How to Get Your Picture Book Into Schools (and Sell Signed Copies)

For picture book authors, a school visit can sell more books in one morning than a month of social media, and you're usually paid a fee too. Schools want visiting authors because they get children excited about reading and writing. Deliver a joyful, well-organised session and they'll rebook you and recommend you.

Design a simple visit menu

• Assembly: an interactive reading and Q&A for the whole school or a key stage (30–45 minutes).
• Class workshop: your story plus a creative activity (45–60 minutes).
• Half or full day: an assembly plus several workshops.

Link each session to what schools care about: reading for pleasure, creative writing, wellbeing, and the themes in your book. A one-page teacher pack with discussion questions and follow-up activities adds value and makes rebooking more likely.

Set a fair fee

Fees vary by country, experience and session length. Author organisations such as the Society of Authors (UK) and SCBWI publish guidance. As a new author you might start a little below established rates, but agree your fee in writing, include travel, and don't offer unlimited free visits. Some authors offer a reduced fee in return for a guaranteed book order.

Pitch the visit

Email the head teacher, English lead or school librarian. Keep it short: who you are, what the session does for the children, what's included, your availability and your visit menu. Start with schools you have a connection to, and ask every happy school for a short testimonial and a recommendation to one more school.

Sell signed copies through a parent order form

1. Two weeks before the visit, send the school a ready-made letter for families with a simple order form.
2. Offer signed, personalised copies at a fair price, delivered to school on the day.
3. Collect orders and payment before the visit so you bring the right number of books.
4. Sign each copy with the child's name.
5. If agreed, leave a few spare copies with the school office.

On the day

Read with energy, use props, invite actions and questions, and finish with an activity children can take home. Keep sessions shorter for younger children. Ask the school to share photos (with permission) that you can use later.

Ready-made scripts: The Picture Book Launch Kit includes the school pitch email, a visit menu, and the parent letter and order form, ready to copy.