“Nikki Shannon Smith is a treasure. She came to visit our school library for an author visit and it was perfect in every way… What a gift! She came for an entire school day and prepared developmentally appropriate and interesting presentations for each of our six grade levels, K-5. She had photos and video as well as examples of her work to bring her words to life… She shared writing tips and story starts, showed them her creative process and answered all of their questions… She has a wonderful spirit and message to share with student writers and readers. We all learned from her visit!”
- Redwood Heights Elementary School, Oakland, CA
Beginning 9/17/24, I will be featuring my new middle grade novel from Scholastic, STRANDED. I'd love to join your school for an assembly, your Scholastic Book Fair, or a Community Literacy Event!
Are you interested in having me visit your school or organization? I am available for various types of appearances, including school visits, readings, signings, writing workshops, and presentations. I have over 30 years of experience teaching children in pre-schools and elementary schools. I love hanging out with kids! I enjoy meeting and talking to readers, writers, teachers, librarians, and other book lovers of all ages.
I also speak at a range of reading and writing related conferences and workshops, including library associations, reading associations, The Highlights Foundation, and Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) events. I'm offer keynote addresses as well.
FOR YOUTH AUDIENCES: Presentations can revolve around my titles, or writing in general. (Please see the "Books" link for more information about my books.) School visits can be adapted for either a large assembly or a smaller group of students. Presentations are interactive and provide time for the audience to ask questions. Possible topics include:
FOR ADULT AUDIENCES: (Conferences, In-Services, Workshops and Keynotes) Please inquire via the contact form. Topics include, but are not limited to:
In general, I'm not able to offer free visits. Visits include preparation time, travel, tailoring the event to your audience, and sometimes materials costs. However, as someone who worked in public schools for 30 years, I certainly understand the limitations created by school budgets. I'm happy to provide suggestions to help you fund a visit and find ways to make a visit more affordable. I can also offer support as you organize your visit and order books for students.
The rates below are basic rates for school visits. Other configurations, programs, and fee schedules may be available. Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions. I can usually find creative/flexible solutions to help you arrange a visit. Bookings completed by July 31, 2024, for Fall 2024, will be given the 2023-2024 rates.
Virtual Visits: Please note that virtual visits may not be recorded.
Virtual Book Club Chat/Author Meet & Greet/Q & A: $600
(one hour, including tech test immediately preceding visit)
Virtual Author Presentation (see topics above): $800/1 hr. or $1200/2 hrs.
(includes tech test immediately preceding visit)
All presentations are tailored to your visit/audience, and can include visuals using screen share.
In-Person School Events:
Full Day School Visit: $3000 (Maximum of 3 assemblies, plus book signing and more!)
Half Day School Visit: $1500 (Maximum of 2 assemblies plus book signing)
Keynotes and Other Presentations:
Fees for these presentations vary based on topic, duration, travel, and audience size. Please use the contact form below for inquiries.
Please note that fees are subject to change. Full-day rates and travel/ lodging fees apply for visits requiring flights or more than 100 miles of round trip ground travel.
I'm happy to answer questions about booking a visit.
Got writing or publishing questions? Nikki recommends the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
Response times vary, so please allow up to three weeks for a reply.
Nikki is represented by Jennifer March Soloway at Andrea Brown Literary Agency: soloway@andreabrownlit.com
Copyright © 2024 Nikki Shannon Smith, Children's Author - All Rights Reserved.
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