I’m happy to visit schools, libraries, clubs, etc. in the New England area, preferably within 150 miles of Boston, MA, though if you’re farther away we can discuss it. I’m also working on sorting out Skype to enable visits with places farther away.
Below is a brief description of the types of visits I do and my fees. Given current budget restrictions in many areas, fees are negotiable. I’m also willing to accept barter (for example, a free ad in your school paper) in lieu of payment, depending on travel distance. For travel outside 100 miles of Boston, I ask for a $10 travel fee. (At this time, I do not travel more than 200 miles from Boston. I am currently working on being able to do Skype presentations for schools outside that radius.)
To contact me about a visit, please email me at joramsey34@hotmail.com, with “School Visit” in the subject line. Regardless of the type of visit, each visit will conclude with a prize drawing for students. I look forward to hearing from you!
Visit types:
Please note that although I’ve described these in terms of school visits, adaptations can be made for library presentations, visits to clubs such as the Boys and Girls Club, etc.
Small group presentation:
This approximately 60-75 minute presentation is intended for groups of up to about 25 students, so is perfect for English classes or school book clubs. It includes a discussion of tolerating differences and bullying, which is a theme in my Reality Shift novels, as well as a discussion of writing and the publication process. Students and staff are encouraged to participate in the discussion. $50
Writing workshop:
This workshop can run up to 90 minutes, based on time available, and is intended for groups of no more than 16 students. A smaller group, up to 10-12 students, is preferred. After a brief presentation on the writing process, including brainstorming and revising, students will be able to present a piece they have written for feedback from me and each other, or will be guided through the prewriting and first draft processes, depending on the preference of the staff member arranging the visit. $50
Guest Author:
For up to two hours, I’ll be available in the library or other setting for students to speak with individually or in small groups about writing in general and my books in particular. This is not a formal presentation, just a chance for students to meet an author. $50
Large Group/Assembly:
This approximately 75-90 minute presentation is intended for groups of 100 or more students. It includes a discussion of acceptance and bullying, as noted in the Small Group Visit, and of working toward goals. Some interaction will be encouraged, and a short question and answer period will occur at the end of the presentation. $50
Half Day Visit:
This visit would last up to three hours, and can include any two of the visit types described above; 2-3 small group presentations; or 2 writing workshops, in addition to a 15-minute meet and greet period at the beginning or end of the visit. $70
Full Day Visit
This visit lasts a full school day, and can include all four of the visit types described above or any combination thereof (for example, an assembly followed by 3-4 small group presentations, or a full day of small group presentations), in addition to a 15-minute meet and greet period at the beginning or end of the visit, or during a student lunch period. $100
