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Author Pricing Guide

Setting the right price for your school visits is both an art and a science. This guide helps you develop a pricing strategy that reflects your value while remaining accessible to institutions.

Factors to Consider​

Your Experience Level​

ExperienceTypical Range
New to school visits$300-$600
Established (5+ years)$600-$1,200
Highly sought-after$1,200-$3,000+

These are general guidelines. Your specific rate depends on many factors.

Your Credentials​

Consider your:

  • Number of published books
  • Awards and honors
  • Media appearances
  • Unique expertise or background
  • Presentation polish and experience

Geographic Location​

Regional markets vary:

  • Urban areas may support higher rates
  • Rural areas may have tighter budgets
  • Local visits can be priced lower (no travel costs)
  • Consider your local cost of living

Demand for Your Work​

Popular authors can charge more:

  • Bestseller status
  • Award-winning books
  • Books with school curriculum tie-ins
  • Unique topics or perspectives

Building Your Rate Structure​

Base Rate​

Your base rate covers:

  • Preparation time
  • Travel time (for local visits)
  • Presentation time
  • Your expertise and unique value

What to Include​

Decide what your base rate covers:

  • Number of presentations per day
  • Maximum audience size
  • Standard handouts or materials
  • Post-visit Q&A time

Additional Fees​

Consider charging extra for:

  • Multiple presentations (often discounted)
  • Workshops vs. assemblies
  • Extended visits
  • Additional materials
  • Book personalization

Sample Pricing Structures​

Simple Flat Rate​

$800 per visit

  • Up to 3 presentations
  • Any grade level
  • Travel within 50 miles included

Best for: Authors who want simplicity

Per-Presentation Rate​

$400 first presentation, $250 each additional

  • Maximum 4 presentations per day
  • Travel billed separately beyond 25 miles

Best for: Flexible scheduling, multi-session days

Half-Day / Full-Day​

Half-day: $600 (2 presentations) Full-day: $1,000 (4 presentations)

  • Travel included within 75 miles
  • Workshop option: +$200

Best for: Clear expectations, easy budgeting for schools

Virtual Presentation Pricing​

Virtual visits have different economics:

Advantages:

  • No travel time or costs
  • Can book more per day
  • Broader geographic reach

Considerations:

  • Less immersive experience
  • Technology requirements
  • Different engagement dynamics

Typical virtual pricing: 50-70% of in-person rate

Travel Costs​

Mileage​

IRS standard mileage rate or flat per-mile fee:

  • Example: $0.67/mile beyond 25 miles

Overnight Stays​

For distant visits requiring overnight:

  • Add hotel costs
  • Add per diem for meals
  • May bundle into flat "travel fee"

Bundling Travel​

Consider bundled rates for distant regions:

  • "Pacific Northwest rate: $1,500 + travel"
  • Encourages multi-school tours

Title 1 and Discounts​

Why Offer Discounts?​

  • Reach underserved students
  • Build relationships with educators
  • Fill calendar gaps
  • Contribute to your community

How Much to Discount?​

Common approaches:

  • 10-25% off standard rate
  • Sliding scale based on budget
  • "Pay what you can" for exceptional cases
  • Free visits in exchange for travel coverage

Setting Boundaries​

  • Decide your minimum acceptable rate
  • Limit discounted visits per year
  • Require advance booking for discounted rates
  • Be consistent to avoid awkward negotiations

Communicating Your Pricing​

On Your Profile​

Be clear and upfront:

  • List your base rate or range
  • Note what's included
  • Mention discount availability
  • Make it easy to understand

During Inquiries​

When discussing specifics:

  • Confirm what they're looking for
  • Explain your pricing structure
  • Be willing to customize
  • Put agreements in writing

Raising Your Rates​

When to Raise Rates​

  • You're booking up quickly
  • Your credentials have grown
  • You've added value to presentations
  • Market rates have increased
  • It's been 2+ years

How to Raise Rates​

  • Announce in advance
  • Honor existing commitments
  • Increase gradually (10-20%)
  • Update all platforms and materials

Common Pricing Mistakes​

  1. Undervaluing yourself — Starting too low is hard to recover from
  2. Ignoring travel costs — Travel time and expense add up
  3. Inconsistent pricing — Different rates for similar work creates problems
  4. Not putting it in writing — Verbal agreements lead to confusion
  5. Being afraid to say no — Not every booking is right for you

Key Takeaways​

  1. Know your worth and price accordingly
  2. Include all your costs (time, travel, materials)
  3. Create a clear, simple rate structure
  4. Be transparent on your profile
  5. Offer discounts strategically, not by default
  6. Review and adjust your rates regularly