Tips for Skype visits - and authors for free

Met Any Good Authors Lately?

Classroom author visits can happen via Skype (here's a list of those who do it for free)

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6673572.html

Kate Messner writing for School Library Journal describes how to Skype an author. She gives tips, along with a readiness checklist, and a list of authors who will do short Skype-sessions  for free (longer sessions will often cost some money.)

"Today’s students live in a brave new literary world—one in which they can connect with their favorite authors at bookstore signings or during school visits, not to mention on Facebook. Most authors today have at least a Web site with an email link, and some go well beyond that. They blog. They podcast. They vlog. They tweet. That means greater accessibility for young readers, who then get to know writers as real people with real lives, not just magical, faraway ones scribbling in Scottish castles."

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"Skype an Author" Network

The mission of the Skype an Author Network is to provide K-12 teachers and librarians with a way to connect authors, books, and young readers through virtual visits.

http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/

"Wouldn't it be great to invite authors into your classroom or library to video chat with students before, during, and/or after reading their books? We are growing a list of authors who want to make that connection with you via Skype. Visit our Skype Overview page to learn more about Skype."

Directions for Teachers & Librarians

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Virtual Author Visits in Your Library or Classroom - Skype An Author Network

Looking for ways to invite "far-flung" authors to your school? How about arranging a "Virtual Author Visits" to Your Library or Classroom. This site offers directions for Authors and directions for Teachers & Librarians:  http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/

"The mission of the Skype an Author Network is to provide K-12 teachers and librarians with a way to connect authors, books, and young readers through virtual visits."

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