Book Selling Tips

Selling books for an author visit not only supports the author but also enhances the value of the visit for your students. A book autographed by an author seen in person is a constant reminder of the excitement of reading. Book sales can also provide supplementary funds to your school.

It is recommended that an initial set of books be ordered at least two months in advance of an author visit. These books should be circulated among the teachers and students. This kind of preparation is essential to the success of a visit. At least half of the value of the visit comes from the student anticipation of seeing an author whose books they have heard of or read. And you can do few things worse to an author than put him or her in front of a "cold" audience!

Books to sell should be ordered at least a month in advance. Unsold books can be returned later for full credit, though shipping costs are your own. The author will grant discounts for quantity and/or education buying. These discounts can be used to earn money for the school or can be passed on as savings to students.

Books should be presold. It is not enough just to announce to students that the books will be available on presentation day! It is almost always parents who buy picture books, not students! Use the order form Miriam provides HERE (acrobat needed) or create your own that includes the following:

•Announcement of the visit
•Titles, brief descriptions, and prices
•Fill-in lines for purchaser's name and classroom
•Fill-in lines for who to autograph to (not how to autograph)

This form should be sent home to parents for them to send back with payment before the day of the author's visit. However, there should be extra books on hand for sale on presentation day and after.

After collecting the forms and money, simply place your order directly with Miriam Rutland.