Author Visit Information:

Inspire Young Writers

Children love meeting an author in person. Authors inspire kids to write and read more. After all, behind every book is a real person. Kids learn that writing doesn’t jump into print. Every author writes and re-writes to make their story, faster, funnier or more poignant and authentic. And they can, too!

I Love to Speak

I love to present to schools, teacher workshops, bookstores, festivals, conferences and civic groups. I have several programs, of varying lengths and contents to choose from. Usually, my programs last from 30 minutes to an hour. Sometimes programs can be adapted to fit the needs of a school’s particular curriculum or conference theme. A typical day would be three sessions, plus time for autographing. I’d be happy to suggest a presentation based on the size and age of your group. If you’d like me to speak at your event, email me at: hbhomzie@sbcglobal.net

Suggested Honorarium

Range for one half-day visit is from $150-$950, depending on location. Travel fees waived for local areas, which include: Napa, Sonoma and Solano Counties. Payment in the form of check will be due upon my arrival.

I will offer discounts to schools that line up additional visits for me with other schools.

I ask that schools sponsor a book signing and encourage parents to purchase books for their children in advance. I will supply a flyer that you can Xerox with purchase information. You maybe be able directly from publisher at a discounted price for bulk orders. Some schools charge the regular price and use the “profits” to pay for my honorarium. (However, publishers requite that you pay to return unsold book so some schools find it easier to work with a local bookseller, who would take care of returns for you). Other schools find money from their PTA, Friends of the Library, bookstore, library, service groups, such as the Rotary Club, Adopt-a-School Sponsor, local reading association, Title I and Title VII, School Improvement Plan (SIP), LAAMP, Grants, School Site Council, local corporations and businesses. You can check my calendar on the web to check my schedule.

Numbers of Sessions, Students/Attendees

All of my visits require a signed contract so that we can both be prepared and insure that everything goes smoothly. For example, as a part of the contract, we will decide how many presentations will be included in a half-day, as I charge an additional fee for more extra sessions. Please check with me before adding an extra session or children to a session. I need to know the maximum number in attendance for all sessions, as I may have handouts, such as signed bookmarks, sticker/autographs and worksheets.

How to Make the Most of a School Visit with H.B. Homzie

Prep the children that I am coming and explain what an author is and what they do. Have your students read my work, and discuss it with them. Encourage your children to visit my website www.homzie.com to found out more about me. Ask the kids to think up questions to ask me and bring them to the presentation. When students have studied an author’s work, the visit becomes MUCH more exciting and rewarding.

To make things go as smoothly as possible, create an author visit committee comprised of parents, community volunteers, students and faculty members. On your committee, designate someone an escort, an autographing/book sales coordinator, a publicity liaison, and decorations chair. Have students make posters, banners and consider sponsoring a writing contest or journal, or performances of my material. Have your media liaison contact local newspapers, television and radio stations about the visit. I truly enjoy granting interviews. Publicize the visit to parents, and students by sending flyers about purchases and event times before the visit.

The Day of the Visit

Have an escort meet me at the school, and make sure that I have a designated parking spot within easy access of the classrooms I will be visiting. For visits out of my area, have someone meet me at the airport or train station. Plan to keep your sessions on schedule. If you have signed on for an 8:30 AM to Noon session, be sure your classes are ready so you don't run out of time. Sometimes, I won’t have the flexibility to extend my hours.