Priscilla Ann Ing
Summer 2006
Book Review #3
Melton, David, HOW TO CAPTURE LIVE AUTHORS AND BRING THEM TO YOUR SCHOOL. Kansas City, MO: Landmark Editions, Inc., 1986
While the reader may be put off by the copyright date of this book, one should realize that organization, cooperation, and consideration are all still vital to a successful author visit. The author, David Melton, wrote this book as the result of putting together an annual young author event and being, himself, an invited author to schools and writing events.
This handbook covers, in its eleven chapters, creating and organizing an event involving children’s authors, getting the most out of publicizing the activity, soliciting funding, accommodating the author at the event and during the stay, and concluding activities. The point made over and over again by Melton was how students, staff, administration, parents, and community all need to be involved before, during, and after the event, and to do so with thoughtfulness and courtesy. A time line was suggested noting the need for preplanning and double checking, especially regarding student preparation and travel / housing reservations. Chapter 9 was entitled “Make your lists, check them twice!” This was a chapter of checklists for establishing committees and their job descriptions, along with timelines. It also included lists for publishing the event to everyone, from the community to the students, both in school and at home, and the possibility of purchasing the author’s books. Double checking the author’s travel and housing arrangements as well as expectations (sometimes listed in the contract for services) and the preparations for work with the students is vital. A list for concluding activities was also shared which covered thank you notes, wrap up of student activities, paying the author, final news releases, and an evaluation from each committee member.
An additional feature of this handbook was the inclusion of author stories in the wide margins of each page. A line drawing illustration was featured, with the author’s name and one of his or her well known titles. Several of the features involved stories of positive or negative experiences during school or event visits. These stories highlighted Melton’s points of courtesy, consideration, and organization before, during, and after author events.
I consider this handbook, even though old, to be of great use to anyone hoping to facilitate an author visit. Updating can logically be carried out by the reader in terms of the use of web sites, e-mail, faxes, and cell phones. Good manners and organization will always be timely.
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