Would you like to have your favorite author visit your school or other organization? You can check with the author's publisher to see about book tours and when they might be in your area. You can then write in advance to see if they might be willing to visit your location. Even if an author isn't on tour they can be approached through their publisher or agent for guest speaker opportunities and other such visits.
Author visits are more common than you would think especially when they are trying to promote a new book. One such avenue of information on visits from authors is the Harper Collins Children's Books site for educator and librarians, Harper Teacher.com. You can view tour dates for their children's authors and illustrators and even choose from a list of authors, narrowing your choices to the recommended 3 or 4. They will even assist you in matching the authors or illustrators with your event or lesson. They suggest inviting an author to visit about 6 months to 1 year in advance. Some authors even book their visits and tours two years ahead of time.
It is easier to coordinate a visit when you have a specific date in mine. Authors also like to know as much as they can about the event so they can better plan their visit and know whom they will be presenting to. You will need to consider your budget and the fees and accommodation and travel expenses of the author. Their visit might cost less in travel fees if they will already be there on a tour or other event scheduled in that area. You will need to know if they want you to make their hotel reservations or if they would prefer they do it themselves. Fees can range anywhere from free to over $2000 depending on the author. You might check to see if another school or organization that could have them present there as well can share the costs. Keep in mind that more than 2 or 3 engagements in one day are too much for an author to handle in one visit.
After the visit has been booked you will usually receive any promotional materials such as books, pamphlets, or other materials that the publisher and author would like to have present on the visit. You will want to allow for any question and answer time and if books will be made available for purchase, allow time for book signing. Be sure to let the author and publisher know if you will include these as part of their visit so they can prepare in advance. You will work with the author or their representative to determine travel arrangements to and from the airport and visit site and any security or escort service that might be needed.
Publicize the event with posters, and other advertising methods so you have a great turn out for your author. Some of the promotional materials that will be provided can be used to get the newspapers and media involved. Some last minute things to consider are to make sure the author has breaks in the presentation if it will be long and water or other beverage available at the podium. Check out the sound system well in advance of the event and again the day of the event. Check to see if the author has any preferences in mikes such as hand held, clip on or even headset.