Contact
I enjoy getting email from readers — for me, it’s a faster, easier, and cheaper mode of communication than snail mail.
I can be reached at: jamespreller@aol.com
SCHOOL VISITS
After answering a series of individual emails on this topic over the past decade or so, I finally decided to get around to providing a general description of a typical visit. Hopefully it will help to answer questions in advance and give you some idea if I’m the right guy for your school.
I am relaxed and confident speaking with students at any grade level, though, of course, the content of those talks varies according to age level. Fortunately, I’ve written a range of books that are appropriate for kindergarten up to middle school, almost all of them available in paperback at affordable prices.
Typically, I’ll do three 45-50 minutes presentations during a full-day visit. In addition, schools sometimes like to set up lunches with a small group of students, and I’ve always enjoyed that. I am also very happy to sign books. It is understood that the sponsoring organization will handle all book sales.
For the best results, I’ve found that it makes a huge difference when students are familiar with my work and have thought about questions in advance. Like just about everything else in life, what you get out of it is in proportion to the energy that’s put into it. If the school leaders are excited and enthusiastic, that energy transfers to the students –- and we all have a terrific, rewarding experience.
I don’t juggle, blow bubbles, or put on slide shows. I’m just an author talking about what I do for a living, reading a bit, answering questions, all (hopefully) in an entertaining fashion.
Fees are available upon request. I do try to be flexible to the specific needs of each individual school. For schools that require serious travel, it works best for me if 2-3 days worth of visits can be arranged with different schools in your district. Sponsors should plan on paying for travel expenses, which can be shared with other area schools.
So, there it is in a clamshell. I look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks!