1. Please prepare the audience ahead of time with the author's/illustrator's books. Also, try and publicize the event in advance with displays and classroom activities.
PLEASE NOTE: Every student who is going to hear them speak should have read or heard read to him or her, at least one of their books. Preferably several.

2. Please do not leave the author/illustrator alone with the audience during the presentations.

3. If the author/illustrator is required to stay overnight, please be sure to ask whether he prefers to stay in a hotel or a private home (most prefer some quiet time in a local hotel). Also, please be sure to keep in mind the timing of the appearance(s) vs. the author/illustrator's arrival/departure times. For instance, you would want the author/illustrator to arrive on the day prior to the appearance if the appearance is scheduled to begin in the morning.

4. If you are planning a dinner that involves the author/illustrator, check that he will be up for it after a long day of appearances. Also, please ask the author/illustrator about any dietary restrictions.

5. Please schedule an ample amount of extra time around the appearance so the author/illustrator can take necessary breaks, such as for lunch and a restroom stop.

6. Make sure any equipment needed for the author's/illustrator's presentation is working properly.

7. Do everything you can to make your guest feel at home. Try and have someone meet the author/illustrator to take him or her to the event(s)-this is especially appreciated after a long flight! Please remember that although you are familiar with the author/illustrator, he probably doesn't know what you look like so please bring a copy of his book as a recognizable sign.

8. Please pay the author/illustrator on the day of the event and send reimbursement for expenses as quickly as possible. If you cannot pay him on the day of the appearance, please notify the author/illustrator ahead of time and work out a payment schedule with him.

And of course, don't forget the key elements on your part that will ensure a successful appearance: ORGANIZATION and ENTHUSIASM.