Funding an Author Visit

Summer 2013 is coming to a close at a speed faster than lightning. Pretty soon new classes will form and friendships will be made. As the school year begins and routines take shape, it is important to spark and encourage the children's interest. It may be challenging, as students may still be thinking about the beach. Or their thoughts may turn more toward Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. One way to spark some interest is to host an author visit.  It brings the world of books alive for children and integrates language arts skills.

As much as an author visit sounds like a fairy tale come true, funding it can be as tricky as a Harry Potter spell. Here are some tips to help you:

• Check with organizations such as the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) or the American Library Association (ALA) for grants  that may be available. This is most helpful if you are hosting an out of town author where expenses can triple.
• Hold classroom fundraisers to raise money for the visit: hold a bake sale, art sale, Movie Night, etc. ----Be creative.
• See if a local business will help sponsor a visit
• Auction off an autographed copy of one of the author's books -contact me and I can help with any of my books-just ask!

Need more ideas, check out my fundraising tips!

To contact me for your next author visit, please visit my Author Website contact me via e-mail.