Tips for Authors Working in Public and School Libraries – Part Two

In this second of our two-part library workshop feature, writer K. M. Lockwood outlines how authors can maximise sales and publicity at library events. 

How do I sell my books at library events?

• Ask the library if they have a bookseller they like to use. 
• If possible, bring/organise someone else to help with sales - people buy more if you don’t touch the filthy lucre and you can sign quicker. 
• Maybe leave a few signed copies to be sold after the event and go back to collect the money at a later date. If you are able to sell direct through the school, offer a discount to parents. 
• In a large secondary, you can expect to sell around 30 or 40 copies. 100 copies is exceptional. 

How can I maximise my publicity? 

Schools 

• Provide a ready-made letter about you so that teachers can give this to parents/carers. 
• Supply a pro-forma for book sales – with details of costs for each book . 
• Design preparatory activity sheets or ideas for teachers to use if possible. 
• Spell out what you are going to do – especially for workshops. 

General

• Send whatever you can in advance: Posters, bookmarks, postcards, biographical information (especially for older children), anything that can be used in displays will be very much appreciated.
• Get a piece in the local newspaper. 
• Talk on local radio. 
• Tweet to people who know you’re coming. 
• Promote the event yourself on Facebook. 
• NOTE If the Local Authority is handling publicity, give early permission for artwork to be used in publicity as due to past threats of legal action, local authorities can be a bit wary. 

What SHOULDN’T I do when visiting libraries? 

On the day 

• Don’t turn up late – try to be there at least half an hour in advance. 
• Avoid talking down – especially to secondary school children. 
• Don’t swear – especially in primary schools. 
• Don’t take yourself too seriously. 
• Try not to be dull, grumpy or inflexible! 
• Speak up and don’t be shy! 
• Please don’t leave early. 

Before and after the event 

• Don’t ignore emails – respond promptly. 
• Don’t push for a return visit. 

Additional tips 

• Offer free bookmarks/bookplates/postcards on the day so everyone gets something. 
• Consider being a Reading Patron http://www.helena-pielichaty.com/blog/patron-of-reading/ or a writer/artist in residence. 
• Get to know your local librarians, stay in contact with the Youth Libraries Group – you may get invited to speak at a conference. 
• Librarians speak to one another - they are always on the lookout for workshop and book talk people. Social networking is good for this. 
• Never be backwards in coming forwards - unless you shout about your availability for workshops etc. no one will know. 
• Plan your day carefully. In schools, it will generally be in the same building but for public libraries, you might have one library in the morning, one midday and one in the afternoon. Ensure you know the routes well or ask if a librarian can help. 
• Don’t worry about over-exposure - if someone enjoys you, they will come back, and bring others. Remember that in schools, you get a fresh new audience every September. 
• Sending follow-up activities may make teachers more likely to choose you again. 
• Following up what the children did can make a real difference to them. 

Collated with help from these wonderful and generous people: Anna James, Dawn Finch, Kristy Rabbitt, Jayne Truran, Matt Imrie, Mélanie McGilloway 

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K. M. Lockwood is a writing name of Philippa R. Francis. Once a primary school teacher, she became a graduate of the MA in Creative Writing at West Dean College in 2011. Her story The Selkies of Scoresby Nab was short-listed for the Mslexia Children’s Novel Competition and long-listed for the Times Chicken House in 2012/13. She was born in Yorkshire but now lives by the coast in Sussex. Her writing shows her deep fascination with British folklore and the sea. Her interests include reading, scuba diving and belly dancing, though not at the same time. She also blogs at the-wedding-ghost.blogspot.co.uk
 

Tips for Authors Working in Public and School Libraries – Part One

School and public libraries are fantastic places to host author workshops, but if you're not sure where to start, author K.M. Lockwood has gathered some handy tips from librarians and authors. 

This two-part series will be sure to help you make the best of your time among the Dewey Decimal aisles. First up, here are some basics to think about when approaching libraries and planning your visit.

  

Who Should I Contact?

Schools

• School Librarian or failing that, Head of English/Literacy Co-ordinator. 
• Try the Schools Library Service if there is one. This will cover a range of venues. 
• Direct emails or letters to a school can work – especially if you’ve met someone at a conference/event. 

  Public Libraries

•  Children & Young People’s Librarian. 
• Youth Libraries Group Committee. 
• An organisation like Authors Aloud UK.

When’s the best time to get in touch with libraries? 

Schools 

• Ideally six months in advance of your visit. 
• September can be a good time. 
• NEVER at the end of term. 

Public Libraries 

• Around the March/ April when budgets are set.

General 

• Note that annual events such as the Summer Reading Challenge, World Book Day and National Poetry Day are organised months in advance to allow time for promotion. 

What should I be paid for a library event? 

• Be absolutely clear about your expenses from the outset. Include travel costs, food and hotel/B&B if you have travelled an enormous distance. 
• Ask about Literacy funding or other related ‘pots’. Remember the OFSTED inspection framework expects schools to demonstrate an “active policy of reading for enjoyment" - author visits are part of this. 
• Look at the Society of Author guidelines for suggested rates. 

How will I know what facilities are available?

• These can vary depending on the venue. Just ask. It's not impolite to ask, honest! 

How should I plan my event? 

Schools 

• Avoid first thing Monday morning – or be prepared to do something rousing! 
• You might want to nab the lesson before or after a break as this will give you a chance to mingle. 
• In Primary schools the last lesson of the day can be good as you may be able to catch the parents at this point. 
• Stick to the school’s timings – for example, always give them time to register. 

  
 Public Libraries 

• If you’re working with pre-school children then aim for 10am as older siblings will be in school. 
• Saturday mornings can work well. 
• Early evenings will suit YA readers. 

  
 General

• Expect to present for 40 minutes tops if your presentation is not interactive. 
• Expect to run a workshop for up to an hour if the children are directly involved. 
• Double-check the arrangements a week in advance. 
• Keep in touch if delayed. 

What kind of attendance numbers can I expect? 

Schools 

• Be flexible about what you can handle, but be honest too. 
• Understand that schools may find it hard to timetable a large group. 
• You might want to offer a large group presentation followed by a sequence of smaller workshops. 

Public Libraries 

• Be warned that children are notorious for not turning up unless the PARENTS know about you! 

Collated with help from these wonderful and generous people: Anna James, Dawn Finch, Kristy Rabbitt, Jayne Truran, Matt Imrie, Mélanie McGilloway 

Visit Words and Pictures on the 15th April for the next set of invaluable tips , which will focus on how to maximise sales and publicity during your visit. 

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K.M. Lockwood
@lockwoodwriter

K. M. Lockwood is a writing name of Philippa R. Francis. Once a primary school teacher, she became a graduate of the MA in Creative Writing at West Dean College in 2011. Her story The Selkies of Scoresby Nab was short-listed for the Mslexia Children’s Novel Competition and long-listed for the Times Chicken House in 2012/13. She was born in Yorkshire but now lives by the coast in Sussex. Her writing shows her deep fascination with British folklore and the sea. Her interests include reading, scuba diving and belly dancing, though not at the same time. She also blogs at 
the-wedding-ghost.blogspot.co.uk