Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Writer Wednesday: Book Sales and School Visits


It's no secret that I love to do school visits. The former teacher in me just enjoys being in front of a group of students and sharing my love of the written word with them. Well, this week I participated in an author reading and Q&A session at a school. It was an unpaid visit and not an official author presentation. I spoke with two groups of students. The first was two fourth grade classes, which took place in a classroom. The second was for the fifth and sixth grades in the library. I had a blast reading to the kids and answering questions about being an author.

When the sessions were over, the media special said she felt bad that they didn't have money in the budget this year to pay me, but then she asked if I'd be interested in having the students order my books and coming back to sign them. Of course I said yes. And here's why.

I've been to schools that have healthy budgets for things like author visits and I've been paid very well. I've been to other schools that can't afford to pay me but offer to allow the students to purchase books. Those sales, directly through me, bring in a nice amount of money. So as long as a school isn't too far away and costing a ton in gas money, it's probably in your best interest (and the school's) if you're willing to be paid in book sales when paying for an actual presentation isn't in the school's budget.

Just something to keep in mind. Have any of you opted to be paid in book sales like this?

*If you have a question you'd like me to answer from the other side of the editor's desk, feel free to leave it in the comments and I'll schedule it for a future post.

13 comments:

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    1. It's a solution that works for everyone, I think.

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  2. Absolutely! A great way to build sales and love. The kids will always remember when an author visits. Great idea!

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  3. I like to see schools invite authors to present. Back when I was in school I would have loved this. Instead, our school promoted sports only. They brought in athletes to talk about inspiration and competition, and Tony Dorsett was our substitute teacher for science class.

    We girls were not impressed. I would much rather an author come with books in tote!

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  4. There's some sound reasoning. Hadn't thought of it that way.

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    1. I'd have a different answer if the school was far away. ;)

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  5. I. think kids enjoy signed books from the author. I like to sell books when I visit a school.

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  6. California public schools, for the most part, don't have the budget for author visits. Depending on the school, they may not allow book sales. I found that some private school are very welcoming, though.I know school visits can be a substantial part of authors' income.

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    Replies
    1. Yes. If you write middle grade, you depend on schools and libraries.

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