My favorite part of being an author is meeting readers! I would love to come to your school and inspire your students to read and write. Here is a one-pager with an overview about my speaking services.

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The Impact of Author Visits:

A nation-wide survey of 600 educators who hosted an author at their school reported these benefits:

• 91% reported the author visit motivated students to read more

• 75% reported the author visit inspired creativity and expression

• 70% reported the author visit motivated students to write more

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FAQs

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What's your presentation like?

I try my best to make my presentations as engaging and interactive as possible. My slides have lots of visuals, and throughout the presentation, I ask students questions. Besides being educational, I want my presentations to be fun and inspiring. Depending on the day, I might be a bit goofy too!

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What do you talk about?

My presentation is a behind-the-scenes peek at my author journey and life. Topics include:

• Growing up at Waldameer & Waldameer trivia

• My book series

• How my books get made (writing process and cover design)

• How I became an author & my author life

• My advice to young writers

• Games and Q&A

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I can also tweak my presentation to meet the school's needs. For example, weaving in PBIS values or the school motto (kindness, responsibility, etc.). 

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Who is it for?

The Waldameer Mystery Files series is for readers 8-12, so I typically speak at elementary schools to 2nd-5th grade students. I have spoken at middle schools to 6th graders before, which was fun too. I also like speaking to adults and would love to present at your teacher conference or community group!

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How big are the groups you speak to?

I've spoken to groups as small as 20 students, all the way up to 125 (that would be my limit). Schools often ask me to speak to an entire grade at once.

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Besides presentations, what else can you do at a school?​

Here are ideas for how schools can utilize me after I before/after my presentations:

• Schools can coordinate a pre-sale of my books at a discount ($10 instead of $11.99). The school collects cash orders using my order form, I sign the books ahead of time, and bring them the day of the event. This takes work, but it really helps build excitement for my visit!

• Ask the Author: I can sit at a table in the cafeteria and students can ask me a question during their lunch time.

• Author Luncheon: A select group of students have casual conversation with me over lunch.

• Book Signing: If students already own my books, they can get their books signed by me.

• School Tour: A staff member can give me a tour, show me student work, or have me pop into classrooms to say hi.

 

If you have a different idea, let me know. I'm probably down to try it!

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Do you travel?

Absolutely! I live in Richmond, Virginia, but I often travel for school visits. If I'm traveling more than 25 miles to visit a school, there is a travel fee ($0.70/mile) in addition to the speaking fee. As long as my travel fee is paid, I'll travel as far as you want!​​

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How much do your school visits cost?

It depends on the event you have in mind and where you're located. Contact me, and we can discuss more. But here is a one-pager with an overview of pricing options. If you're an Erie school looking to cut costs, try booking me when I am already in Erie to avoid paying a travel fee (Upcoming Events).

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Any tips for small schools with modest budgets?

I do have some flexibility with pricing, so please reach out to discuss your needs. I mean it! Here are some tips as well:​​

• Avoid a travel fee by booking me when I'm already in your area. Email me or check my Upcoming Events page.

• Team up with a nearby school and split my fee and time (ie. book me for a 4-hour visit, with both schools taking 2 hours).

• Use PTA funds or recruit local businesses to chip in to offset costs.

• 35 Ways to Fund Author Visits

 

I promise your hard work securing funding will pay off!​

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Do you have any teacher resources?

• Discussion Guide printed in the back of each books

• Comprehension Tests

• Goofy Creative Writing prompts to print

• "Create Your Own Waldameer Mystery" worksheet

• Audiobook for teachers using The Long-Lost Locket as a read-aloud

 

Do you do virtual visits?

Yep! I even offer free 15-minute virtual classroom visits. Click here to request one.