Author Michele Torrey

Believe it or not, I never met a “real-live” author until I was in my twenties! Fortunately, times are changing as today students have the opportunity to meet and talk with authors in their schools. Having an author visit their school can open students’ eyes to the realities of the writing process, the wonders of the world, or perhaps even to the possibilities of writing as a career.

“Thank you for the wonderful presentation yesterday at Whitman Middle School. I was impressed with how you connected with such a large group of kids and involved them in your talk.” – Erin Ostrander, Seattle, WA

"Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with our students. You made a big impression on our students, and your books are never in the library long enough to be reshelved." -- Julie Custer, Librarian, Adams Elementary School, Spokane Valley, WA

“My favorite part about the assembly was when you told us about when you lived in Europe. You were really great at the assembly. I want to go get the violet stuff you said. I’m going to be a photographer and travel the world like you do.” – Karissa, Spokane WA

“I have always wanted to be a writer. When I was little, I realized that I could be an author and an illustrator. You have inspired me to write more. This summer I am planning to write my own book.” – Rachel, Spokane, WA

“Thank you for coming. It seemed like it inspired a lot of the kids about science and writing. I also liked how you told us about your life. It really inspired me mostly about science but also writing.” – Joey, Spokane, WA

“The thing I liked was when you shared about pirates. I learned that making a book is a long process. I also thought it was cool when you did the anti-thief powder that was so awesome. I loved to hear all your stories and ideas.” – Robbie, Spokane, WA

“Thank you for coming to our school. I learned it’s a longer process to publish a book and what you have to do to write a book. I liked the part about the coin you were able to cut in half. In my opinion your books are awesome!” – Justin, Spokane, WA

“Thank you for coming and telling about your life. I learned about how you write your book and made me want to do that when I am older. I would love to read your book about the great explorer Magellan.” Magen, Spokane, WA

A) My presentation is informal, interactive, and adapted to the age of the audience. Partly biographical, my presentation details my journey in becoming a writer, how I generate ideas, my typical work day, and the business of writing and publishing. It incorporates all of my books, touching on such subjects as life at sea and exploration, finishing with a mini-science demonstration complete with students glowing in the dark. Suitable for elementary through middle school. (40-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A per session)

B) My dialogue workshop is with a group of pre-selected students (not to exceed twenty students). In this hands-on, interactive workshop, students learn how to create great dialogue using “tricks of the trade,” from dialogue tags to character voice. Students will spend approximately 15 minutes of the workshop writing. Suitable for third grade through middle school. (50 minute workshop)

$800 per day for WA state
$1000 per day for OR state
$1100 per day outside WA/OR

A one-day visit includes four 50-minute presentations (40-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A per session), booksigning, plus, if desired, a lunch get-together with a pre-selected group of students. School can substitute the 50-minute presentation with a 30-minute assembly suitable for K-2 (20-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A). The 30-minute presentation is an abridged session of Presentation “A” above.

The school pays travel expenses. For schools outside of a 75-mile radius of my home, I charge 48¢ per mile for any additional miles, if I am driving. Anything beyond 80 miles from South Bend, WA, might require an overnight stay. Expenses could include: plane fare, meals, motel, cab fare from airport to motel, motel to school, and back (unless school can provide transportation), or a rental car.

Schools in close proximity can share the visit and the cost. If schools hire me for a full week, they will get the fifth day free.

STUDENT PREPARATION:
Author visits go more smoothly when students are prepared beforehand. This includes acquaintance with the author who will be visiting their school, and familiarity with the author’s books. I require that the teachers prepare the students prior to my visit by introducing students to my biography, my books, and reading portions of my books aloud in the classroom.

BOOK SALES:
Author visits are also enhanced when students have something concrete as a keepsake to remind them of their special day with the author. Normally, a flyer is sent home with the students, announcing the author visit and providing an opportunity for students to order the author’s books. The flyer is returned with payment, allowing the school to know how many books to order. While no student is required to purchase a book, I do require that the school make my books available to students for purchase prior to my visit. It is recommended that this be done in a timely manner so that students can have their books autographed when I visit. I will also provide autographed bookmarks for each student. Book sales can be coordinated either through the publishers, through a wholesaler, or through a local independent bookstore. If done through a wholesaler, the money generated in book sales can help pay for the event.

Please contact me if you have questions or would like to schedule a visit. Once you schedule a visit, I will provide step-by-step information and resources on how to make an author visit a success, detailed information on how to order my books, and a contract.