Do
you visit schools?
Absolutely! I love to visit schools and speak to
the students about my books and the process of creating children’s
comics.
What is the theme of your presentation?
My theme focuses on the importance of hard work
and perseverance. I emphasize dedication and believing in your
work. True creativity comes from not being afraid to make mistakes.
Overview: In my presentation, I talk about the
process of writing and illustrating comics. I speak about how
I got started and how I became an author/cartoonist.
Questions and Answers: I try to save at least 10 to 15
minutes at the end for questions from the audience. I also encourage
teachers to feel free to ask questions.
Drawing Demonstration: I always save the best
for last. This is a favorite part of the program for the students
and myself. The kids love to watch me draw and get very excited.
What is a typical day like?
I can give three large group (auditorium) presentations or four
smaller group (library) presentations in a day. I can also do
an additional meeting, with a small group of students, over lunch
or snack so they can ask me questions. I can give up to four presentations
in a day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon.
You may split my visit with another neighboring school. (within
a 15 minute drive)
What are the equipment requirements?
I’m fairly low maintenance, but I will need a video/digital
projector (occasionally called an LCD projector) that I can plug
my laptop into.
I’ll also need a screen.
I’d like an easel with a large pad of paper and a couple
of sharpies. Only GREEN
sharpies will do! (Just kidding, they can be any color.)
If I will be speaking in a large room like an auditorium or the
cafeteria, please have a microphone available.
My BIGGEST REQUIREMENT is that the
students have read some of my books. At the very least they should
have knowledge of my books.
Program Length: My presentation for Kindergarten
and First Grade
is about a half an hour.
Second and Third
grade presentations run 45 minutes to an hour.
For grades Four
and higher allow
one hour for the program and question and answer time. I’ll
need at least 10-15 minutes in between each program to get set
up.
School Contact: The day always seems to go smoothest
when there’s someone at the school who will be available
to answer questions and to help me find my way around.
Will you sign books?
You betcha! Signings are best when you have the students write
their FIRST NAME on a small slip of paper, which you then insert
into each book like a bookmark. That way, I can read the name
off each slip and personalize the autograph. I’ll be happy
to sign any books you or the students might have. There are two
ways we can do it:
1. I can sign the books while the students wait.
For example, after each presentation, the students who have books
to be signed can stick around and make a short line. I’ll
sit at a table and sign them, and in about five or ten minutes
(depending on how many books there are) we can do the entire bunch.
The advantage of this method is that I get to meet the students,
and they get to see me sign their book.
2. I can sign the books at the end of the day,
but not while the students are waiting.
If we have a large number of books to be signed, this is definitely
the better choice.
How do I order your books?
The best way to handle book orders is to go through your local
independent bookseller. Several months before the visit, send
an order form home with your students. On it, you’ll want
to include the books they can order; a short description of each
to help the parents decide; the price; and the name they would
like me to use when signing the book.
Bookstores: I have a great relationship with
independent booksellers. Just give them a call and tell them I’m
coming to visit your school. They can help set-up everything,
offer discounted pricing for schools, and will take care of all
the complicated details you don’t have time for. Plus, you’ll
be supporting a local bookseller!
Publishers: Most publishers offer substantial
discounts when schools order multiple copies of a single book.
How does a school contact you to schedule
an author visit?
If you would like to schedule a visit or have additional questions
about my presentations please email me at frank.cammuso@gmail.com.
Preparing for the Visit
The visits are much better if the teachers and students are familiar
with my books. Please make sure everyone has read as many of them
as possible. (If you're having trouble getting a hold of an out-of-print
book, I can arrange to loan you a copy ahead of time.) Try to
start preparing the students at least a few weeks before the visit,
and encourage them to think of questions that they can bring to
the presentation. Once you've scheduled a visit with me, I'll
contact you with detailed instructions on how to prepare.
Additional Questions: If you have additional questions,
or have an idea for something not covered here, please feel free
to contact me.
