A Children's Author's Guide To Speaking At Schools - Writing A ...

As a children's author you deal with a completely different marketing demographic then the rest of the writing world. With such a specialized audience, children's authors have a limited amount of marketing tools to choose from. Speaking at schools is a great cost-affective way for authors to spread their work through the perfect audience.

Promoting children?s books can be a fun and fulfilling experience. As an author, you carefully crafted your children?s story to inspire and encourage the minds and hearts of young people. Marketing your book provides opportunities to place your book in children?s hands and do just that.

One fantastic way to reach children with your book is to speak or read at schools. Teachers do you a big favor by rounding up lots of little minds all in one room. That?s efficient PR.

Speaking at Schools

If you would like to consider this approach, here are some pointers:

Video

Before you contact schools, consider filming your presentation before children of family and friends, or children at church. Your sample video may put school decision makers more at ease knowing what to expect.

Consider the Audience

Is your book faith-based? Consider whether public schools would be receptive to the topic before you move in that direction. If not, perhaps Christian schools or homeschool co-ops would be a better venue.

Start Locally

Start in a school you are familiar with or where you have a connection. Once you have successfully spoken there, you can ask for referrals to other schools and you acquire a valuable endorsement which may help to open the next door.

Check the Calendar

Find out if the school or district has author events or writer?s occasions. If not, consider timing your talk or reading with a related holiday. There are countless special days and months to plug into. From Jell-O Week to Hot Tea Month, you?ll find plenty of reasons to discuss just about any topic. The most comprehensive tool I?ve found is the Chase?s Calendar of Events. You may also search online for various websites which list special days, weeks, or months.

Keep it Simple for the Teacher

When you call or stop by the school, keep it simple for busy staff. Ask who the appropriate contact person is, and obtain her extension number and e-mail address.

In your e-mail, share where you have spoken previously and why you and your topic would benefit them. Be sure to specify the age group you speak to and where your contact person can can see a video of your presentation (if applicable).
Payment

Don?t expect payment for speaking in schools. Most school districts do not have a budget set aside for that. Rather, understand that the book sales are the payment.

Send Flyers Ahead

Have a professional flyer designed telling about you, your book, and any charitable cause proceeds may go to. Include a simple order form detailing the cost of the book. Have educators send the flyer home with students one week early so they will have money the day you visit.
Interaction

Be animated to keep kids attention. Make eye contact and call on children to answer questions. Arrive in character and costume, or bring appropriate props.

Bring Something for the Kids

Bring a sticker, pencil, or other simple item for the kids. Optionally, these can be personalized with your website or book information. You can purchase items like this from websites like www.OrientalTrading.com.

PTA

After your event, check with the PTA to see if they will buy books for kids in bulk (since you were probably not able to speak to all the children in the school). Offer a discounted price for buying in bulk. Perhaps the PTA can even resell your book as a fundraiser.

Follow Up

Let teachers and students know they have an extra week to order the book after you leave. You may gain more sales after the kids hear you read or speak. Send a thank you note to teachers and staff. If you know things went well, ask for an endorsement and/or referrals to other schools.

In your endeavor to speak at schools, think long-term. It takes time and effort to gain trust and credibility as you build a speaking platform. Remember that many authors find it well worth the patience and perseverance. Ultimately, speaking at schools offers the opportunity to reach more kids with your message, so consider giving it a try! If you have spoken successfully at schools, please feel free to comment on any additional advice you have for readers.

Source: http://www.publishingedu.com/curation/a-childrens-authors-guide-to-speaking-at-schools/

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