While we had all hoped most schools would return to in-person author visits in the 2021/2022 school year, the prospects for that happening are still uncertain at best. We expect many schools across the country to continue meeting in non-traditional ways, which means authors will still want to adapt their Author Visit programs to meet the needs of teachers and librarians who are seeking virtual visits. Offering virtual visits is also a great way to recover some of the school visit income lost during the pandemic.

Luckily, author Kate Messner, in 2020, created an in-depth workshop designed to help everyone make realistic plans and prepare the kinds of virtual sessions teachers & librarians are requesting right now. We are now making this hugely popular program available again for the original price, with recording of the live update and Q & A Kate held on September 14th, 2021. In this live session, Kate shared her latest insights into virtual visits and the results from a brand new educator survey for 2021.

These four recorded 75-minute sessions build from one video to the next. All sessions include ASL interpretation. Here's what's covered in each video:

Session 1 – Kate starts us off with a “State of the Author Visit” report, based on her recent survey of more than a thousand teachers and librarians. Find out how schools are planning for in-person or virtual author visits under pandemic protocols, what budgets look like, which virtual visit platforms they prefer, and which aren’t allowed in most schools. We’ll also take a look at expressed interest for different kinds of programs, from reading- and writing-focused talks to STEAM topics, duos, panels, and multi-school webinars. You’ll have some optional homework to prepare for session two!

Session 2 – In this video, we take a more in-depth look at options for virtual author visits, including traditional presentations followed by Q & A, but focusing especially on more interactive sessions that include quizzes, games, and workshops. Participants will learn how to use various platforms to engage students both on camera and off, whether they’re with their teacher in a classroom or learning from home. Another optional homework assignment will help you prepare for session three.

Session 3 – Almost universally, survey respondents are looking for virtual visits from authors who can pack a one-two punch – offering a fun, engaging presentation plus material that ties in with learning standards. How can authors best strike that balance, and what works best for different age groups in a virtual world? In this video, we use a few workshop participants’ books as exemplars to talk through making curriculum connections, “chunking” time in a virtual visit, and adding interactive elements. With one last homework assignment, you'll put this workshop session to use with your own books.

Session 4 – This session is all about staging, presentation, and logistics. We talk about setting up your virtual author visit studio, including common pitfalls, and share some tips for adapting your presentation style (and energy level!) for virtual visits. This final session also addresses pre-submitted questions and author-visit paperwork, including schedules, promotions, and contracts for virtual visits.

BONUS! Recording of live update and Q&A from September 14th, 2021. In this session, Kate shared her latest insights into virtual visits and the results from a brand new educator survey for 2021.

PLUS!

All registrants will receive:

• Digital Resources - Each session's resource packet includes links to resources discussed in the workshop, and templates for author visit contracts, book order forms, etc.
• Exclusive access to Kate's previous Author Visit Makeover webinar - Recorded in May 2020, this recording includes additional material for creating engaging author visits whether you're in-person or online.
• Video access through May 30, 2022 - You'll have access to these recordings through the end of May 2022. Watch on your schedule any time you want. All recordings and live sessions include ASL interpreters.

The workshop is designed to be a "soup to nuts" program that will enable you to launch or adapt your school visit program with confidence. With the inclusion of access to the Author Visit Makeover webinar, it will provide 6 hours of instruction and Q & A. Book even ONE school visit and the registration fee will pay for itself. Click the button below to register now!