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Kudos • Tips for a Successful Author Visit • Fees
 Students learn how to “Bake a Book” (Service mark pending) in this tasty workshop about the book writing and publication process. Using an engaging combination of visual aids and interactive dialog, I bring my carefully honed presentation skills from boardroom to classroom. Students will discover that a good story, just like a treasured recipe, must include several basic ingredients! They’ll learn how to generate mouthwatering story ideas, mix ideas with essential story ingredients, knead story mixtures into doughy manuscripts, and finally, to bake a manuscript into a scrumpdelicious book! Along the way, they’ll see how the combination of hard work and determination - sprinkled with a little luck, is the best recipe for success!
Locks of Love hair donation at Blue Marlin Publications booth – Book Expo America, NYC
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Clara’s Gift from the Heart book signing – Borders
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Book signing at The Nutshell, Milton, MA
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MKD with Girl Scout Troop 4090 at the Locks of Love Fundraiser in Milton, MA, Salon D'Allesandro
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“We enjoyed an inspiring visit with Mary-Kyle Douglas who read from her first children’s book, Clara's Gift from the Heart, and presented Grades 1 through 5 a 'cooking up a story' themed workshop featuring an impressive Power Point presentation. Ms. Douglas tailored her curriculum-appropriate visit for each grade and was a huge success. We are pleased to report Little School students purchased 62 of her books which allows the $62.00 proceeds to be donated to the highly acclaimed ‘Locks of Love’ campaign. During the author's presentation, students and staff were recognized for previously donating their hair to ‘Locks of Love’, a truly wonderful gift.”
- Michelle Syed, Enrichment Coordinator, E.E. Little School – North Reading, MA.
“The students really enjoyed the time that Mrs. Douglas spent with them. She shared her beautiful story of Clara and also inspired them with details of her experiences as an author. Mrs. Douglas explained the brainstorming, writing, editing and publishing stages that transformed her ideas into a finished product. Her visit was memorable for all of our aspiring authors.”
- Lorraine Henry, Librarian Glover School, Milton, MA
Fidelity Investment's Reading is Fundamental Book Fair.
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“Thank you again for such an outstanding presentation! The kids (and grown ups) loved it. My daughter hasn’t stopped talking about it. She invited her best friend over this afternoon and they both read the book and she told her all about it. I thought it was particularly helpful for them to know of the effort it takes to polish a story and to never give up finding a publisher. It’s good for them to know that even as adults we have to work hard at things to get them right. We eagerly look forward to future volumes. Thanks for getting her copy to her. I know she will treasure it.”
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“I wanted to thank you very much for your visit on Friday. Everyone was very pleased with your presentation and they enjoyed your book as well. It was very generous of you to give up your time and speak with the students. Your explanation of the steps in writing will help reinforce what has been introduced to second graders. First grade teachers will be able to use your words and presentation in their writing process launch. Thank you again.”
- Judy Lusk Teacher, Hyman Fine School N. Attleboro, MA
Author visits are intended to reinforce the teachers’ lessons in a fun and different way. Planning and organization are the keys to a successful author visit.
- Familiarize the students with the Author’s books. They will be more excited for the event.
- Send a note home about the author visit in the “Backpack Express” to inform parents about the visit.
- Review the author’s logistics requirements in advance. My sessions include a powerpoint presentation. Although I bring a laptop, I need a projector and screen, as well as a table to display various materials.
- For multiple sessions a schedule that allows sufficient time for the presentations, breaks, and book signings should be created. All sessions should occur in the same room to minimize disruptions. Libraries and auditoriums work best. Download Student Book Order Form
- If the school allows students to purchase books, assign a coordinator to distribute and collect book order forms from the students in advance of the visit. Many schools use profits from book sales as a fundraising opportunity.
- The principal, librarian, or a teacher should introduce the author.
- Teachers should reinforce the ground rules that the author sets. For example, questions are typically expected when prompted by the author or after the session.
- Review authors visit with the students.
- Provide the author with feedback about the visit, to include Kudos, OR areas of improvement.
Sessions for school visits are tailored by age group (1-3 and 4-5), and run approximately 45 minutes each. Fees are $150 per classroom session or $500 for the day for four sessions. Books will be available for purchase and signing between or after the sessions upon advance request. Contact me at info@marykyledouglas.com to arrange a visit.
As previously mentioned, schools are often eligible for discounts on the purchase of author books. You can pass this discount on to your students, or you can use the profits as a school fundraiser. When you place your book order, be sure to indicate that you are hosting an author event at your school so you can take advantage of these special discount offers.
There are two ways you can purchase my books for your upcoming school visit:
Contact my publisher, Blue Marlin Publications, at info@bluemarlinpubs.com or call at (631) 666-0353.
Order from you local bookstore. Although they tend to offer smaller discounts, you can avoid shipping costs. Be sure to ask them to explain their return policy on any unsold titles.
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