How to Set Up an Impactful Virtual Author Visit

2020 has been an unprecedented time as schools adjust to distance and hybrid learning models. To provide some normalcy a virtual author visit can prove to be motivating and impactful.

Virtual author visits can be a great way to enable direct interaction between book creators and readers without the costs of an in-person visit. 

Here’s how to set up your first virtual author visit:

1. Set up the technology

Sometimes when I work with people who are thinking about setting up a virtual visit, they get a little panicky about the technology aspect. But virtual visits are actually quite easy, and don’t require all that much in the way of equipment. Here’s a basic list of what you’ll need:

• An operating system compatible with Zoom
• Broadband Internet connection
• Speakers (built-in work OK for small groups, but separate speakers do much better for larger audiences)
• Microphone (again, built-in work OK but separate microphones tend to have better sound quality)
• Webcam (built-in or separate OK)

2. Prepare students

Encourage students to read books by the author prior to the event, and to generate questions they may want to ask. The better prepared students are prior to a virtual visit, the more likely that the visit will feel smooth and natural, instead of stalled by “dead air” time.

Check with the author or illustrator if there are any materials that they would like you to have on hand for students. 

3. Do a test run

Even when the technology looks a-OK, sometimes there are snags. You can prevent a problem on the day of the event by doing an early test run with the author.

4. Get books signed

One element of in-person visits that’s a little more difficult with virtual visits is arranging a book signing. But with a little additional planning, students can still walk away from the event with signed books! Just ask the author if he or she would be willing to sign book plates and send them. The signed book plates can be sent ahead of time and placed in books so students still have autographed copies.

Reading has never been more important than now. The award winning Lucky Luke's Hunting Adventures series is AR rated and has proven to create a reading frenzy across the country with reluctant readers. Together we can make a difference! 

You can view more about my author visits by visiting, www.kevinlovegreen.com.

Get your students hooked on reading with a virtual author visit this school year by contacting me, Author Kevin Lovegreen, via email at kevin@kevinlovegreen.com for pricing and to book your date!

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