Date(s) of visit
Name, address, and phone number of school(s)
Contact person (name, phone number, and email address)
Presentations
how many, how long should they last, what grades, how many students, and schedule
Should I focus on a particular theme? (nonfiction, fairy tales, etc.) Does this apply to all the groups or just certain grades?
Will I be presenting in a classroom, media center, gym, or cafeteria? Will I move from room to room or will students come to me?
Equipment
I have a projector and am comfortable using my own equipment. I would need:
a screen and two tables/carts for my laptop, projector, and props
an electrical outlet near the laptop and projector, or an extension cord that reaches the outlet
If you prefer that I use your equipment, I'll bring a flash drive (and my laptop as a backup).
Do you want me to use my own equipment or yours?
Book sales
I love to sell books, of course, but it’s not a requirement for an author visit. I understand that every community has different needs. If you do want my visit to include book sales, will you order books from a bookstore or from me? Do you want me to provide a list of recommended books? At what point in the schedule will I be able to sign books?
Lunch
Will lunch be provided? (I’m a vegetarian, but if a meatless option is inconvenient, I am perfectly content to eat a power bar or two!)
Travel
Driving—I will ask for standard IRS mileage rates for visits outside the Twin Cities metro area.
If a hotel stay is needed, should I book it myself or will the school book it for me?
If I fly, should I book my flight myself or will the school book it for me? Will someone pick me up at the airport or should I rent a car?
If I will be going to multiple locations throughout the day, will someone drive me or should I plan on driving myself?
Agreement and Payment
Will your school provide an agreement for both parties to sign or should I provide my own?
How is payment handled? Should I submit an invoice or will the signed agreement suffice? Will I be paid the day of the visit or will a check be mailed to me?
Special considerations, notes, etc.