Tips for Organizing a Successful Book Event:

Ask the following questions:

• Do you know what the teachers want?
• What subjects are in the curriculum?
• What writing skills are being developed?
• What grades do you want to reach?
• Do the children need to find ways to enjoy reading?
• Do you want children to hear the author’s voice?
• What kind of event do you want to plan: author visit, writing workshop, teacher workshop, authorfest, reading incentive programs?
• How will the event be funded?
• Should you consider block booking with another school in the area?
• In conjunction with the visit, do you want to have a book sale and signing for the students ,or provide books for classrooms or the library?
• Will the author visit discount help to fund the event or will it be used to make books more affordable for students?

What to do:

• Know what your teachers want.
  
• Choose committee members for various tasks.
  
• Preview the author if possible, or talk to someone who has. Contact Janet Zade for information.
• Check the author’s website for information about work and presentations.
  
• Gather information about the number of students and classes for the visit.
  
• Work with Janet Zade to set the date, place, times, audience size and age, technical needs, discount book ordering information, and fee.
  
• Coordinate with your funding source to provide for deposit, travel costs, if necessary, and payment to author.
  
• If you plan a book signing, send book orders sheets home well in advance. Order books, check the accuracy of the shipment, and put signing slips in each of the books.
  
• Prior to the day of the event, make a display of posters and books, for the library or lobby, so that all will know this wonderful visit is happening.
  
• Prior to the visit, urge the teachers to talk about the author’s visit, allow the students to read at least one of the books, and even ask the kids to write questions on a file card in preparation. The visit can be a much more valuable experience if these things are done!
  
• Call your local newspaper for coverage, so that the wider community will know about the good things being done with the money raised.
  
• On the day of the event, arrange for a host, make sure that all teachers have the schedule, and that the technical needs are met, provide the author’s lunch and payment, and set up a book signing area.
  
• Emphasize that teachers should lead by being present and showing interest.
  

Zade Educational Partners • Hingham, MA 02043 781.749.2733 • fax: 781-749-5507 • E-MAIL US!