How to Plan an Author Appearance

Welcome to the home for Penguin Young Readers Group's author and illustrator appearances. We want to help you to bring great authors to your school or library. Below is a step-by-step guide to a planning your next event!

1. Learn the Basics

   This overview sheet will give you pointers and information you need to know.

   Then look at a sample author schedule for more ideas.

2. Choose Your Authors

   Click on the Author Appearance Listing button on the right. It can help you narrow your choices down by type of appearance, suitable age level, and author location.

3. Request Your Authors

   It’s easy! Just access the Author Request Form, fill it out, and send it in.

4. Prepare for your Event

   Once you have scheduled your event and you have a finalized and signed contract, you’ll need do the following to get ready!: organize transportation, have equipment ready for the presentation, provide a schedule to the author/illustrator, and prepare the payment. You should also have books available to sell—we encourage you to go through a local bookseller, an institutional wholesaler (if you use one), or you may order directly from Penguin.

Best wishes for a successful event!

—The Penguin School and Library Marketing Team

SHERRI L. SMITH has written several award-winning novels for young adults. Flygirl, her first novel with Putnam, won the California Book Award, was a YALSA Best Book for Young Adults, and has received over fifteen state award nominations. She lives in Los Angeles, CA.

You can learn more about Orleans here.

Learn more about Sherri L. Smith here. If you are interested in hosting an appearance by Sherri L. Smith at your school, library, or conference, please use the online request form, send an email to authorvisits[at]us.penguingroup.com with possible dates, your school name, location, details about the day, and your contact information.