GUIDELINES FOR AUTHOR VISITS
There is nothing more rewarding to an author than sharing with children who are reading, enjoying, and discussing her books. That's why I enjoy going to schools and libraries and interacting with children.
SUCCESSFUL VISITS A successful author visit begins long before the actual visit to the school. The preparation done by teachers and media specialists to prepare students for an author visit is invaluable in assuring that the children get the maximum benefit from meeting a "real, live author." The Southern California Children's Booksellers Association says in their guidebook for author visits: "The success of your event will depend on your students' familiarity with your guest's books. It is necessary for you to assume the responsibility of making the books available to the youngsters and seeing to it that they are read and discussed."
Here are some suggestions for getting the most from an author visit:
>> The more preparation the children have, the more they will get from the experience.>> After reading the books to the children, have them do art or writing projects about the books. >> Go over possible questions with the students before the author's visit. >> Other faculty, staff, and parents are welcome to sit in on presentations.
Here are some logistic matters that will insure a successful school presentation:
Please set up the school visit with the author at least two months ahead of time. Overseas schools need about six months. You should immediately contact my publisher so you will have sufficient time to order books.
SELLING BOOKS You can obtain my latest book directly from my publisher, in which case you will normally get a discount. Or you may have a local bookstore provide books for you. If you decide to offer books for sale, publicize the author visit to parents well in advance and let them know about the availability of books to be autographed. The children will get very excited about having a book by an author they have seen in person.
To order TOFU QUILT from the publisher, contact John Man at (212) 779-4400, Ext. 28. Fax: (212) 693-1894. E-mail: jams@leeandlow.com. Be sure to say that it is for a school presentation.
My Childhood Series: FIRST APPLE, WATER GHOST, LICHEE TREE, CHILD BRIDE and my picture book, MOON FESTIVAL, are out of print. However, many of them can be obtained new or gently used by logging onto www.fetchbook.info and searching for either the book title or for Ching Yeung Russell
PRE-VISIT PREPARATION I request that teachers read to the students at least one book before I come, preferably FIRST APPLE. If you have time to read more than one, it would enhance the students' experience.
After the books are read, the students will be able to identify the items I demonstrate during my presentation.
SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS I will do three sessions a day. Each session will be 45 minutes to one hour in length, depending on the ages of the students. No more than 3 classes per session, please.
In my presentation, I tell students how I became a writer and how I broke into the American publishing world. I demonstrate the artifacts that are mentioned in my books, involving the students in hands-on participation, and encourage students to ask me questions. I can only bring limited numbers of artifacts to overseas schools.
No video or audio taping, please.
AUTOGRAPHS At the end of the day, I will autograph books with the child's name in English and Chinese. Please have post-it notes in each book, indicating in legible printing the child's name and any special message the child requests.
AMENITIES Please have available: one six-foot table to display artifacts, a white board or chalk board to write on, an easel to display a map and other visuals, and a cassette player.
LIBRARY VISITS For library visits or other author visits, please contact the author for further information.
FEES Fees will be quoted on request. For clarification or questions, use the email link at the bottom of this page:
