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 presentations from list below and book sale/signing, if desired): $300
Individual Presentation (from list below and book sale/signing, if desired): $125
Simple Story Time with brief Q&A: $75

In-Person School Visits
Full Day (three presentations from list below and book sale/signing, if desired):
- Local (within 40 miles of Sterling, VA): $700
- Non-local (more than 40 miles from Sterling, VA) $900 PLUS travel expenses. Schools are encouraged to book visits together to share travel expenses.
Half Day (two consecutive programs and book sale/signing, if desired):
- Only for schools within 20 miles of Sterling, VA: $400
Programs Offered
for grades K‑1:
Simple Story Time:
- An interactive read-aloud of one of my books
- 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
- Discussion of various adaptations
- Reading of Freaky, Funky Fish or Peculiar Primates with focus on adaptations
- High-level discussion of research and revision process in writing
- Q&A with students
- 45 — 60 minutes
Is It a Book Yet? From Idea to Published Book:
Fun, Interactive Presentation on:
- Brainstorming and recording ideas
- Research for nonfiction, historical, or informational fiction
- Drafting
- Revising and making your words sing (with examples from my books)
- Getting published
- Q&A with students
- 45 — 60 minutes
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.
- 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.

I am available to present as a member of a panel, at library programs 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!