Author Visits

Simon enjoys visiting schools, festivals and colleges, when time allows, and is an engaging and charismatic speaker.
He has spoken at all the major literary festivals in the U.K. and at conferences both here and in the U.S.A.
He can talk to small, large, or very large groups of children and adults from ages 3 to 103.
Simon can tailor his visit to meet your needs, some of the things a typical visit might include are:

• Explaining how he became an author/illustrator
• Discussing how ideas develop into words and pictures, choosing words creatively, refining ideas.
• Sharing some of his draft books, sketch books,  and materials that support his work
• Story-telling using large images on screen of the art work from his books
• Demonstrating his drawing and painting technique – this works best with class sized groups
• Question and answer session
• Book signing session

“My son, who attends another school, really enjoyed his school’s visit by Simon and now wants to be an author when he grows up! His enthusiasm for writing has greatly increased since Simon’s visit and I would love the children in my class to feel that enthusiasm too. We have read many of Simon’s books in class and the children love them. When can he visit?”

Juliette Endacott -Teacher

A typical school visit

A typical author school visit with Simon James will consist of three sessions. Simon will arrive at 9.15am in order to set up his equipment.The day will then usually follow a timetable, an example of which is set out below. Simon is always happy to discuss a timetable to suit your school day.

• 9.30 – 10.30. a session with years 1 and 2.
• 11.00 – 12.00.a session with years 3 and 4.
• Lunch.
• 1.30 – 3.00. a session with years 5 and 6

A book signing session if required, is at the end of the day with an opportunity for children and parents to meet with Simon.

Simon’s fees for an author visit are in line with the recommended charges set by The Society of Authors.

Please email for details.

Preparing for a school visit

If you would like Simon to visit your school these are the things he will need, to make the visit as successful as possible:

• A darkened room suitable for using a projector
• A flip chart and black marker pens
• A table and chair to work at
• A microphone (for very large groups only)

Simon provides all other equipment he uses, including projector and screen.
Sometimes it can enhance the visit if the audience is familiar with Simon’s books and has prepared some questions.
However, this is not essential.

To book a school visit click HERE.