School Author Visits

Newtown Bookshop School Author Visits

Do you know that many publishers send authors on tour when they release a new book?  The Newtown Bookshop is proud to offer a program to help our local schools host author visits.  This program will develop a powerful connection between students and reading, as well as introduce the process of writing and expressing one’s creativity.  An author visit can provide a memorable experience for both students and staff.

The Newtown Bookshop will:

  • Provide all details for the author's visit to your school by communicating with the publicist and school.
  • Provide a list of books, summaries, and information about the author.
  • Provide an opportunity for students and staff to purchase the author’s books.
  • Provide books that were ordered to the school prior to the event.

In preparation of the Author Visit, you should:

  • Determine the grade levels and classes that are best suited to the author.
  • Get students and staff excited about the visit by reading their books and including this author in classroom activities.
  • Generate questions to ask the author.
  • Circulate order forms to students and staff.  Book Sales are very important, as this is the only source of revenue the author will receive for this visit.  (authors normally charge at least $1000 plus expenses for a visit).   The Newtown Bookshop will give a 20% discount on the price of the books.  This discount can be passed onto students and parents or they can pay the full amount and a donation be given back to the library or school.  Checks should be made out to the Newtown Bookshop, and tax must be included with the exception of any books bought by the school.
  • Post the information in-school, on your website and newsletters.
  • Identify one person responsible for collecting the order forms and money. 

During the Author Visit, you should:

  • Have a staff member or students available to meet the author in your school office.
  • Have tech staff available to assist the author in setting up computer presentations or other equipment needed.
  • Have a staff member or student prepared to introduce the author.
  • Assist author in calling on students for questions and answers.
  • Provide a space whether author can sign books.Make sure books are clearly marked if they need to be personalized.
  • Provide water and chair during the presentation.
  • Take photos with the author and post them in your school, newsletters or website.

If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Morrison at kathy@newtownbookshop.com or 215-968-2400.   

If you would like your school to be considered, please contact Kathy at kathy@newtownbookshop.com and let us know you are interested, along with the grades in your school,your sc hool enrollment numbers and the contact information of the person at the school when we need to discuss placement.