Author Visits
I love exciting kids about science and writing! As a former corporate trainer, I know the importance of bringing energy to a presentation, especially to an elementary school audience.
I offer both virtual and in-person author visits.
Virtual School Visits*
Full Day (Three Full Presentations from list below + Simple Story Time and book sale/signing, if desired): $500
Individual Presentation (from Full Presentation List below and book sale/signing, if desired): $200
Simple Story Time with brief Q&A: $100
In-Person School Visits*
Full Day (Three Full Presentations from list below+ 1 Simple Story Time and Author Lunch Bunch & book sale/signing, if desired):
- $1000 PLUS travel expenses if 40+ miles from Sterling, VA. (Schools are encouraged to book visits together to share travel expenses.)
Half Day (One Full Presentation from list below + Simple Story Time and book sale/signing, if desired):
- Only for schools within 20 miles of Sterling, VA: $500
Programs Offered
for grades K‑1:
Simple Story Time:
- An interactive read-aloud of one of my books plus a song or two
- Q&A from teachers
- About 20 minutes
Animal Adaptations
- Brief intro on common features of fish or primates
- Brief discussion of adaptations/habitats
- Interactive reading of Freaky, Funky Fish or Peculiar Primates
- Q&A (teacher selected questions preferred)
- About 30 — 45 minutes
for grades 2–3 and 4–5+ (programs are similar but go a bit deeper for grades 4–5+)
Animal Adaptations
- Brief intro on common features of fish or primates
- Reading of Freaky, Funky Fish or Peculiar Primates
- Interactive discussion of various adaptations
- High-level discussion of research and revision process in writing
- Q&A with students
- 45 — 60 minutes
- Discussion of how metaphors help with understanding abstract concepts
- Reading of Wind Is a Dance
- Discussion of science of various winds and other weather
- Brainstorm new metaphors for weather
- Q&A with students
- 45 — 60 minutes
Is It a Book Yet? From Idea to Published Book:
Best for Grade 4+. Fun, interactive presentation using examples from my books on:
- Brainstorming and recording ideas
- Research for nonfiction, historical, or informational fiction
- Drafting
- Revising and making your words sing
- Getting published
- Q&A with students
- 45 — 60 minutes
Nonfiction Writing:
Best for Grade 4+. Fun, interactive presentation using examples from my books on:
- Different types of nonfiction
- Research
- Weaving facts into stories
- Verifying facts
- Getting published
- Q&A with students
- 45 — 60 minutes
*I am willing to personalize/adapt programs and budget. Just reach out!
If budget constraints are keeping you from booking an author visit, this Paying for an Author Visit pdf can help you find ways to fund a visit. Author visits are a great way to motivate students to read and write more!
Book signings
For all visits—virtual or in-person—we can do book signings, if desired. There are several ways to do this. We can:
- order books through my local bookstore. I will sign them and have them shipped to your school.
- your class/school can order through a local bookstore near your school and I can mail you signed book plates if virtual, or when I arrive in in-person.
- or we can use authorvisitcentral.com.
Testimonials
“I love how Debra talked about the science and research behind making her book and the writing that goes with it. I am looking forward to referencing her visit throughout my teaching.”
-Beth Kraemer, Kindergarten Teacher, Van Hise Elementary School, Madison, WI
“My second grade students were engaged in learning odd facts the entire time… on the last day of virtual school! Thank you for making learning interactive and fun. But most of all, thank you for inspiring my students to keep learning, and to work hard at whatever they are passionate about.”
-Connie Rabe, 2nd Grade Teacher, Rod Kelley School, Gilroy, CA.
“Debra was extremely easy to work with and willing to adapt her presentations to meet the needs of our school. She was engaging and did a great job interacting with our students.”
-Reading Specialist, Zielanis Elementary School, Kiel, WI.
“Our students were very excited to meet an author and the presentation aligned with science content.”
-Jessica Nelson, Librarian, Marumsco Hills Elementary School, Woodbridge, VA
Library Programs
I offer story times for preschool and elementary school audiences—doing an interactive read-aloud, sing a song with the kids, and do a craft of fish or primates. (About 45 minutes — 1 hour)
For adults, I offer a series of writing programs on writing picture books—from picture book basics, to revision strategies, to querying for traditional publication. (About 1 hour each)
I am also available to present as a member of a panel or literacy events, and can customize my programs for various needs. Just reach out to me and we can chat.
Contact me with any questions or to book a visit! I look forward to hearing from you!