The Society of Authors has launched a toolkit to help writers when they take in school visits.
The toolkit created by the Society’s Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group (CWIG) contains advice both for authors undertaking in-person school visits, and school librarians and other staff responsible for organising these visits. Authors Aloud UK has also provided advice and the toolkit is illustrated by Hannah Berry.
For authors it covers areas such as preparation, payment, contracts, and the content of a visit, while for school staff the toolkit includes advice on what to do if budget is an issue, and tips to help pupils get the most out of an author visit.
Abie Longstaff, a children’s author and Chair of CWIG, said: “School visits play a vital role in fostering a love of reading. Meeting an author or illustrator can inspire children to read more widely, build confidence in their own writing and see literacy as an enjoyable, lifelong activity.
“However, organising and delivering a successful school visit can be intimidating – for schools and authors. This toolkit covers practical advice, tips and guidance to support authors and teachers through the process, from finding an author to the visit itself. We hope it will help everyone involved feel more confident, and ensure that visits are a positive and rewarding experience for authors, schools and children.”
CWIG has also relaunched its Reading for Please Award. Society of Authors members an nominate schools they have visited as authors which are demonstrating exceptional dedication to encouraging children and young people to read for pleasure.
Successful schools will receive a Reading for Pleasure Award certificate and badge, a personal letter celebrating their efforts, and recognition in the CWIG newsletter, along with publicity material for coverage in local press to further shine a spotlight on their efforts.
Sarah Burton, Deputy Chief Executive of the SoA and Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group Coordinator, said: “Research consistently shows the extraordinary impact that reading can have on a child’s future success and wellbeing, and meeting an author can set a child on their reading journey. But we know it’s not always easy for schools or authors to know where to start so this toolkit is packed with practical advice and insights to help.
“We also recognise that school visits can be a vital part of an author or illustrator’s income, and we hope this toolkit will encourage more visits so our wonderful children’s book creators can keep doing the work they do.
“At the same time we are relaunching our CWIG Reading for Pleasure awards, celebrating schools and all the school librarians who are quietly changing lives as they go above and beyond in their encouragement of children’s reading. We look forward to giving schools they recognition they deserve.”
You can find out more and download the toolkit at SoA launches school visits toolkit for authors – The Society of Authors
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