That said, I'm always happy to discuss my fee depending on the particular event.
Consider joining forces with another local school or bookshop and I can do a session in both schools on the day.