what are school author visits?

exactly what they sound like!—professional children’s book authors, illustrators, and storytelling experts traveling to your school to talk to students about their craft. visits often include presentations on how they come up with their story ideas, the ins-and-outs of getting a book published, their love of reading and creating, and other engaging activities (we’ve seen it all from writing/drawing exercises, trivia sessions, to singing and juggling!). so much more than just a fun school assembly, school author visits promote literacy, public speaking skills, encourage reluctant readers, inspire creativity, and leave an overall lasting positive impact on your school for years to come.

bbgb works directly with a network of publishers and their many talented creators to facilitate in-person and virtual school visits at all grade levels, handling everything from event coordination, travel logistics, promotional materials, bookselling, and order delivery.

is there a cost?

visits facilitated by bbgb are a part of a creator’s publicity tour, and are at no charge to schools, saving what would often be thousands of dollars in author visit fees. we only require an agreed-upon book order minimum, and that schools share the visit with families to encourage book sales.

depending on the creator, book order minimums typically range from 25-75 copies of the featured book or series. the minimum is typically met and exceeded through promotion of the event and families preordering signed books for their students, but can also be met or supplemented by the school purchasing books for the library, classrooms, students, etc. see our guide for different ways you can prepare your school for a successful author visit.

for any purchases made by or on behalf of a school, bbgb provides a discount starting at 15%, tax exemption (with proof of your school’s tax-exempt form), and free delivery to school. please note: by committing to host an creator at your school, you are committing to the minimum book purchase.

how do i get in on the action?

if you are an educator at a school in the greater richmond area or its nearby counties, and you wish to collaborate on an author visit (or just want to learn more), please email our events manager at angie@bbgbbooks.com. we send out periodic email blasts (typically a few months between semesters) to our educator network with a list of creators we’re planning visits for.

have you already booked a visiting creator externally, but need a bookseller?

we can help! please email our shop manager emma kawecki at emma@bbgbbooks.com for bookselling inquiries at your event.

interested in author visits at your school but you’re not an educator?

we encourage you to share this page with your school’s librarian/reading specialist, principal, or pta coordinator to get us connected with your school.