Book a Visit!
“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
Author Visits
Now booking events for 2023-2024!
Nikki is now booking both in-person and virtual visits.
Are you interested in having me visit your school, church, or organization? I am available for various types of appearances, including school visits, readings, signings, 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, Highlights Foundation, and Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) events. I'm happy to offer keynote addresses as well.
Visit Information
What types of presentations are available?
Presentations can revolve around my titles or around 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:
- Nikki's Books
- Narrative Story Structure
- From My Brain to Yours: How Books are Made
- Writing and Revising: An Author's Job
- Do Your Homework! (Conducting Research)
- Never Give Up!: A Lesson in Perseverance
- Voice, Perspective and Point of View (for 6th grade and up)
- Diversity in Children's Literature
- Publishing/Writing/Developing Your Craft (for authors)
- Book Club Chats/Author Meet & Greet/ Q & A
Are visits free?
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 has been working in public schools since 1993, 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.
How much does a visit cost?
The 2023-2024 rates below are basic rates for school visits/student audiences. 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.
Virtual Visits (on Zoom, WebEx, etc.):
Virtual Book Club Chat/Author Meet & Greet/Q & A: $400
(one hour, including tech test immediately preceding visit)
Virtual Author Presentation (see topics above): $600/1 hr. or $1000/2 hrs.
(includes tech test immediately preceding visit)
All presentations are tailored to your visit/audience, and can include visuals using screen share.
In-Person 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)
Presentations for Adult Audiences:
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.