Can a self published author charge for author visits? This is a question I have asked myself after several school and library readings, when I’ve taken up at least an hour or two of my time and haven’t sold a single book. When I first published Little Blue Penguin, my children’s book for ages 2 to 6, I wanted to promote it and I was so pleased and grateful to offer readings at local libraries and schools without any charge. The first couple of readings I did, I was pretty naive on the marketing end and didn’t even pass out any promotional literature. Then I talked with a local Calgary author, Simon Rose (The Heretics Tomb, The Emerald Curse) and he mentioned that I definitely should be charging for my time (at least $150.00 per visit). I thought, how can I do that when I am so new an author (and self published) and most teachers and libraries have not even heard of me.
I’ve since published my second book, McKenzie’s Frosty Surprise, and have been to a few more schools. Now I pass out order information, but discovered that teachers don’t want the responsibility of having to collect money that children bring money to school, so usually the order forms go home with the children after the reading. To date, I haven’t yet received an order form back, but perhaps some purchases have been made at bookstores because of the reading, and it means that several more children and teachers become aware of my books.
I’ve talked with librarians about charging for my readings, and they are acceptable if they can claim the expense through an “authors’ reading grant” (usually through the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, or the Young Alberta Book Society (YABS) and similar organizations. The problem for me as a self published author, is that I am ineligible for the funding because I am not published by a professional publisher.
I love giving readings and doing signings; the children are so enthusiastic and willing to learn. I enjoy the interest generated from my books in the classroom. It is a way for me to give back. At some point though, I have to cover my costs of travel and time when going further away from home. I’d like to hear opinions from other authors about how they approach the subject of a fee, about charging for readings, and/or how they promote sales at readings and signings. (Thanks, Patricia Atchison)
Tags: Author Readings, children's books, self published author
