Authors, illustrators and poets who visit schools in the UK & Ireland

Children’s authors, poets and illustrators who visit schools in the UK and Ireland

A well-planned author, poet, or illustrator visit jump-starts and strengthens a school’s reading culture by making books feel tangible and relevant. Pupils meet the person behind the work, hear how ideas become drafts, and see that writing is a learnable process rather than a mystery. That matters across ability ranges, especially for pupils who are less inclined to choose reading independently and students who don’t see how creative writing is relevant to the real world.

For school leaders, the cost-effective and long-term value lies in the wider impact, not just the session itself. Author visits provide clear curriculum links, support oracy and purposeful writing, and give staff high-quality material to build on in follow-up lessons. They also help schools widen the range of voices and experiences pupils encounter, supporting inclusion and empathy in a straightforward, credible way. In many schools, the most visible outcome is an uplift in library borrowing, book discussion, and voluntary reading for pleasure in the weeks and months and years that follow.

The National Literacy Trust has reported that pupils who have had an author visit are much more likely to enjoy reading and to read independently more often. In both primary and secondary settings, strengthening reading is one of the most cost-effective ways a school leader can improve teaching and learning, and it is also one of the most reliable routes to better exam performance and stronger inspection outcomes.

This page lists authors, poets and illustrators who offer school sessions across the UK and Ireland. The directory is grouped by UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) regions, with entries that set out session types, travel range, and options for virtual visits – alongside a contact route.

It also includes guidance for schools and authors on booking and delivery, including timing, space, staffing, safeguarding, book sales, fees, and recording. If you want to add a new name or update details, the contact section sets out what to send by email.

Our directory of authors, poets and illustrators offering school visits

(Geographical areas are as defined by UK government ONS regions).

East of EnglandEast MidlandsLondonNorth EastNorth WestNorthern IrelandRepublic of IrelandScotlandSouth EastSouth WestWalesWest MidlandsYorkshire and the HumberAll Over the UKVirtual Visits OnlyAdd a New Author

Advice guides – how to ensure your author visit is a great success!

Advice for teachers and schoolsAdvice for authorsHighly recommended

East of England

(Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk & Suffolk)

• Victoria M. Adams – In the past, I have provided class workshops for Years 6 or 7, with story-centred creative activities like ‘design your own fairy contract’ (usually with a terrible, bloody price). The workshop lasts 45 mins or so and includes a short reading, Q&A, activity with crayons and paper, and signing if books are sold. Based in Letchworth Garden City, but if travel costs are covered, I am prepared to travel within a reasonable distance (Cambridge, London).
• Glen Blackwell – Primarily virtual author visits covering a range of historical topics, as well as how to structure a story and how to get a book published. I focus on virtual visits to keep costs down for schools – one of my main targets is to help get author visits into disadvantaged schools/areas. East of England for in-person visits, no geographical boundaries for virtual visits.
• Alexia Casale – Cambridgeshire-based author; travels across the UK for school workshops and writing talks if expenses are met. Highly recommended. 
• Ian Eagleton – I am an education consultant and primary school teacher, based in the South East. I am also a resource developer and write schemes of work, book guides and plans. Ian will be offering school visits and virtual author visits in his capacity as a children’s picture book author. Highly recommended. 
• Catherine Emmett – based in rural Essex – offers in-person school visits locally and around the wider UK, and is also available for virtual author sessions for schools further afield.
• Murray Fisher – I offer workshops, an assembly presentation and multi-school events – all include a signing, a reading and a Q&A with pre-sale and on-site sale of books available. I am based in Essex, but can deliver across the UK, subject to travel, expenses and, if necessary, accommodation costs being covered. I can offer 30-minute virtual visits for free, via an online talk which includes an introduction to my book/what an author does with their day (10 mins), a reading (5 mins) and a Q&A session for the children (15 mins).
• Tia Fisher – I currently visit KS3 and KS4 (will offer KS2 in 2027 when middle-grade Operation Doodlebug is published). I offer cohort school assemblies, talking about my two verse novels, Crossing the Line (theme of county lines for KS3 and KS4) and Not Going to Plan (themes of sex ed, coercion, diversity for KS4, KS5) and writing workshops (writing narrative verse and simple story structure. I’m also available for festivals, book signings etc. I also offer virtual (multi or single school) assembly talks. I will travel anywhere provided I am recompensed for time and travel, but as I’m located in Norfolk, south east England / East Anglia / London is easier and cheaper. I travel by train unless it’s very local to Norwich. Highly recommended. 
• Jess French – based in Norfolk; gives school talks and creative workshops on wildlife, conservation and her books for primary and middle school pupils; regularly travels to deliver author visits to schools outside her local area.
• Pippa Goodhart – Cambridgeshire-based; happy to travel UK-wide, with overnight as required for longer distances.
• Sarah Hagger-Holt – Interactive whole year-group assemblies or creative writing workshops for smaller groups for years 5-8, links can be made with history skills and RHSE. Special sessions available for LGBTQ+/Pride clubs.
  Areas: London, South East and East of England (but always happy to discuss travelling further afield). Also, virtual visits are offered. Highly recommended. 
• Mandy Hartley – I run DNA Detective workshops for children. I create stories and communicate them to children in a multi-sensory way, including elements to stimulate listening, smell, taste, sight and sounds as well as their as their imagination!
• Helen Harvey – based near Cambridge – writes for children and young teens (e.g. Emmy Levels Up) and works part-time in a library.
• A. M Howell – based in Suffolk – offers Key Stage 2 virtual Q&A sessions, virtual or in-person talks on her book research and inspiration, and in-person talks with creative writing workshops on crafting story openings.
• Julia Jarman – Bedfordshire-based; well known for lively sessions and travels widely for school visits across the UK. Highly recommended. 
• Anita Lehmann – Offering interactive, lively sessions from one hour to full days. Online visits also available. Workshops for KS1, KS2 and nurseries, available in English, French or German. Workshops include a reading/discussion followed by a craft or writing session, as well as a book signing. Follow-up activities for teachers can be provided.
• Elena Mannion – I can offer book readings, book signings and, if desired/appropriate, a simple craft activity such as card making, to single classes, whole assemblies and multi-school events. Travel area: East of England, London. Other regions if travel expenses can be contributed to. Virtual visits can also be organised.
• Antonia Maxwell – I offer whole school assemblies about my book (Terra Electrica – book one with book two forthcoming) as well as talks on working in publishing, and smaller creative writing workshops and seminars. Very happy to discuss requirements. I can visit schools in the East of England, the East Midlands, London, the South-East and the South-West, but happy to go further afield if expenses are met.
• James Mayhew – Suffolk, England; talks and workshops; has been visiting schools all over the world for more than 30 years.
• James Nicol – Cambridgeshire-based; visits schools across the UK and offers both in-person and virtual sessions for children and young readers.
• Polly Owen – Award-winning non-fiction author offering workshops, readings, assemblies and worm charming sessions! Will travel to the East of England, the South East and London. All visits can be adapted to match class themes of: mini-beasts, the environment, Darwin, mathematics, code breaking and writing non-fiction.
• Mike Rampton –  I do fairly raucous talks, generally to one or two year groups at a time, about my fun non-fiction books and the silly things I’ve learned writing them — quite a lot about poo, and being sick, and really enormous things.  I am based in Cambridge and am happy to go all over London and the East of England. I am happy to do virtual visits (although do prefer in-person), and am realistically happy to consider all distances if the opportunity seems worth it.
• Megan Rix – runs engaging talks and workshops for primary audiences and visits schools across the UK, with longer trips arranged in advance.
• Ben Rothery – wildlife author-illustrator who leads drawing and nature sessions; travels for school events around the UK by arrangement.
• Pam Smy – illustrator–author offering talks and drawing workshops; prepared to travel UK-wide, typically with overnight stays for distant bookings. Highly recommended. 
• Isabel Thomas – near Cambridge, UK; virtual or in-person full-day or half-day author assemblies and interactive science and literacy workshops for schools, libraries and festivals; available for school visits by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Lisa Thompson – offers full- and half-day school visits locally and travels further afield for full days; UK-wide by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Dominique Valente –  For school visits, I offer a highly interactive and creative hour-long event where we ‘Write a Fantasy Book’ together.
• Cat Weldon – I’m a fully qualified teacher who delivers engaging creative-writing workshops, assemblies, and book signings across diverse educational settings, from independent schools to Pupil Referral Units, to support and inspire pupils in every visit.  I am based in the East of England, although I am happy to travel further if mileage costs are covered.
• Sarah Ziman – I’m available for school visits – from a performance assembly to collaborative class workshops. We can write Viking-style kennings poems together, come up with some ‘Lie-ku’, decide whether someone is ‘the apple of our eye’ or ‘the weasel in our pop’, or cook up a creative creature recipe. I’m based in Watford, Hertfordshire, but also happy to head into London on the train.

East Midlands

(Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire & Rutland)

• Gareth Baker – Nottingham, Midlands; author visits, whole-school assemblies, EYFS, KS1 and KS2 workshops, book sales and signings; Patron of Reading for several schools across the East Midlands.
• Matt Beighton – creative writing workshops and poetry activities, branching narrative and Quests & Quills sessions, and CPD sessions for teachers.
• Seth Burkett – Leicestershire-based author; offers writing and motivation workshops and travels anywhere in the UK by prior arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Aisha Bushby – in-person school visit for KS3 and KS4, and book festivals. Highly recommended. 
• Emily-Jane Clark – I LOVE talking about reading, writing, AND of course, my Knobbly Bottom! As a comedy writer and drama teacher, I like to inject humour into my events and so my talks include lots of laughter, interaction and possibly a few bum jokes! I am passionate about inspiring children to write and share my top tips on creating funny stories! These events are suitable for years 3 – 8.
• Paul Cookson – Nottinghamshire-based performance poet; visits all regions of the UK and can build multi-school tours for longer distances.
• G.R. Dix – based in the Midlands, UK; writes middle-grade chapter books (e.g. the “Brian Brackbrick” series); offers school visits and author talks on children’s reading and storytelling.
• Jonathan Emmett – Nottingham, England; virtual school visits (not currently taking bookings for in-person school visits) and events at libraries, festivals and other literary venues; virtual visits for schools in the UK, the US and beyond.
• Sophie Garner – offers creative songwriting workshops for schools.
• Stuart Hill – Leicester; talks, readings and creative writing sessions for schools and festivals; available for visits in the Greater Midlands area and further afield, including Manchester and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
• Maria Kuzniar – if you are teaching a KS2 pirate topic, ahoy and look no further!
• Attie Lime – Fun, interactive, imaginative poetry visits – an exciting assembly followed by workshops/interactive sessions with all year groups (Nursery upwards). East-Midlands based, but I visit schools further afield and adjust fees accordingly for travel/accommodation. Highly recommended. 
• Michaela Morgan – frequently visits schools around the UK (eg Brighton/London, Manchester, East Midlands and Edinburgh) and will consider other areas accessible by train; longer trips by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Lesley Parr – in-person and online sessions for schools, libraries and book clubs, including KS2/KS3 assemblies, whole class and small group workshops, readings, Q&As and book signings.
• Mikenda Plant – offers online book readings.
• Bali Rai – visits schools across the UK, including full-day programmes and workshops; overnight travel as required. Highly recommended. 
• Darren Simpson – offer assembly-size presentations and class-size workshops based around my novels, Scavengers, The Memory Thieves, Furthermoor and Thirst, all suitable for Years 6-9. I’m based in Nottingham and am happy to travel anywhere if travel expenses are covered. Virtual visits are also available at a discount. Highly recommended. 
• Steve Skidmore – based in Leicester; offers author-talks, workshops and interactive sessions for children and young readers; travels widely to visit schools, libraries and festivals across the UK and beyond.
• Anna Terreros-Martin – North Lincolnshire, England; author/illustrator school visits, virtual sessions, workshops and book-fair events.
• Bethany Walker – offers in-person and virtual school visits managed through Authors Abroad, including assemblies and class workshops for EYFS, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and Year 7 with readings, Q&A and creative-writing or picture-book sessions; available for UK and overseas school visits.
• Steve Webb – based near Buxton in the Peak District; typically day-trips within roughly 50 miles and travels further with overnight by agreement.
• Chris White – can do days of creative and fun-filled poetry writing and illustrating, which include whole school assemblies, workshops and book signings across all primary ages. Virtual visits involve 45 minutes of poetry and doodling, writing a poem together and illustrating it. Based in Derby. Will travel across the country. Over 20 years of experience visiting schools, libraries, festivals and theatres around the world.
• Tamsin Winter – Multi-award-winning author for tweens and teens who can do whole-school assemblies, writing workshops, multi-school events and book signings, ideal for Key Stage 3. My travel area: East Midlands, London, North England. Happy to travel all over with paid travel expenses.

London

(City of London & Greater London)

• Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé – For enquiries including events in the UK/Europe, please contact my assistant Heather Belmonte.
• Angela Ackah-McIntyre – I am a London-based children’s author who has delivered library and community workshops around the UK, and I would like to be included in your directory. I deliver unique theme-based workshops based on my award-winning book, Efua’s Magic Stew, a modern fairy tale with a unique cultural twist. Sessions incorporate a combination of book readings, discussions, creative expression and exclusive author book signings, giving children valuable insights into fascinating aspects of West African culture. I largely travel around London, but can travel further if expenses are met.
• Mayo Agard-Olubo – I offer inspiring, creative sessions full of dinosaurs and superheroes where we will explore the world of my debut picture-book: Kid Rex to the Rescue. Single class workshops, whole school assemblies and book signings. Will travel further than London if expenses are met.
• Sufiya Ahmed – lives in London; willing to travel nationally if expenses are covered. Highly recommended. 
• Laura Baggaley – I offer creative writing workshops for children and young adults on themes of imagining the future and envisioning positive new worlds. I live in London and can travel.
• Sita Brahmachari – Sita offers a range of fun, creative and highly engaging events for both primary & secondary school children. She also runs workshops for teachers and budding writers.
• Eve Ainsworth – ideally London and the South East (Surrey, Kent, Sussex); will travel further if overnight expenses are met. Highly recommended. 
• Sav Akyuz – available nationwide, provided expenses are met.
• Nicholas Allan – offers primary and nursery school workshops; up to three sessions per day (details and arrangements via his official site).
• Mario Ambrosi – Offers virtual and face-to-face interactive sessions for children, primarily those in years six and seven, using a fun, detective theme to help children learn about dementia and memory. Pre-recorded short video also available. Virtual sessions anywhere, face-to-face talks in south London/north Kent/Surrey and West Yorkshire. Scarlett Buckling and the Case of the Missing Pictures has been praised by dementia experts, a former Education Secretary, parents and children for gently helping children understand a condition that affects almost 1 million people in the UK.
• Dean Atta – based in London; offers author talks with short readings and Q&A sessions plus creative-writing workshops; travels anywhere if overnight expenses are met. Highly recommended.
• Katya Balen – I offer school visits nationally and internationally for children in UK years 3-7 or equivalent. My visits usually involve an interactive talk with a larger group, and then several workshops with smaller groups.
• Adam Baron – available for visits across the UK if overnight logistics are covered; prefers consecutive-day bookings when far from London.
• Guy Bass – London and surrounding areas as standard; will visit anywhere in the UK when expenses are met.
• Kathryn Beevor – I am a UK children’s and YA poet educator who is happy to visit schools for assemblies, class visits, workshops and book signings (KS1, KS2 and KS3). The areas I visit are London and the South East.
• Jennifer Bell – London-based; visits all regions of the UK (overnight typically needed for journeys over ~2 hours).
• Abiola Bello – London-based; happy to visit schools UK-wide with travel/hotel expenses covered where needed. Highly recommended. 
• Peter Bently – based in SE London/Kent; will travel anywhere in the UK if travel/overnight are covered.
• Puneet Bhandal – offers Bollywood-themed school visits with writing workshops and Bollywood-style dance choreography.
• Natascha Biebow – offers whole-school assembly on the true story of the invention of Crayola crayons and writing nonfiction, plus Q&A; STEAM workshops on writing true stories (Y4-6), inventions (Y4-6), and messy art and colour inspired by nature (Y2-3); book signings. Will travel to London and the South East – is prepared to travel if expenses are met. Very experienced at doing virtual visits, and these can be for multiple classrooms or schools together.
• Faye Bird – London-based author; available for school visits nationwide when travel and accommodation are arranged.
• James Bishop – offers humorous writing sessions; London-based and travels throughout the UK with expenses covered.
• Sylvia Bishop – London and the South East as standard; available for UK-wide visits if travel or overnight accommodation is provided.
• Tony Bradman – London-based – visits schools across the UK by arrangement, usually within a day’s travel of the capital. Highly recommended. 
• Matt Brown – lives in London; visits schools around the UK with advance notice for longer-distance bookings.
• Peter Bunzl – London-based; visits schools anywhere in the UK, usually within easy travel from London or overnight by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Maisie Chan – Maisie Chan can do whole-school assemblies, workshops or interactive talks for year groups for all of primary. Travel area: Scotland/London. Will do virtual events, and will travel outside of my area if travel and accommodation is met, along with the author fee. Highly recommended. 
• Terrie Chilvers – London-based; travels throughout the UK for events and school visits with prior arrangement.
• Andrew Clover – London-based actor and author; visits schools nationwide if travel expenses are met.
• Joseph Coelho – UK Children’s Laureate; London-based and travels nationally for poetry and writing events. Highly recommended. 
• Sam Copeland – based in London (originally from Manchester); offers reading, presentation and Q&A sessions for children aged 5–10; travels “anywhere if overnight expenses are met”. Highly recommended. 
• Benji Davies – based in London; illustrator and picture-book creator; available for school and festival sessions in London and the South East.
• Stephen Davies – offers in-person school visits arranged directly or via agencies and regularly works with schools nationwide.
• Damian Dibben – based on London’s South Bank; gives interactive author-talks and school presentations about history, adventure and his books (especially The History Keepers) aimed at 9–13 year-olds; travels beyond London when required for school visits.
• John Dougherty –  inspirational primary visits taking in the whole school (EYFS-Yr6) across 4 sessions. Will travel anywhere nationally or internationally; expenses charged, obviously. Have EU passport. Virtual visits are also an option.
• Sally Doherty – Surrey, England; virtual school visits (video calls and interactive workshops); available for school visits by arrangement.
• Joseph Elliott – offers author talks and creative writing workshops in person, with virtual options also available for schools across the UK.
• Abena Eyeson – I am the author of the middle-grade novel Running My Own Race, and I deliver assemblies, including reading from my book and doing Q&As, and do book signings. Travels to schools in the East of England and London. I am open to doing virtual visits. Highly recommended. 
• Anna Fargher – Anna is available for events and school, library, bookshop and festival visits throughout the year. She also teaches creative writing to children and adults. Highly recommended. 
• Natasha Farrant – London-based; will travel anywhere in the UK for school visits when travel/overnight expenses are covered. Highly recommended. 
• Emily Fellah – Comics and illustration workshops, assemblies and multi-school events to engage pupils with writing, character creation and drawing. Can travel to London and the South East. I also do virtual visits and would consider travelling further.
• Christian Foley – London poet-educator offering assemblies and workshops; bookings taken for school visits (in the capital and beyond) by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Gemma Fowler – London; talks and workshops in schools about her children’s and YA novels.
• Dan Freedman – visits schools around the UK and internationally; in-person and virtual formats offered by arrangement. Highly recommended.
• Nicola Garrard – author of Carnegie Medal for Writing 2026-nominated On the Edge. I have been working as an author in secondary schools since 2021. My author visits are suitable for 11 to 18 year-olds and include inspiring presentations, entertaining readings, Q&As, motivational demystifying of the writing process and publishing jobs, and YA fiction writing workshops. Will travel to schools in London, the South East, the South West and Wales. Highly recommended. 
• Hannah Gold – works widely by rail from Lincolnshire (including London and cities along main routes); travels further with overnight arrangements.
• Simon James Green – I regularly visit primary and secondary schools, giving author talks and running workshops based around my books. My sessions are fun, high-energy, flexible and can be tailored to your needs. Highly recommended. 
• Miriam Halahmy – London-based; travels anywhere in the UK for school visits, creative writing workshops and talks. Highly recommended. 
• Smriti Halls – Smriti works widely with schools, libraries and festivals and is a speaker on panel events and at conferences.
• Clare Harlow – Offers workshops, assemblies and book signings, all of which can be tailored to suit your school’s needs. Local travel area: Greater London. Happy to travel all over the UK if expenses are provided. Also happy to do virtual visits.
• Lara Hawthorne – illustrator and author; London-based; runs drawing workshops; visits schools locally and in surrounding regions.
• Ashley Hickson-Lovence – novelist and poet from London; visits schools and universities around the country. Highly recommended. 
• Sarah Horne –  For enquiries regarding illustration commissioning (non-publishing), mentoring, courses, events, and school visits, please contact her via the form on her website.
• Cath Howe – London; workshops, talks, readings, interviews and book-signings for schools and groups.
• Eric Huang – I run creative workshops (age 6-9) and school assemblies with book signings for the Guardians of the New Moon chapter book series that explore empathy, diversity, and following your dreams through East Asian myths and legends. I’m happy to travel anywhere in London and am happy to travel further afield if travel costs are covered. Happy to run online events, too.
• Chloe Inkpen – London-based picture book author-illustrator; offers visits around the South East and further afield by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Ellie Irving – I’m the author of several funny, heartwarming books, and I offer engaging and interactive in-person and virtual assemblies, creative writing workshops, multi-school events, and book signings for KS1 &KS2, focusing on creativity, STEM, character creation and imaginative thinking. Offers visits to schools in London, the South East and the East of England, though I’m happy to travel further afield.
• Onyinye Iwu – London, UK; illustration sessions, workshops, talks, assemblies and CPD for teachers; available for school visits across the UK and internationally by arrangement. Highly recommended.
• Anna James – London-based author; visits schools across the UK and abroad, often booking events via her agency.
• Catherine Johnson – London-based; visits schools nationally, focusing on creative writing workshops and author talks. Highly recommended. 
• Truly Johnston – I deliver assemblies, class workshops and book signings for KS2 pupils. My workshops are interactive and can cover themes from character development, heritage, environmental protection and the English Language. I am based in London and will travel to schools in London and the South East. I can cover further afield with travel expenses, and I can also provide virtual school visits.
• Gareth P Jones –  Gareth’s lively interactive performances combine irreverent humour, unbridled energy and original songs inspired by his books (and played on whatever instruments come to hand.)
• Ramya Julian – children’s author of rhyming picture books featuring diverse, historical heroes for children aged 0–6. Conducts author visits, storytelling sessions, and creative workshops in schools and libraries. Located in London, and willing to travel in and around London.
• Ann Jungman – North London-based children’s author; regularly visits schools in London and across the UK for readings and workshops.
• Savita Kalhan – based in North London – offers author talks, readings, signings and creative-writing workshops for pupils aged 11-21 (Years 7–13); prepared to travel anywhere if travel and (if needed) overnight expenses are met.
• Anna Kemp – London-based author; available for school visits across the UK, often arranged via her publisher or agency.
• Nicola Kent – award-winning author and illustrator of picture books and early chapter books for children aged 3-7. I offer interactive and creative assemblies and workshops for nursery to year 2, based around activities and discussions about characters and themes in my books. I am London-based but can travel further if expenses are paid. I also offer virtual events and encourage book signings on my visits.
• K.L Kettle – based near London; states on her website and contact page that she offers “events & school visits”.Jennifer Killick – North London-based; visits schools all over the UK, particularly in the South East and Midlands. Highly recommended. 
• Timothy Knapman – Surrey-based; happy to visit schools anywhere in the UK with overnight stays for longer distances.
• Lou Kuenzler – London-based; visits schools UK-wide, usually travelling by train for full- or half-day events.
• Josh Lacey – London-based; visits schools across the UK by arrangement, often combining multiple visits in the same region. Highly recommended. 
• Shireen Lalji – My school visits can involve a KS1 or whole school assembly, whole class sessions with or without craft activity, creative writing sessions or PSHE sessions. I can also run virtual visits. I can travel easily around London and the South-East, but I can travel anywhere as long as travel expenses are covered. I can run virtual visits.
• Rachel and Paul Lawston – Nature Connection Advocates, Rachel and Paul Lawston, offer whole-year assemblies, storytelling, nature connection workshops, and book signings, at schools, libraries and festivals. Suitable for  EYFS & KS1. Our sessions are interactive, can be muddy, and full of fun, with plenty of audience participation! Will visit schools in London, Surrey, and Hampshire. We also offer virtual visits for schools outside our area.
• Nathanael Lessore – conducts author visits to schools, libraries, and literary festivals. During these visits, he typically gives inspiring talks, hosts Q&A sessions, runs creative writing workshops, and signs books. Highly recommended. 
• Rebecca Lewis-Oakes – Rebecca runs assemblies or tailored creative writing sessions for KS1 and KS2, which can be (single class to whole-year groups) based on her various published books, building on ‘supercharging a sentence‘ and sneaking in lots of fun grammar! She is based in London and can host virtual events.
• Claire Linney – I run interactive assemblies on my books and the Black British historical figures behind them. Either KS2 assemblies suitable for years 3-6 or individual year group assemblies. I also run class workshops for Y5 and Y6 on writing time travel stories. Both include book readings and Q&As. My travel area is London, but I will also travel up to 90 minutes around London for half-day or full-day bookings. And I also do virtual author visits. For an example of what’s in the sessions, see this video. See my website for more info on fees and travel expenses.
• Karin Littlewood – I’ve been visiting schools all over the UK and worldwide for over 20 years, working with all ages and abilities, including SEND schools, but mainly working with primary schools. As an illustrator and author, I offer hands-on workshops for all ages and abilities, focusing on Illustration as a visual language, book signings and whole school assemblies. Happy to do virtual visits and to visit schools throughout the UK if expenses are met.
• Octavia Lonergan – ‘If you’d like to discuss my books, stock them in your establishment or hire me to visit your school or club, get in touch via my website.’
• Ben Lyttleton – a London-based football author and journalist, offers talks and workshops to schools UK-wide, particularly around literacy and sport.
• Lynn McAllister – Twickenham; in-person and virtual author visits for primary schools and libraries; available for school visits by arrangement.
• Karen McCombie – London-based; offers in-person and virtual visits and will travel anywhere in the UK and Ireland with travel (and overnight where needed) arranged.
• Anthony McGowan – prefers London and the South East for day trips, but is happy to visit schools anywhere in the UK by arrangement.
• Elle McNicoll – undertakes bespoke school events and is prepared to travel anywhere in the UK where expenses are covered.
• Taran Matharu – London-based; available for school visits throughout the UK and internationally with advance booking.
• Agnes Monod-Gayraud – My school visits offer workshops on the magical side of science and how science and folklore have always gone hand in hand throughout the history of humanity. I can also offer workshops on language and the work of a translator, highlighting the incredible value of a second (or third) language. I am available to travel throughout London and nearby areas. I can certainly travel further if the expenses are covered. I am also available for virtual visits.
• Michaela Morgan – frequently visits schools around the UK (eg Brighton/London, Manchester, East Midlands and Edinburgh) and will consider other areas accessible by train; longer trips by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Laura Mucha – London-based author and poet; available for school visits across the UK, offering workshops and talks in person or online.
• Zohra Nabi – London author of middle-grade fiction; gives talks and Q&A sessions; open to travel within the South East.
• Sarah Naughton – London-based; visits schools UK-wide by arrangement, focusing on writing and storytelling workshops.
• Eva Wong Nava – Workshops; whole-school assembly talks; book signings. Also offers virtual visits; happy to travel if expenses are met; good for Lunar New Year assemblies; creative writing workshops combining art history and folktales; PGCE-trained. Highly recommended. 
• Karl Newson – For author visits, contact Karl by email: [email protected].
• Gary Northfield – South London-based cartoonist and author – offers engaging comic workshops for schools anywhere in the UK by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Jeff Norton – London-based; visits schools and festivals throughout the UK, offering talks and writing workshops by advance booking.
• Karl Nova – Hip Hop artist, poet and author. If you wish to contact Karl Nova to book him to perform, speak, do creative writing workshops or for any other reason, email [email protected]. Highly recommended for KS3 and KS4.
• Ifeoma Onyefulu – based in London; offers talks, readings, workshops and online writing sessions for primary-age pupils; travels anywhere, as long as overnight expenses from London are met.
• Chloë Perrin – author of His Royal Hopeless. Delivers workshops and festival events.
• Kristina Rahim – Kristina offers doughnut-and-empathy-infused assemblies and creative writing workshops focusing on belonging and celebrating what makes us all unique. (Best suited for Years 5,6, and 7). Open to discussing virtual visits. Happy to travel further in the UK if travel expenses are met.
• Onjali Rauf – If you would like me to visit your school, library or literature festival, whether within the UK or overseas (including online visits), please complete this Events Enquiry Form.
• Emma Rea – I am available for primary school visits for Years 5 and 6, as well as for literary festivals. Please use the contact page on my website to book me.
• Laurel Remington – offers school events across Greater London, Surrey and the South Coast; day trips arranged via agent.
• Farrah Riaz – Interactive storytime for Reception to Year 1 and 2 with dancing and quizzes for larger assemblies, and draw-along plus dancing circles for smaller workshops – happy to do book signings if school/parents purchase the book. I’d definitely consider travelling outside London if travel expenses are covered. Contact here.
• Reading Riddle – I’m the author of the Flea in History series and visit schools, libraries and museums. Kate and Vlad Flea run interactive workshops or assemblies exploring history and storytelling through activities and artefacts, with the option of Sam joining to lead illustration sessions. We are happy to offer online visits and travel anywhere around the country, with additional expenses applying for transport outside of London.
• Dashe Roberts – To book a school visit for 2025, visit my website at Dashe Roberts dot com!
• Michael Rosen – based in London; celebrated poet and performer; visits schools and events throughout the UK when schedule allows. Highly recommended. Will travel in London and the South East.
• S.F. Said – based in London; speaks about reading and writing; visits schools and festivals around the UK. Highly recommended. 
• Loretta Schauer – illustrator delivering interactive readings and draw-alongs; visits schools around the UK by arrangement.
• Sam Sedgman – London-based mystery author delivering assemblies and workshops for KS2/KS3; visits schools nationwide by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Joshua Seigal – poet delivering high-energy assemblies and workshops; available to visit schools nationwide when travel arrangements are in place. Highly recommended. 
• Jonathan Sellars – As a poet and author, I offer readings of my picture book as well as poetry workshops and assemblies featuring my spinning wheel of poetry. My travel area is London and the South East.
• Ally Sherrick – Surrey/Hants border; commonly visits by train from London and will consider longer distances with overnight arrangements. Highly recommended. 
• Rashmi Sirdeshpande – ideally books visits in South Buckinghamshire and London; travels further by train where schedules allow.
• Lui Sit – Lui Sit offers author talks, creative writing workshops or bespoke school events based upon her middle grade books – Land of the Last Wildcat and The Lucky House Detective Agency. I can travel anywhere in the UK, but am London-based based so further afield will also factor in additional travel costs and accommodation costs if required. I am also available for virtual visits. Highly recommended.
• Chitra Soundar – based in London; works with schools across the UK in person and online. Highly recommended. 
• Jessica Spanyol – London-based author–illustrator; runs hands-on EYFS/KS1 workshops and can travel out of London with expenses agreed.
• Andy Stanton – acclaimed humorous author; delivers large-scale assemblies and workshops, and is happy to travel anywhere in the UK. Highly recommended. 
• Robin Stevens – author of the Murder Most Unladylike series; London-based; speaks at schools and festivals across the UK.
• Louie Stowell – London, UK; interactive assemblies, writing workshops and library or festival events for schools.
• Colin Stuart – astronomy and STEM author giving talks for primary and secondary; in-person and virtual sessions available UK-wide.
• Davina Tijani – I offer school assemblies, multi-school events and book signings. I am based in London but very happy to travel to other regions if expenses are covered.
• Piers Torday – London-based author offering talks and creative writing workshops; in-person visits arranged throughout the year. Highly recommended. 
• Matthew Wainwright – based in Greenwich, London – offers assemblies, reading/Q&A sessions, creative-writing workshops, and virtual school visits; available for bookings for UK schools and libraries.
• Kate Wakeling – poet offering performances and poetry workshops for KS2/KS3; London-based, with bookings taken during the school year.
• Sue Wallman – I give talks and run workshops for Y7-Y13 about writing thrillers as the author of eight YA thrillers (paid only). I am based near London but will go anywhere if travel (and overnight, if necessary) expenses are met. I prefer not to do virtual visits as I believe students gain more from in-person visits.
• Andrew Weale – London/South East children’s author and performer; runs interactive EYFS/KS1 sessions and visits by prior booking.
• Ross Welford – prepared to visit schools anywhere in the UK with travel costs covered; offers lively talks and Q&A for upper primary and lower secondary. Highly recommended. 
• Kate Wilkinson – middle-grade author of Edie and the Box of Flits.
• Alex Woolf – North London author leading creative writing workshops; regularly works with London schools and can travel further by arrangement.
• Elli Woollard – London-based picture-book author running readings and rhyme-filled sessions for EYFS/KS1; travels to schools by prior arrangement.
• Louise Yates – based in London; author and illustrator offering creative workshops and story sessions; visits schools in London and nearby counties.
• Felicity Yeoh – musical performance of my book THE KINGDOM OF TIGERS in a preschool – KS1 assembly, plus a presentation/Q&A with themes of conservation, biodiversity and displacement. Optional classroom sessions. Virtual visits an option.
• Neal Zetter – performance poet who mainly visits London and the South East; further travel considered where scheduling allows. Highly recommended.

North East

(Cleveland, County Durham, Northumberland & Tyne and Wear)

• Stacey Bone – I deliver interactive workshops, whole-school assemblies and multi-school events, often featuring my much-loved Stacey the Snail costume to bring stories and learning to life. I’m happy to travel further afield if expenses are covered, or to offer virtual visits where preferred.
• Elaine Brownless – specialist on Autism. Offers author visits to schools.
• Malcolm Duffy – available for visits anywhere in the UK; often undertakes North East engagements without overnight costs. Highly recommended. 
• Hilary Elder – A qualified teacher and experienced creative facilitator, I offer workshops or performance-based visits from KS1-5, usually majoring on poetry, off the peg or bespoke; my middle-grade debut collection is coming out in July 2026 with Valley Press. I am experienced in running online workshops and am open to this option. I may be able to travel further if expenses are paid, depending on availability. Based in the North East, but I can also cover Cumbria.
• Lucy Farfort – illustrator of diverse picture books for Scholastic, Tate Publishing and Little Tiger Press. Highly recommended.
• Julia Green – offers author talks, readings and creative-writing workshops in schools and libraries; visits schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Bath and the rest of the UK, with most places considered if they can be accessed by public transport and travel and any overnight accommodation expenses are met.
• James Harris – based in Middlesbrough; runs whole-school assemblies, monster-themed creative writing workshops and short remote Q&A sessions for primary and lower-secondary pupils; offers half-day and full-day author visits with travel expenses charged from his home base.
• Richard O’Neill – based in the North of England – offers storytelling and writing workshops, readings and interactive school sessions for all ages (Nursery to secondary and colleges); travels across the UK for school visits. Highly recommended.
• Jenny Pearson – teacher-author available to visit schools anywhere in the UK when overnight costs are covered; online visits also offered.
• Dan Smith – North East–based adventure author; happy to visit schools across the UK, with longer trips arranged in advance. Highly recommended. 
• Tom Vaughan – North East–based author offering assemblies and KS2 writing workshops; visits locally with the option to travel further by arrangement.
• Rob Walton –  has experience in delivering whole school assemblies, class workshops, book signings and a whole lot more for all ages. Based in the North East, but travels anywhere. I am also happy to do virtual visits.

North West

(Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire & Merseyside)

• Julie Ainsworth – Mrs A – The Book Lady, can offer support to help make a sustained impact on RfP during 2026, the DfE-designated Year of Reading and Beyond. Predominantly supporting schools within North-West England. Reasonable mileage costs added for settings further in other parts of the U.K.
• Lisa J Allen – I deliver assemblies to Years 4 to 6 about being an author and my comedy adventure books, as well as fun creative writing workshops for individual classes, alongside book orders and book signings where possible. Virtual visits are also available. Based in the North West, but I could travel further with expenses met.
• Sophie Anderson – With a teaching qualification and many years of experience delivering presentations and workshops in varied settings, Sophie is able to tailor events to meet a wide range of needs. Highly recommended.
• Corrinne Averiss – based between Manchester and the Peak District; offers picture-book readings and school visits (storytime, class workshops) for infants and primary pupils; travels for school visits by arrangement.
• Marie Basting – I offer fun, interactive assemblies, multi-school events, readings, crafts and creative writing workshops – all guaranteed to make you and your pupils laugh out loud while raising aspirations and inspiring reading and writing for pleasure. Will travel anywhere if expenses are met. Virtual visits are also available.
• Ian Bland –  I work with primary schools across the UK and deliver exciting poetry workshops to British and international schools around the world, both online and in person. Perfect for KS1 and KS2 pupils aged 4–11.
• Deborah Bradbury – I offer interactive storytelling sessions tailored to different key stages, delivered to whole year groups, assemblies, or smaller classes. Books can be pre-ordered in advance or purchased on the day, with the option of a personal signing.
• Leanne Brown – specialises in reading for pleasure and children’s mental health issues.
• Susan Brownrigg – based in Skelmersdale, Lancashire – offers in-person and virtual school visits, including interactive talks, Q&A sessions and writing workshops for KS2 and older pupils; accepts full-day programmes combining talks and workshops, with travel fees as required. Highly recommended. 
• Melvin Burgess – Hebden Bridge, England; talks and workshops at schools and libraries; available for school visits. Highly recommended. 
• Jen Carney – Lancashire, UK; in-person readings, illustrating workshops and creative writing sessions for KS2 / KS3, plus virtual visits; willing to travel, especially within the North West of England.
• Sam Copeland – bestselling author who visits anywhere in the UK; usually travels by public transport and books longer trips with overnight stays. Highly recommended. 
• Georgina Durrant – SEND specialist, author and podcaster.
• Matt Goodfellow – Manchester-based poet; available nationwide, provided travel and (where needed) overnight costs are covered. Highly recommended. 
• Helen Haraldsen – Helen doesn’t just visit schools as an author for a day – as a former teacher with over 20 years of experience, she works in partnership with teachers to help children grow as confident, motivated and resilient writers.
• Harry Heape – NW England (based in Manchester/Leeds region); in-person and virtual sessions for primary schools (ages 5–11), including assemblies, workshops, readings and Q&As; will travel “anywhere” (UK) by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Moniza Hossain – I am happy to provide readings, workshops on writing, whole-school assemblies, multi-school events, and book signings. Based in Manchester and can travel to schools in the North West.
• Paul Jenkins – My poetry visit days start with a fun-filled whole-school assembly, then as many classroom visits as you wish during the day, finishing off with a book sale & signing after school. My base area is North West England, but I travel all over the UK. I can also facilitate virtual sessions; schools can contact me to discuss classroom drop-ins or larger online events.
• Patricia Karengesha – I am open to an event which suits the school’s settings. I can travel to schools in the North West since I live in the Bury area, although I am willing to travel anywhere in the UK if expenses are met.
• Anna Mainwaring – Cheshire, England; school/library visits, workshops and author events.
• Kate S Martin – Kate S. Martin is a YA author who offers creative writing workshops for teenagers, often tackling issues such as mental health and bullying. Based in the North West but willing to travel for expenses paid. Workshops can be adapted for individual schools and needs. Just get in touch.
• Michaela Morgan – frequently visits schools around the UK (eg Brighton/London, Manchester, East Midlands and Edinburgh) and will consider other areas accessible by train; longer trips by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Avril O’Brien – based in Liverpool/UK; offers “Mitchy Titch All Around The World” author-visits and yoga-story workshops for nurseries, preschools and primary schools.
• Joanne O’Connell – north-west England; author visits, cookery classes in schools and virtual sessions; UK-wide school visits coordinated via her website contact form.
• Louisa Reid – based near Manchester; visits local schools across Greater Manchester and the North West, with virtual options for further afield.
• Emma Reynolds – illustrator and picture book author of Amara and the Bats.
• Ashley Thorpe – I run school visits that delve into all of the things that inspired me to write and draw fantasy adventures (from books to anime to video games), showing children they too can follow a path to becoming an author. My delivery comprises an interactive author assembly, a reading from one of my books, a Q&A and book signings, with the option for creative writing workshops to follow. Virtual visits are 60 mins, which is an author talk, reading and Q&A session. I take author visits across the country as long as travel expenses (either car or train, depending on length) are covered. Highly recommended.
• Sheryl Webster – Liverpool; author talks and creative-writing workshops for schools and libraries.
• Dan Worsley –  I’m based on the border of Lancashire and Greater Manchester and have enhanced DBS clearance/public liability insurance. My visits feature a range of activities within a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, youth groups, libraries and literary festivals. Highly recommended.

Northern Ireland

• Paul Howard – top illustrator, best known for the Burpee Bears series and The Own Who Was Afraid of the Dark. Highly recommended. 
• Jenny Ireland – author of Matched Up and The Boy Next Door.
• Derek Keilty – Belfast-based; visits schools across Northern Ireland and the UK mainland when travel arrangements are made. Highly recommended. 
• Colleen Larmour – If you’d like me to visit your school, library or any other event please get in touch. I’d love to hear from you!
• Kelly McCaughrain – Belfast, Northern Ireland; workshops, readings and creative writing-group sessions for schools and libraries; available for school visits by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Clive McFarland – Northern Ireland; school and library visits, storytelling and illustration workshops; available for school visits across the UK and Ireland.
• Ellie Rose McKee – If you want Ellie to read at an event you’re hosting, please get in touch. Videos of readings from past events are over on Ellie’s YouTube channel.
• Marianne McShane – based in County Down, Northern Ireland – offers storytelling – and creative-writing sessions for primary-age pupils (Storytelling, Storymaking, reading & Q&A); visits schools and libraries across Northern Ireland and beyond as bookings permit.
• D.M. Mullen – children’s author of Blanka.
• Gemma O’Neill – Feel free to get in touch with Gemma through her website contact form or by email. She would love to hear from you!
• Andrew Whitson – Belfast, Northern Ireland; illustration workshops, storytelling and school library visits; visits documented at Irish and UK schools.
• Sheena Wilkinson – Northern Ireland; creative-writing workshops, school talks and book-reading visits.

Republic of Ireland

• Niall Breslin – Have an idea or query about a possible speaking engagement? Please get in touch.
• ​Muireann Ní Chíobháin – based in Tramore, Co. Waterford – offers author- and storyteller-led events including bilingual (Irish/English) reading sessions, storytelling and creative-writing workshops for children; works with schools and libraries across Ireland, engaging young readers and listeners.
• Lucy Kelly Desmond – reland; school residencies, reading sessions and illustration workshops; works with schools that contact her via her official website contact form.
• Patricia Forde – Galway, Ireland; in-person and virtual school and library sessions (readings, workshops, Q&A) as part of the Poetry Ireland Writers in Schools scheme and other events. Highly recommended.
• Meg Grehan – Author of The Space Between, The Deepest Breath, Baby Teeth, The Lonely Book and The Brightest Star.
• Derek Landy – regularly tours bookshops and literary festivals.
• Emma Larkin – based in Kerry, Ireland – offers school- or library-visits and workshops (both in person and via Zoom) for primary-aged children centred on her sport-themed books (e.g. the “Izzy’s Magical Adventures in Sport” and “Twin Power” series).
• PJ Lynch – illustration workshops and school visits; accepts bookings for visits and workshops with schools and children’s groups. Children’s Book illustrator and author. Highly recommended.
• Bob Johnston – If you’re interested in booking me to talk about books, a reading from my new LGBTQ+ Adult Novel, a children’s event (I do a great ‘inclusive’ storytime session for ages 1-6!), a panel discussion, some book reviewing, or for anything else at all really… please do drop me a line.
• John Kane – Dublin, Ireland; in-person and online readings/events for schools and libraries; UK/Irish school visits by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Eve McDonnell – Eve provides creativity ‘fun’ shops and creative writing workshops for young readers and writers aged 8+. Eve is also available for whole-school assemblies, author talks and book-signings. Travel area: Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland.
• Erika McGann – author of The Strange Tale of Barnabus Kwerk, published by O’Brien Press. based in Dublin, Ireland; delivers interactive talks, storytelling and creative-writing workshops for children and young readers, often in libraries and schools; has carried out multi-school and library-based workshop programmes across Ireland.
• Oisín McGann – based in Ireland – offers school and library visits including readings, drawing, Q&A sessions and creative-writing workshops; available for school visits across Ireland and beyond.
• Isla ( Izzy ) McGuckin – I’m a picture-book maker living in Donegal and delivering workshops and events in national / primary schools. I’ve experience in multi-class and multi-school settings and have worked on PeacePlus, Children’s Books Ireland and Laureate na nÓg initiatives. I can easily cover Donegal. Events in Sligo / Northern Ireland / virtual are also a possibility.
• Jane Mitchell – I am happy to arrange to visit your school, library, reading group or writing group. I am also happy to participate in Skype, Zoom or online visits if this works better for you.
• Serena Molloy – I am happy to tailor visits to the requirements of schools. I can offer author talks, creative writing or poetry workshops, and book signings. Happy to do virtual visits also.
• Sinéad O’Hart – County Meath, Ireland; in-person readings and events at schools and libraries (including sessions for young readers, e.g. early grades and primary age); will travel to and work with schools on request. Author of Skyborn and The Star-Spun Web. Highly recommended.
• Darren Shan –  From Darren Shan’s website. If you live in the UK or Ireland and are interested in arranging a Darren Shan event, drop me a line using the email address listed above. ([email protected]) I am not doing events at the moment, but I can keep your details on file and forward them to my publishers the next time I go out on tour.
• Gerrard Siggins – children’s fiction author of the RUGBY SPIRIT series. Highly recommended.
• Deirdre Sullivan – author of Savage Her Reply. Regularly speaks at book festivals. Highly recommended. 
• Debbie Thomas – visits primary and secondary schools and delivers writing workshops.
• Sarah Webb – visits schools and libraries in Ireland and Northern Ireland as part of the Writers in Schools scheme.

Scotland

• Leila Aboulela – based in Aberdeen, Scotland; writes fiction and takes part in public author events such as talks at libraries.
• Sheila Averbuch – specialises in technology, anti-bullying and cyber safety. Based near Edinburgh, Scotland, offers virtual school visits for Primary 5–S2, including readings, role-play, discussion and Q&A sessions; visits are also available via public-transport-accessible booking requests.
• Grace Banks – Aberdeen, Scotland; storytelling, song-classes, creative-writing and outdoor-literacy sessions in schools and community settings; works across most Scottish local authorities, including Aberdeenshire, Angus, Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh and many others
• Theresa Breslin – based in central Scotland; regularly travels across the UK for school visits and events. Highly recommended. 
• Pamela Butchart – Dundee, Scotland; in-person and virtual visits to schools and libraries; UK school visits accepted by arrangement.
• Maisie Chan – Maisie Chan can do whole-school assemblies, workshops or interactive talks for year groups for all of primary. Travel area: Scotland/London. Will do virtual events, and will travel outside of my area if travel and accommodation is met, along with the author fee. Highly recommended. 
• Ross Collins – Glasgow-based picture book author-illustrator, offers school and festival sessions and is open to travel by arrangement.
• Brian Conaghan – experienced school visitor; delivers talks and workshops across the UK and Ireland by arrangement.
• Justin Davies – Justin is an award-winning children’s author, experienced in delivering whole or multi-school assembly visits, or smaller classroom workshops, for ages 7-12 and early secondary years. Travel area: Scotland and the North-East. I also offer virtual school assembly-style sessions; I am happy to travel UK-wide, with travel and accommodation expenses met. Info for Scottish schools: I am listed on the Scottish Book Trust Live Literature database.
• Julia Anna Douglas – children’s poet.
• Vivian French – based in Edinburgh; gives school visits, interactive storytelling and creative-writing sessions for children; travels across the UK to schools, libraries and festivals.
• Joan Haig – Scottish Borders, Scotland; author talks, reading events, workshops and residency programmes; visits schools and other literary venues across most Scottish local authorities.
• Barbara Henderson – Please contact me if you are interested in an in-person visit, or in virtual visits via Google Meet/Teams/Skype or Zoom, bespoke video workshops on creative writing or anything else related to my books. I’d be delighted to hear from you! As a qualified English and Drama teacher, I have a lot of experience with young people and am keen to get them up on their feet! Highly recommended.
• Tendai Huchu – best known for The Hairdresser of Harare. Offers talks and workshops for secondary schools.
• Jack Jackman – I regularly do school visits which are interactive, exciting and educational. I’m happy to do school assemblies, multi-school visits and book signings as well as smaller events. I also work as a primary school teacher, so my content is tailored appropriately. I will travel to the south of Scotland and NE England. I will travel further if expenses are met. I do not do virtual visits.
• Elizabeth Laird – London / Edinburgh; occasional in-person school and festival talks (readings and discussions); accepts invitations for school events. Highly recommended. 
• Joseph Lamb – from Dundee! Author of The Black Pennant.
• Simon Lamb – poet and performer based in Ayrshire, Scotland; travels around the UK for readings and writing workshops. Highly recommended. 
• Lindsay Littleson – I am happy to do both whole and upper school assemblies and creative writing workshops with classes. My main travel areas are Scotland and the North East and North West of England, but I am willing to travel further if expenses are met. There are more details about my author visits available on my website.
• Caroline Logan – writes Young Adult Fantasy, including her Scottish fantasy series, The Four Treasures.
• Helen Kellock – Glasgow, Scotland; book-readings, illustration and writing workshops for children, schools, libraries and festivals; works across Scottish local authorities via the Scottish Book Trust Live Literature scheme.
• Ross MacKenzie – author of The Nowhere Emporium. Would you like to arrange a visit with Ross MacKenzie to your school, library, bookshop or festival? Email Floris Books.
• Alan McClure – Galloway, Scotland; readings, storytelling, songwriting and writing workshops for schools and libraries; visits across much of Scotland, including Dumfries & Galloway.
• S.F. Mazhar – author of the Power of Four Series.
• Metaphrog – graphic novel writers, offering school visits, workshops and masterclasses.
• Nicola Morgan – Edinburgh-based author and speaker; travels throughout the UK for wellbeing, literacy and teenage brain talks, with travel and accommodation arranged as required.
• Kel Duckhouse – poet and performer based in Scotland – offers poetry and creative writing workshops for schools across the UK, travelling by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Keith Gray – Edinburgh-based YA author; regularly visits schools throughout Scotland and across the UK for writing workshops and events.
• Manjeet Mann – based in Scotland, visits schools across the UK for author talks, drama sessions and creative writing workshops. Highly recommended. 
• Jonathan Meres – highly experienced school visitor; tours widely across the UK (and abroad) for lively talks and workshops. Highly recommended. 
• Soulay Puliman – experienced Creative Artist: self-published author, storyteller, drummer, cross-cultural educationist, entertainer, motivational speaker.
• Candice Purwin – illustrator, graphic novel and comic writer. Based in Edinburgh, offers comics-making, illustration and writing workshops, live drawing events, talks and creative sessions for children and young people through libraries, arts organisations and outreach programmes.
• Tawona Sitholé – poet and storyteller.
• Robin Scott-Elliot – Argyll & Bute, Scotland; talks, readings and writing/journalism workshops for children and adults.
• Victoria Williamson – school author visits, workshops, festivals and large events.

South East

(Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey & West Sussex)

• Eve Ainsworth – ideally London and the South East (Surrey, Kent, Sussex); will travel further if overnight expenses are met. Highly recommended. 
• Annemarie Anang – ‘Musical Storytime’ with music and dance for classes, year groups or larger events suitable for Reception and KS1. Can travel anywhere in the UK if travel expenses are covered and accommodation too, if necessary. Virtual visits are also available.
• Kirsty Applebaum – within approximately two hours of Winchester; further afield by arrangement if overnight expenses are met.
• Zoe Arena – Feel-good and fun-filled, Zoe Arena’s EYFS, KS1 and early KS2 school visits (assemblies, workshops and book signings) celebrate friendship and who we are – with readings and activities that will inspire the children with a love of words, characters and using their imagination!
• Alex Atkinson – I can deliver interactive school assemblies and workshops for years 3-6, investigating story inspiration and the world of the Spooksmiths. I’m based in the south-east but can travel further on a case-by-case basis. I can also deliver virtual assemblies. Please email me.
• Abigail Balfe – I often speak on podcasts, TV, radio and at live events about autism, neurodiversity and disability inclusion within publishing and entertainment, and I will be taking bookings for these as well as school events.
• Fiona Barker – Berkshire, England; author talks, reading sessions, creative-writing and illustration workshops (in person or virtual) at schools and libraries; visits throughout the UK and beyond.
• Jim Beckett – I deliver fun, interactive assemblies and workshops for KS1 and KS2, including book signings. Based in the South East, but happy to travel further if expenses are met. Virtual visits are also available.
• Sylvia Bishop – London and the South East as standard; available for UK-wide visits if travel or overnight accommodation is provided.
• Chris Bradford – internationally touring author; runs energetic school events anywhere in the UK and abroad.
• James Carter – based in South Oxfordshire; typically works between Bristol and Ashford, up to Birmingham and down to Brighton; travels further by arrangement. Highly recommended for school visits, workshops with children and staff inset.
• Kate Clanchy – delivers creative writing sessions for groups and CPD for teachers in person or on Zoom. Uses Society of Authors rates.
• Jo Clarke – I’m available for in-person and virtual school/library visits and am currently accepting bookings for visits for this school year. I am also available for festival bookings for panel events, creative writing workshops and author events.
• Justin Coe – Southend-on-Sea-based poet and performer; works with schools across the UK, often focusing on the East and South East.
• Steve Cole – Buckinghamshire-based; runs interactive events across the UK and travels widely for festivals and school sessions.
• Tim Collins – based near Didcot, Oxfordshire; runs lively puzzle and writing events and is willing to travel for in-person visits.
• Dom Conlon – poet and author who regularly performs in schools, libraries and festivals around the UK; travels nationwide by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Jo Cotterill – based in Oxfordshire – offers highly interactive author talks and creative-writing workshops for children aged approximately 5–14 and up; travels across the UK for school visits when travel and expenses are arranged.
• Caroline Crowe – Hampshire-based picture-book author; focuses on Hampshire and nearby counties, with other areas considered if travel is manageable.
• Benji Davies – based in London; illustrator and picture-book creator; available for school and festival sessions in London and the South East. Highly recommended. 
• Laura Dockrill – As a writer of children’s books, I spend a lot of time (usually) doing school visits. It’s a really important and precious part of the job, as it reminds you what children are actually like.
• Ele Fountain – based in Hampshire; school talks and workshops across the South East; open to wider UK visits.
• Lindsay Galvin – south-coast England; in-person and digital school visits including assembly-style talks and creative-writing workshops; visits within ~50 miles for half-day events (or wider for full-day and virtual sessions). Highly recommended. 
• Sally Gardner – East Sussex-based; generally travels by train to schools she can reach and return on the same day.
• Sam Gayton – author offering school events and workshops; visits arranged via his booking contacts/agency.
• Julia Golding – Oxford-based; will travel anywhere in the UK when overnight expenses are covered.
• Lorraine Gregory –  Offers whole school assemblies, creative writing workshops, and virtual visits.
• Mini Grey – based in Oxford; generally visits schools in southern England but will travel further by arrangement with overnight accommodation.
• Charlotte Guillain – A school visit usually involves a whole-school assembly followed by 3 x 45-minute interactive sessions – always happy to organise a book signing at the end of the day. I’m based in the South East. I also offer virtual visits and can travel further afield if petrol costs and accommodation can be covered. I also offer joint visits with my co-author, Adam Guillain, cc’d here, which is great value for schools! Highly recommended.
• Vanessa Harbour – Vanessa Harbour is a middle-grade author. Her novels include Flight and its sequel, Safe are published by Firefly. DM Vanessa on Facebook to arrange virtual or face-to-face visits.
• Frances Hardinge – Kent-based; available for visits around the UK, with longer distances arranged if travel and accommodation are provided. Highly recommended. 
• Vashti Hardy – Lancashire / Sussex, England; in-person and virtual author talks, workshops, fantasy-map creation sessions and Q&A events for primary-aged children (approx. 7–12 yrs); schools or libraries may contact her via her official website to arrange visits. Highly recommended. 
• Alice Harman – Brighton-based nonfiction author; runs interactive workshops and talks for primary schools across the South East and will travel further by agreement.
• Michelle Harrison – Essex-based author; visits schools around the UK and is open to travel further afield with advance notice.
• A F Harrold – Reading-based poet and performer; regularly visits schools across the UK for readings and workshops.
• Jemma Hatt – based in Sevenoaks, Kent – offers virtual or in-person school visits including talks/assemblies, readings, Key Stage 2 creative-writing workshops, Q&A and book signings.
• Sue Hendra – If you want to send Sue and Paul a message or to enquire about a school event, please complete the web form on their website.
• Sophy Henn – Sussex-based author-illustrator; visits schools across the South East and further afield by arrangement.
• Stuart Heritage – UK-based journalist and children’s author; delivers school visits and author talks tied to his children’s books; currently touring schools for his new book.
• Julia Hubery – I aim to make writing fun with word games, silly names, and creating characters together; visits can be structured around a book – short readings with plenty of interaction, drawing and workshop elements – or can look at ideas and the process of writing with mini-projects for children to try. I’m happy to travel outside the South-East if expenses are met.
• Alastair Humphreys – Alastair Humphreys tells stories to encourage people to live more adventurously every day, to engage with and care for the natural world, and to take action. Highly recommended. 
• Chloe Inkpen – London-based picture book author-illustrator; offers visits around the South East and further afield by arrangement.
• Catherine Johnson – London, England; talks, assemblies and creative-writing workshops for pupils aged Year 5 and above; willing to travel to schools in East Sussex, Kent, West Sussex, London, Hertfordshire, Essex, as well as North Wales, Manchester, Liverpool and Cheshire. Highly recommended. 
• Rachel Chivers Khoo – I offer engaging author events suitable for Reception to Year 6, including magical props and follow-up creative writing challenges. Travels to the South East and London – two hours travel time from Oxford by train. Virtual visits are available if you are further afield.
• Jennifer Killick – North London-based; visits schools all over the UK, particularly in the South East and Midlands. Highly recommended. 
• Timothy Knapman – Surrey-based; happy to visit schools anywhere in the UK with overnight stays for longer distances.
• Lou Kuenzler – South East based; engaging author sessions; travels for full-day programmes.
• Iszi Lawrence – Oxford-based; offers talks and history-themed workshops in schools across the UK, with travel or accommodation arranged where required.
• Steven Lenton – My events are fun-filled, informative and pun-tastic! I love to visit schools, bookshops, libraries and festivals all over the UK and beyond! For event enquiries, please email [email protected].
• M G Leonard – M. G. Leonard offers a range of engaging, exciting school events from a half-day based around a high-energy assembly presentation, to a full day including creative writing workshops. Highly recommended. 
• Abie Longstaff – Brighton-based author; visits schools and festivals throughout the UK, with longer trips arranged in advance.
• Christopher Lloyd – Interactive, fun events for all ages – packed with mind-blowing new facts and chances to test your knowledge! Highly recommended for school visits, virtual sessions and staff inset.
• Will Mabbitt – lives in Lewes, East Sussex; visits schools throughout the UK, usually by train, with overnight stays for long-distance trips.
• Conrad Mason – Oxford-based; runs school workshops UK-wide and arranges longer trips by agreement with travel expenses covered.
• Angela McAllister – prepared to visit schools in Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset; other nearby requests considered via the booking agent.
• Anthony McGowan – prefers London and the South East for day trips, but is happy to visit schools anywhere in the UK by arrangement.
• Jenny McLachlan – South East author offering talks and workshops for schools; bookings handled directly or via established agencies.
• Kita Mitchell – Kita loves visiting schools and talking to children about writing. She offers the assemblies and workshops.
• Simon Mole – poet and performer who tours extensively; delivers assemblies and workshops for schools nationwide by arrangement.
• Brian Moses – Sussex-based performance poet; visits schools all over the UK, with longer journeys planned in advance and overnight stays as needed. Highly recommended. 
• Andy Mulligan – Chichester, Sussex; in-person and virtual talks and creative-writing workshops for schools and libraries; travels anywhere if overnight expenses are met. Highly recommended. 
• Struan Murray – I am available for both in-person and virtual visits! My visits involve me chatting about where I get my inspiration from for my stories – my life, my hobbies, people I’ve met and places I’ve been, to inspire the class to do the same. I can also incorporate a writing workshop.
• Zohra Nabi – London author of middle-grade fiction; gives talks and Q&A sessions; open to travel within the South East.
• Linda Newbery – Oxfordshire-based; travels nationwide for creative writing workshops and literature festivals with travel/overnight costs covered.
• Matt Newnham – I offer engaging school visits that include interactive storytelling sessions, creative writing workshops, assemblies, and book signings, all centred on my Space Ranger Fred series and other children’s books. Will visit schools in the South East (happy to consider wider travel if expenses are covered). I also offer virtual visits for schools across the UK and Ireland. I’m relaxed about travel if arrangements and expenses are agreed in advance.
• Marisa Noelle – based in Woking, Surrey – offers school author visits and workshops for Years 7+, including readings and creative sessions; available for school visits.
• Lucy Noguera – based in Ealing, London – offers both in-person and virtual author visits and workshops for primary-age pupils; regularly visits schools to talk about her books, such as the “Swop” series and “Herman Needs a Home”.
• Guy Parker-Rees –  I enjoy going to schools and book festivals to talk about how I make books and to whip up enthusiasm for drawing and reading.
• Korky Paul – Oxford-based illustrator; happy to visit schools throughout the UK (and internationally by arrangement). Highly recommended. 
• Gianna Pollero – Kent, England; 45-minute school-visit workshops for Years 3–5 (adaptable for younger or older pupils) and library/book-event readings.
• Ros Roberts – delivers lively assemblies and creative writing workshops and is happy to visit schools nationwide by arrangement.
• Emma Rosen – I offer fun and engaging school visits to primary schools, secondary schools and nurseries, which can be fully tailored to different ages, curricula or interests. These can include talks, workshops or creative writing sessions with smaller or larger groups.
• Coral Rumble – experienced performance poet offering assemblies and poetry workshops; available for UK-wide visits.
• Nick Sharratt – Teachers and educators – I am available for online school visits, which usually involve a draw-along but can be tailored to your specific requirements.
• Ally Sherrick – Farnham, Surrey; assembly talks, author-readings, historical-fiction workshops and Q&A sessions for KS2/KS3; travels UK-wide subject to transport and overnight arrangements. Highly recommended. 
• Jo Simmons – Brighton; interactive talks, story-making workshops and virtual visits with schools. Highly recommended. 
• Rashmi Sirdeshpande – based in the UK; offers virtual Q&A events, in-person school and library visits, and festival appearances for primary-age children covering fiction and non-fiction themes; available for school visits via Authors Aloud UK and for virtual or in-person book events.
• Holly Smale –  Holly has visited hundreds of schools all over the UK, giving presentations and school assemblies, as well as running Creative Writing classes. She focuses on positive messaging, being yourself and finding your own, unique creative voice, as well as her personal experiences as a neurodivergent teenager. Highly recommended.
• Ali Sparkes – South East–based, offers lively talks for KS2/KS3 and tours nationwide when logistics and costs are agreed. Highly recommended. 
• Robin Stevens – author of the Murder Most Unladylike series – speaks at schools and festivals across the UK.
• Roger Stevens – poet and performer delivering assemblies and workshops; visits schools and festivals across the UK. Highly recommended.
• Leisa Stewart-Sharpe – author events and school visits; sessions including assemblies, readings, storytelling and workshops in schools.
• Lucy Strange – Lucy speaks in schools and at literary festivals all over the UK – and beyond!
• Tina Stubbs – Berkshire, England; in-person and virtual storytelling sessions, readings and workshops for schools and libraries.
• Thomas Taylor – South East based; assemblies and workshops on the Eerie-on-Sea books; visits schools around the region and beyond.
• Lou Treleaven – Fun, entertaining and inspiring author visits to lower and primary schools with something for all age groups from songs and rhymes to character creation and world building. Virtual visits are also available.
• Kate Thompson – I love working with children and am available for school visits to Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 Primary School Year Groups, bookshops and libraries. I hold a current basic DBS Certificate. https://www.katethompsonwrites.com/
• Nicki Thornton – mystery author providing talks and writing sessions; open to in-person or online visits nationwide by arrangement.
• John Townsend – Oxfordshire-area author of high-interest nonfiction; delivers lively talks and workshops for primary and secondary by arrangement.
• Matthew Wainwright – Having worked in education for over ten years, I’m experienced in delivering content and creating resources for workshops and small groups.
• Andrew Weale – London/South East children’s author and performer; runs interactive EYFS/KS1 sessions and visits by prior booking.
• Holly Webb – Berkshire-based bestselling author – offers assemblies and workshops for primary schools, with day trips across the South East.
• Matt Whyman – experienced secondary and YA visitor; undertakes school events across the UK (and abroad) by arrangement.
• S.J. Wills – I offer in-person and virtual events for school years 6-8: assemblies, creative-writing workshops, Q&As, and signings. Based in the south east, but will consider travelling further. Highly recommended. 
• Nikki Young – based in Sevenoaks, Kent – offers creative-writing workshops, readings and school/book-day visits for primary and middle-grade pupils; available to book for virtual sessions or in-person visits (with mileage or travel costs where applicable).
• Neal Zetter – based in London; poetry shows and workshops mainly in London and the South East; further afield by arrangement. Highly recommended.

South West

(Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire)

• Lou Abercrombie – based in Bath – offers 90-minute talks and Q&A sessions, half-day or full-day visits with multiple workshops or assemblies for primary/secondary students; available for school visits nationally.
• Erin Allgrove – Class size events (ages 4-8) where we read Bosun Bob together after sharing stories about our favourite pets and animals, followed by a drawing workshop where we imagine writing a book about our favourite animal or pet and design the front cover! I am based in Devon and happy to travel across the county and also potentially to Cornwall, Somerset and further afield! Email.
• Laurence Anholt – will travel any distance if overnight expenses are met; travels from Axminster, Devon.
• Steve Antony – will visit anywhere in the UK if overnight expenses are met. Highly recommended.
• Nick Arnold – available anywhere in the world; overnight stay required if he can’t return to Taunton the same day. Highly recommended.
• Claire Barker – based in a village in North Devon, England; writes children’s fantasy and adventure novels (e.g. the “Knitbone Pepper” and “Picklewitch & Jack” series); visits schools and festivals nationally and internationally, offering author talks and creative-writing or storytelling workshops. Highly recommended. 
• Jasbinder Bilan – offers assemblies and workshops; travels anywhere in the UK when travel/overnight costs are met.
• Paula Bowles – I am experienced in doing whole school assemblies, as well as smaller classroom groups. My workshops are fun and interactive, based around my early reader chapter books as well as picture books. Happy to negotiate travel for schools further afield if expenses are met. I am experienced in doing virtual visits too.
• Mike Brownlow – Somerset-based; visits schools anywhere in the UK with travel or overnight costs arranged.
• Catherine Bruton – Bath-based author and teacher; available for school events throughout the UK with travel expenses met.
• Elen Caldecott – Bristol-based; happy to visit schools throughout the UK when travel or overnight costs are covered.
• Emma Carroll –  Offers in-person visits when available – schools need to book well in advance. Also offers online events.
• James Carter – based in South Oxfordshire; typically works between Bristol and Ashford, up to Birmingham and down to Brighton; travels further by arrangement. Highly recommended.
• Kathryn Clark – author of Things I Learned While I Was Dead. My visits are suitable for KS3, KS4 & KS5, and can include talks to year groups, workshops, book group/clubs, competition judging & book signings. Will travel anywhere in the UK if expenses are covered. Virtual visits are also available.
• Andreina Cordani – Dorset, England; talks and writing workshops for schools; accepts bookings via her website.
• Alex Cotter – Bath area; typically works within about two hours of Bath, with longer journeys considered if an overnight stay is arranged.
• Stan Cullimore – Author visits and workshops for KS1 and KS2. Highly recommended.
• Mel Darbon – YA author available for visits anywhere in the UK when overnight travel is arranged.
• Tracy Darnton – in-person and virtual workshops, readings, school talks and library events, school visits and festivals.
• Nicola Davies – South Wales author; works locally around South Wales, Bristol, Bath and the South West, and travels further by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Rachel Delahaye – I’m an award-winning author of middle-grade, teen and YA books, experienced with visiting schools to deliver assemblies, talks and workshops to pupils of all ages, always with an option to sign books and chat to book clubs. Travel area: South West, but happy to travel all over and do virtual visits.
• John Dougherty – children’s author, poet and songwriter based in Gloucestershire; happy to visit schools anywhere in the UK by arrangement.
• Jan Dunning – I’m Jan Dunning, author of teen and YA thrillers with a supernatural twist, and winner of the Oxfordshire Children’s Book Award (Secondary Novels) 2024. (I’m also a qualified teacher!) My school visits are suitable for ages 11+ and have been called ‘inspiring‘ and ‘engaging‘ by pupils – I’m happy to tailor them to schools’ requirements, offering a mix of workshops, assemblies, Q&As, or book signings. My main travel areas are the South West, South Wales and London. I’m happy to discuss virtual visits, and I will consider bookings outside my travel area if my expenses are met.
• Christopher Edge – available to visit schools throughout the academic year; in-person visits are arranged by agreement.
• Maz Evans – runs half- and full-day visits across the UK; based in Dorset (additional travel costs may apply beyond the local radius). Highly recommended. 
• Alex Evelyn – based in the wilds of Wiltshire – offers whole-school presentations, interactive workshops, Key Stage 2 class workshops, meet-the-author sessions and book signings; available for school visits by arrangement.
• Cathy Faulkner – based in the South West, but is happy to travel further if expenses are met. Offers KS2 assemblies, Q&As, book signings and creative writing workshops. Also happy to provide virtual visits and multi-school events.
• Anna February – I run a murder mystery ‘escape room’ workshop for Years 8-10 that develops English language and information literacy skills in a fun and engaging way. It can be adapted to anything from half a class to half a year group at a time. I’m based in the South West region (Gloucestershire) but can travel further if expenses are paid.
• Stewart Foster – based in Bath, England – offers full- or half-day primary and secondary school visits with assemblies, author talks, Q&A sessions and creative-writing workshops; travels to schools within about two hours of Bath, with fees including travel for visits up to 50 miles from his base.
• Annelise Gray – Dorset-based; travels anywhere in the UK, with overnight accommodation arranged where necessary.
• Julia Green – Bath-based; travels throughout the UK for author events and workshops, with travel and overnight arrangements when necessary.
• Sally Grindley – Gloucestershire, England; performance-storytelling, talks, readings and PowerPoint talks for children aged 4–13; travels to schools UK-wide if overnight expenses are met.
• James Haddell – author of The Lost Child’s Quest.
• Finbar Hawkins – Wiltshire, England; author talks and creative-writing workshops; school visits and events upon request.
• Fleur Hitchcock – based near Bath; visits schools throughout the UK, often combining trips with nearby engagements when travelling long distances.
• Polly Ho-Yen – I now make books full-time now and I still visit schools … only now they’re all over the country. If you would like me to come to your school, please get in touch with my event organisers. Highly recommended.
• Bex Hogan – based in Cornwall; visits schools across the UK, usually arranging overnight stays for events beyond the South West.
• Lucy Hope – Cotswolds, England; half-day or full-day school visits including author talks, creative-writing workshops, presentations and book signings.
• Lauren St. John – To arrange a school visit, please contact me at [email protected]
• Naomi Jones – I’m an award-winning dyslexic children’s author whose books have been translated into 24 languages. I love doing fun, interactive, in-person and virtual school events across the country and can be flexible about doing workshops, assemblies or multi-school events. I’m based in the South West but will happily travel if expenses are covered.
• J M Joseph – I offer creative writing workshops which focus on story openings or settings. Such workshops are aimed at smaller groups.
• Liz Kessler – based in St Ives, Cornwall, England – offers school visits including author talks and writing workshops for children and young adults; delivers both in-person and virtual visits to schools across the UK. Highly recommended.
• Sophie Kirtley – UK-based; in-person author visits and virtual visits (assemblies, creative-writing workshops, Q&A sessions and book signings) for schools and libraries.
• Tanya Landman – Devon-based; available for school visits throughout the UK, with longer journeys arranged to include overnight accommodation.
• Michael Leach – wildlife author and photographer based in Somerset; travels extensively across the UK for school talks and workshops.
• Rachel Delahaye Lefever – I can tailor an event to fit with your curriculum or class topics.
• Angela McAllister – prepared to visit schools in Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset; other nearby requests considered via the booking agent.
• Sarah McIntyre – Bovey Tracey, Devon; in-person and virtual school visits including readings, workshops and illustrator/author sessions. Highly recommended. 
• Tom McLaughlin – South West–based author-illustrator offering energetic primary sessions; travels widely for school events by arrangement. Highly recommended for inspiring less confident writers.
• Angie Morgan – focuses on the South West, and can visit elsewhere in the South when travel and overnight accommodation are agreed.
• Tamsin Mori – The reading age of my books is 7-12 years old, but my assemblies and workshops are easily adapted for KS1, KS2, or KS3.
• Beverley Naidoo – based in Dorset; travels throughout the UK for author events and school visits, arranged through her booking agency.
• Jane Newberry – Somerset-based poet and picture book writer; visits schools in the South West and is available for other regions by prior arrangement.
• E.L Norry – author of middle grade 8-12, fiction and non-fiction. Offers whole class assemblies/workshops/book signings/reading/talk and Q&A to Years 5, 6, 7, 8. Based in the South West (Dorset), will travel further if travel costs are covered.
• Matt Oldfield – based in Bristol; runs lively football-themed talks and workshops for primary and lower-secondary; in-person and virtual visits arranged directly. Highly recommended. 
• Katharine Orton – based in Bristol, England – offers school visits, including one-hour class talks or workshops (or assemblies/virtual visits) for children.
• Anne Parsons – I undertake visits to primary schools, which include storytelling, creative writing workshops, school assemblies and book signings, primarily aimed at Years 2,3 and 4. The area where I arrange visits is in the South West, although I would be happy to go to the South East too. I’m also happy to undertake virtual visits. I would be happy to go further afield if expenses were paid.
• Kev Payne – author, illustrator, poet and current Bard of Exeter! Kev’s visits cover the whole of primary age and can involve assemblies, large groups and classes – whatever works best for the school. Sessions blend poetry, writing, illustration and plenty of fun! Kev regularly travels to schools, libraries and festivals throughout the UK and travel expenses are included in his fee.
• Emma Perry –  My Author Visits are interactive and inspiring, with lively storytelling and storybuilding. In person and virtual. Tailored to EYFS, Key Stage 1, Year 3/4.
• Andrew Powell-Thomas – I absolutely love visits and I am always very pleased to see children and to talk to them before, during or after an event! A typical day will include an assembly, workshops, book readings, Q & A sessions (which are always very popular with pupils of all ages!) and a book signing.
• Emma Read – Bath, England; assemblies and workshops (talks, readings, creative-writing and Q&A sessions) for KS1–KS3.
• Michelle Robinson – Somerset-based picture book author offering in-person and virtual visits; typically works across the South West and travels further by arrangement.
• Kate Scott – author-poet-scriptwriter offering talks and creative writing sessions; travels to schools across the UK.
• Andy Seed – Blue Peter Book Award-winning author; runs high-energy primary sessions and tours schools throughout the UK. Highly recommended.
• Hannah Shaw – I offer an interactive assembly with props and draw-alongs, followed by creative workshops / a book signing based on my chapter books and picture books for Nursery all the way up to Y6. I am based in Gloucestershire but will travel to the South West, Midlands, London and Wales. My fees can be found on my website. I also take bookings for virtual visits (usually a 45-minute session) and may travel further if expenses are covered.
• Nicola Skinner – near Bristol, England; in-person and virtual school assemblies or visits, including readings, Q&A and book-talk sessions. Highly recommended. 
• Maudie Smith – I’m currently offering visits to Reception and KS1. Visits will probably be based on my latest picture book texts, My Must-have Mum and A Hat Full of Sea. Assemblies and class sessions are available for you to mix and match. I’m taking bookings in Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire – and sometimes beyond.
• Robert Starling – picture book author-illustrator offering draw-alongs, readings and Q&A; open to school bookings nationwide by arrangement.
• Julie Sykes – My books work particularly well with the following themes: friendship, teamwork, empathy, caring for animals, caring for the environment, wildlife and rewilding.
• Sean Taylor – author and storyteller with extensive school experience; runs lively assemblies and creative writing workshops around the UK. Highly recommended. 
• Hana Tooke – author of The Unadoptables and The Midnighters; runs interactive assemblies and workshops, and travels UK-wide by arrangement.
• Sam Usher – Typically, I do half or full-day visits. My events involve live drawing and reading, plus mischief. They can be educational or pure fun, depending on requirements. Highly recommended. 
• Chris Vick – Bristol/Bath-area author delivering talks and workshops for upper primary and secondary; in-person visits arranged during term time.
• Jojo Webb – based in Devon, UK; writes children’s fiction.
• Joffre White – UK-based; motivational talks, reading-inspirational assemblies and creative-writing workshops for primary, secondary schools, colleges and libraries; visits across the UK and virtual sessions.
• Emma Yarlett –  Emma Yarlett is an award-winning author, illustrator and typographer based in Falmouth, UK. From her studio by the sea, Emma works with international publishers, brands, festivals and media to create her illustrations and stories.

Wales

• Jon Blake – I can deliver a variety of sessions when visiting a school, library or community group.  I offer a talk and Q&A session, which can be for any size of audience.
• David Brayley – based in Swansea, Wales – offers school visits and delivers reading-promotion sessions and creative-writing or sports-literacy workshops for pupils from Years 3 to 11; works across Wales and the wider UK, including virtual sessions.
• Nicola Davies – South Wales author; works locally around South Wales, Bristol, Bath and the South West, and travels further by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Ffion Jones – Swansea, Wales; assemblies, creative-writing and illustration workshops (in person or remote) for schools and libraries; accepts bookings for school visits in South Wales or remote sessions elsewhere.
• Lee Newbery – author of The Last Firefox and The First Shadowdragon.
• Rhiannon Oliver – I offer in-person assemblies, readings, and workshops for primary and secondary school aged children, including Nursery. Virtual readings and workshops are also available. I deliver active sessions that develop drama, poetry, and public speaking skills.
• Oliver Sykes – children’s writer and performer – offers engaging school visits and tours nationwide by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Jenny Valentine – YA author leading interactive workshops and talks; available for school visits across Wales with advance booking.
• Alex Wharton – South Wales-based poet who runs energetic assemblies and workshops and is willing to travel UK-wide, with longer trips arranged in advance. Highly recommended. 
• Kate Williams – Vale of Glamorgan poet delivering lively primary poetry workshops; regularly visits schools across Wales and into England by arrangement.

West Midlands

(Birmingham, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire & Worcestershire)

• Catherine Barr – runs interactive primary sessions and will travel anywhere in the UK where travel/overnight expenses are arranged.
• Ian Billings – based in the West Midlands; delivers stand-up literacy shows and creative writing workshops for primary and secondary schools; prepared to travel throughout the UK and worldwide for school visits.
• Donna David – School visits consist of a whole-school assembly and writing workshops.  Workshop options include: Book reading with story sack and a craft activity (nursery-yr 2), Dance, movement and games session linked to my books (nursery-yr6), Plotting your masterpiece (years 3-6), Setting your story (years 3-6).
• Ben Davis – based in Staffordshire – gives school talks and creative-writing workshops for pupils aged about 8–16; travels nationally to deliver author visits for primary and secondary schools.
• Paul Dowswell – visits schools all over the country (and abroad) for talks and workshops.
• Giovanni Esposito – also known as ‘Spoz’ – offers hugely energetic and positive performance poetry events and poetry slams. Highly recommended.
• Emma Finlayson-Palmer – West Midlands, England; author readings and creative-writing workshops for primary schools; available for bookings via her contact page.
• Brian Frederick – Staffordshire, England; school visits, writing workshops and book-day events.
• Petr Horacek – Worcester-based picture book author-illustrator; travels anywhere in the UK for school sessions and festivals. Highly recommended. 
• Liz Hyder – Liz Hyder is the award-winning writer of Bearmouth and The Twelve. She has over 15 years of experience in running creative writing workshops and specialises in high-octane, fun, interactive sessions with groups from 20-300 with years 5-6 and 7-9 and is happy to do multi-school visits, signings and interactive assemblies. She’s based in the West Midlands but happy to travel further upon request (and if expenses can be met). Highly recommended.
• Lis Jardine – Shropshire-based; offers interactive workshops and visits schools around the UK by arrangement.
• Olivia Levez – Worcestershire-based author; offers creative writing sessions and is available for visits anywhere in the UK by arrangement.
• Loll Kirby – Having worked as a teacher, I’m comfortable visiting schools and talking to children and I think it’s totally awesome to be invited to work with amazing young minds. There are three main categories listed below but there’s definitely room for flexibility around each one.
• Manjeet Mann – UK (based in the UK); talks and creative-writing workshops for EYFS, KS1, KS3/4 pupils and libraries; travels anywhere in the UK. Highly recommended. 
• Myles McLeod – For SCHOOL VISITS or anything else, please contact me directly.
• Morgan Owen – UKYA fantasy author: GLADIATOR, GODDESS duology.
• Kimberly Pauley – based in Coventry (West Midlands, UK); offers assemblies, writing workshops, and author talks for young readers (Key Stage 2–4); will travel throughout the UK for school or library visits.
• Natalie Perry (aka Poppy T. Perry) – Happy to do book signings, multi-school events and deliver workshops or assemblies on both writing, illustration or both. Also happy to do digital visits and travel further if expenses are met.
• Steve Smallman – United Kingdom; school-visit illustration and writing workshops (drawing tutorials, story-writing sessions, readings and book-day events); schools and libraries can contact him for bookings.
• Matt Ralphs – offers talks and workshops nationwide for KS2/KS3; available to travel anywhere in the UK with arrangements.
• Jamie Russell – author and screenwriter
• Rebecca Tonks – Sessions can be completely tailored to the needs of each school and class. ​Group sizes for both book readings and Q&A sessions are unlimited. If working in a school hall with PowerPoint facilities, my sessions can easily scale up to 200 children. I will consider anywhere if overnight accommodation and travel expenses are paid.
• Cat Weatherill – Warwickshire, England; storytelling sessions, author-talks, creative-writing workshops and performances for Nursery-Year 9; travels nationally and internationally for school visits.

Yorkshire and the Humber

(East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire & North and North East Lincolnshire)

• Matt Abbott – based in Leeds; mainly takes bookings around Yorkshire; happy to hear from schools all over the UK.
• Brian Abram (Grandad Wheels) – based in Halifax, Grandad Wheels offers school visits in Yorkshire and the North West. After a serious cycling accident in 2013, Brian was left paraplegic and a full-time wheelchair user.  A few years ago, he started the six stories in the series ‘The Adventures of Grandad Wheels!’ Highly recommended. 
• S.J. Baker – is an experienced secondary school teacher and YA author, offering visits with a focus on the writer’s journey and the dystopian genre; she will work with small or large groups from Y7 to Y13, focusing on the writer’s craft, the joy of storytelling or the journey to publication. Yorkshire and the Humber, East of England, North East. Open to virtual visits and will travel further if expenses are met. Contact at [email protected].
• Mike Barfield – Thirsk-based children’s author and performer; offers school events and travels nationwide by arrangement (via booking agencies/official channels). Highly recommended. 
• Leanne Beardsley – I offer gentle, sensory-friendly author visits for EYFS–KS2, including picture-book readings, emotion-themed workshops, Q&A sessions, and illustration demonstrations inspired by my debut book, Please Cloud, Don’t Cry. Happy to travel further if expenses are met. I offer both in-person and virtual author visits, including SEN-friendly sessions tailored to neurodivergent learners. My workshops focus on creativity, emotional literacy, and gentle storytelling through art.
• Daniel Blythe – based in Yorkshire – offers talks on Doctor Who and writing, quizzes, writing workshops and book-signings for pupils in Key Stages 2 and 3; visits schools across the North of England and Midlands and, with travel and overnight expenses, the rest of the UK and Europe.
• Jeffrey Boakye – based in East Yorkshire (originally from Brixton, London); offers tailored student sessions, author talks and workshops on race, identity, music, culture and writing for primary and secondary schools; frequently delivers in-person and virtual visits nationwide.
• Anneliese Emmans Dean –  I visit schools nationwide (and beyond), putting on acclaimed, cross-curricular Buzzing! and Flying High! poetry shows, poetry workshops and book signings for children aged 3 to 13. I mix science with poetry in a way that inspires learning through laughter, rhythm and rhyme.
• Penny Dolan – North Yorkshire, England; storytelling, storytime sessions, author talks and creative-writing workshops; schools within reasonable travelling distance of Harrogate (with others considered if travel/overnight expenses covered).
• Phil Earle – travels anywhere in the UK for school events; if more than two hours from West Yorkshire, overnight accommodation is usually required. Highly recommended. 
• Liz Flanagan – West Yorkshire-based; offers discounted rates for local schools and travels further afield with travel/overnight costs by agreement.
• Hannah Gold – works widely by rail from Lincolnshire (including London and cities along main routes); travels further with overnight arrangements. Highly recommended. 
• Sue Hardy-Dawson – As a dyslexic writer, she takes a special interest in encouraging children with special educational needs.
• Caryl Hart –  I run creative literacy workshops in hundreds of schools and for libraries, festivals and School Library Services, helping to boost literacy and generate a real buzz about books and reading.
• Harry Heape – visits primary schools across the UK, offering interactive and humorous sessions, by prior arrangement.
• William Hussey – Lincolnshire-based YA author; visits schools and festivals across the UK, with longer trips requiring travel arrangements. Highly recommended. 
• Catherine Jacob – York, England; creative-writing workshops and school/library visits; schools may contact her via her official agency page.
• Susannah Lloyd – Yorkshire-based picture book author; happy to visit schools around the UK by prior arrangement.
• Amy McCaw – YA author of They Own the Night.
• Lydia Monks – based in Sheffield – offers occasional school visits arranged through her publisher or agent,
• Sarah Morrell – West Yorkshire-based; happy to visit schools around the UK, combining long-distance events when possible.
• Paul Morton – I’m the illustrator and author of the Bug Belly series of Early Readers, running various events in schools, ranging from art crafts, frog slide shows and games, all themed around my current two titles. Visits schools in the wider Yorkshire area. I’m happy doing virtual visits and always supply materials in advance for printing off to support the video visit.
  Outside Yorkshire, within reason, visits are considered with travel expenses covered.
• Chris Mould – exhibits his artwork regularly, and commits to an ongoing programme of events.
• Tom Palmer – delivers football, rugby and history sessions in schools nationwide; in-person or virtual; can pair nearby schools to keep travel practical. Highly recommended. 
• Kate Pankhurst – based in Leeds – offers in-person visits within roughly a two-hour radius (no overnights), with online alternatives available.
• Saviour Pirotta – West Yorkshire–based author visiting schools across the UK; travel/overnight by arrangement. Highly recommended. 
• Helen Rutter – near Sheffield, England; in-person school visits, talks and workshops; schools contact her directly via her website.
• G.P. Taylor – GP Taylor can only visit schools, colleges and Universities between September and December each year. His one-hour creative writing performance was a sell-out at the Edinburgh Festival. Highly recommended.
• Steve Weatherill – picture book author-illustrator known for interactive draw-alongs; regularly visits schools across Yorkshire by arrangement. Highly recommended.
• Amy Wilson – Lincolnshire children’s author offering story sessions and workshops; local visits with wider travel by arrangement.

Travelling All Over The UK

• Beverly Clarke – In person: tech-themed discussion, reading from The Digital Adventures of Ava and Chip book series, and Hands-on Tech-themed activities. Book signings, photos, and interviews, all included within the day rate. Three books are also donated to your school library. Bookable by the day – four groups across the day. Available nationwide (day rate + expenses – hotel and travel). Age Group – Years 3 – 6.
• Pie Corbett – Offers a wide range of Talk for Reading and Talk for Writing training and CPD for schools. Highly recommended.
• Zanni Louise – Bestselling author of over 45 books, Zanni Louise, visits your school to inspire young people to read and write. Virtual visits available.
• Laila Rifaat – based in Egypt, Laila Rifaat offers school sessions (virtual and in-person by arrangement) and is available to work with UK schools when schedules and travel allow. Highly recommended. 

Virtual visits only

• Sharna Jackson –  If you’re looking to book a school visit, I’d love to come! I’m currently providing these mostly over Zoom. You can choose between an assembly presentation or a workshop for a class. Netherlands.
• Robert Muchamore – only does virtual events. For details, check out the CONTACT page on his website. Highly recommended. 
• H S Norup – Meeting readers in real life is one of the best parts of being an author. At school or festival visits, I’m happy to talk about any aspect of my own writing process and the inspiration for my books. Also offers virtual visits. Switzerland.
• Justin Somper – Perth, Western Australia; talks, writing workshops, virtual sessions and school-event visits; available for in-person or virtual school visits worldwide by arrangement. Highly recommended.
• Swapna Haddow – Swapna offers creative and flexible workshops designed to inspire children by demystifying the writing process, showing them how much fun creating stories and characters can be. Swapna offers online visits, so now you can have an author visit from Swapna wherever you are in the world! Highly Recommended. New Zealand.

Highly recommended authors, illustrators and poets

• Note: While all the authors, illustrators and poets listed here offer great visit and workshop packages for schools, “Highly recommended” denotes positive feedback from multiple sources, including internal feedback from our team of writers, teachers, librarians and reviewers, and external feedback from our teacher focus group members. This is updated when we receive additional feedback.

Get in touch – add a new author

Get in touch to add a new author or to update existing author information. Contact us by email: [email protected] and let us know:

• One sentence about your visits – delivery options (workshops, whole-school assemblies, multi-school events, book signings, etc).
• Your travel area – choose from East of England; East Midlands; London; North East; North West; Northern Ireland; Republic of Ireland; Scotland; South East; South West; Wales; West Midlands; Yorkshire and the Humber.
• Your website URL (so schools can read more and contact you).
• Optional – detail virtual visits, and whether you’ll travel further if expenses are met.

Advice for teachers and schools

The benefits of an author visit

Author visits bring reading to life for pupils and help build a culture of reading for pleasure across a school. They boost confidence in hesitant readers, add context to classroom texts, and offer a close-up look at the creative process. Many organisers also find that signed book sales and follow-up projects keep the buzz going after the day, especially when the visit is trailed as a special event.

From an author’s point of view, visits generate income, showcase their work, and create direct contact with readers. That mix can spark ideas for future books and support a long-term career.

To make the most of a visit, introduce pupils to at least some of the author’s work in advance, display books and related work around the school, and help pupils prepare thoughtful questions.

How to find and book an author visit

A good first stop is School Reading List’s author visit resource. If you want local help with book sales or logistics, talk to a nearby independent children’s bookshop, as many have trusted links with local authors and poets. You can also browse the wider resources hub on School Reading List, where author events and ideas are signposted throughout the site.

If your chosen author does not sell books directly, ask an independent bookshop to handle pre-orders and sales on the day. School Reading List keeps a UK directory of children’s bookshops you can contact.

When shortlisting, check authors’ websites for a “school visits” page and ask publishers or reputable agencies for recommendations. Commonly used agencies and directories include Contact an Author, Authors Aloud UK, and National Literacy Trust listings.

Once an author is interested, confirm the essentials in writing. Cover the date, number and length of sessions, age groups, rooming, equipment, the bookselling plan, travel, parking, safeguarding arrangements (the author must not be left alone with pupils), photography permissions, recording policy, the fee, and payment details. Send one clear confirmation document at least two weeks before the day.

How much will an author visit cost?

The Society of Authors advises that fees should reflect preparation and travel time as well as delivery, and suggests using a freelance day-rate reckoner to benchmark fair pay. The SoA’s downloadable guidance note on school visit fees adds useful context when setting rates. Nicola Morgan has also written an excellent article advising on how to set authors’ fees for school events. Steve Skidmore has also written a useful guide for schools to help them prepare for author visits. Maz Evans provided some revealing advice for authors in this Bookseller article. Be sure the Deputy Head doesn’t mistake the visiting talent for a supply teacher! Andrew Bibby’s Ready Reckoner and the CRA’s Pay The Creator Freeland Day Rate Guide compare hourly and day rates for different professions, which can be useful to give teachers and authors a good idea of how much professional time is worth.

In practice, schools often see day rates in the mid-high hundreds, with higher fees for in-demand authors, plus travel and subsistence where needed. That aligns with sector surveys and the SoA principle that fees should account for preparation and travel, not only the time in front of pupils.

Set a realistic budget. Factor in bookselling logistics, a parking space, and possible overnight stays for long-distance travel. Choosing a nearby author can reduce costs.

Recording sessions changes the value exchange. If you want to film a talk for later use, agree terms and a licence in advance, for example, classroom-only within your school, and expect an uplift to the fee. Credit the author and ensure any third-party materials are cleared.

How to plan an author visit day in your school

• Define the aims. Link the visit to your school development plan, specific cohorts, and curriculum priorities. If some workshops target selected pupils, explain the rationale to parents in advance.
• Funding. If funding is an issue, consider organising a joint event with other local schools to split the cost. Also, check if there are any grants available from local schemes run by the Scottish Book Trust, Book Trust,  Poetry Ireland Writers in Schools, National Literacy Trust, The Reading Agency, and the Federation of Children’s Book Groups (FCBG). You can also look into grant-making bodies such as The BlueSpark Foundation and regional bodies such as your local Rotary or Lions club. At local level, ask your PTA if they would like to help, or design sponsored events to fundraise, such as a whole school readathon, World Book Day costume contest, a parent or student literature quiz, a book fair to generate commission, or a crowdfunding effort.
• Guidance. If you need school policy advice for a visiting speaker or author visit, have a look at our free school policies resource page.
• Explain to students why they have been selected for workshops. Giving students and parents positive feedback will inspire them. Rumours and lack of information might conspire against you as an event organiser. Transparency is key.
• Avoid intra-school conflict. Don’t timetable workshops at times that clash with sports matches, arranged trips, or popular extracurricular activities. Avoid conflict with other staff, parents and students. Ensure the great experience you’re offering doesn’t collide with another popular timetabled event.
• Evidence the author visit. Write feedback notes for your department planning, inspection evidence and school development plan. For example, if your target is to improve spelling school-wide, consider inviting in a dyslexic author to inspire students who have low self-confidence with their spelling ability. If you have students who love art but hate writing, think about booking a graphic novel writer or comic illustrator to show pupils what is possible.
• Make it an event. Build excitement with displays of the author’s books and pupil work. Publicise the visit, and, if appropriate, invite parents after school for a signing.
• Publicise the author visit. Let your school’s or trust’s marketing department know. Sent an email about the event to your local press and media. Let your parents know via the school newsletter or social media.
• Prepare pupils and staff. Read an extract in class, set simple research tasks, and brief staff to stay present and engaged during sessions rather than marking.
• Announce in a school assembly. Tell all the students about the visit. Perform a book taster session and short extract reading. Buy copies of the author’s book for children to access in the school library, classrooms, English rooms and school entrance hall. Watch videos on the author’s YouTube channel and have a look at the author’s website with classes.
• Agree on the format. A typical structure is a short presentation, one or two readings, and a Q&A, with smaller group workshops where timetables allow.
• Sort the bookselling early. Use pre-order forms so children bring money on the day, or arrange a local bookshop to supply stock and run the table. This avoids disappointment and lets the author focus on meeting pupils.
• Nail the logistics. Provide a clear schedule, key contacts, a map, parking instructions, and an equipment list. Test any slides in advance, check markers and flip-chart stands, and confirm microphone access for larger spaces.
• Safeguarding and professionalism. The author should never be left alone with pupils. Ensure sufficient staff presence and agree on photo permissions in advance.
• On the day. Welcome the visitor properly, show them key facilities, and keep groups ready with paper and pens. Treat the visit as a special occasion, because the atmosphere matters.
• Afterwards. Capture photos within permissions, display pupil outcomes, continue reading the author’s work, and gather feedback at a staff meeting to shape future visits.

Advice for authors

• Be clear on your offer. Decide the age ranges you serve, the session types you will run, and how many sessions you can deliver in a day. Prepare flexible materials and rehearse readings and delivery.
• Plan the day with the organiser. Ask for a single confirmation covering timings, room setups, equipment, book sales, photo and recording permissions, travel, and refreshments. Request that a teacher be present in every session.
• Price and payment. Set fees that reflect preparation and travel, in line with SoA principles and current practice, and clarify expenses and VAT. If recording is requested, agree a licence and fee uplift in advance.
• Speed up invoicing. Schools can be slow to process payments. Get onto the school’s finance system early, consider a small booking fee or a paid pre-visit resource pack so your details are set up well before the event, and invoice promptly.
• Bookselling. Share pre-order forms or ask the school to coordinate with a local bookshop. Aim to sign school copies and encourage a simple, supervised queue.
• Delivery tips. Arrive early, greet pupils at the door, project your voice, read more slowly than feels natural, and keep teachers actively involved. If you don’t have a strong, loud voice that can withstand a long day of public speaking, ask the school if they have a PA and microphones. Many do. Or bring your own portable speaker/amp and headset mic.
• Travel and access. Share parking and access needs in advance. For long distances or heavy kit, discuss options for taxis or accommodation, costed and agreed upfront.
• Recording and photography. If filming is proposed, agree on written terms that set the scope, duration, usage, classroom-only versus wider sharing, and editing approvals, with an appropriate uplift.
• Follow up. Send thanks, invite feedback, and provide optional classroom resources or reading lists to extend the impact. You might also suggest a return visit the following year.

Organisations that will help schools and authors to arrange visits and events.

• Authors Abroad – A UK-based booking service that arranges author, poet, illustrator and storyteller visits for schools in the UK and overseas, with support for planning and logistics.
• Authors Aloud – An agency that brings authors and other speakers into schools, libraries and festivals in the UK and internationally, handling bookings and providing guidance to help events run smoothly.
• Contact An Author – A searchable directory that helps schools and organisers find and book authors and other speakers for talks, workshops and school visits.
• Find School Workshops – A UK directory of educational workshop and performance providers for schools, searchable by topic and location to help staff find suitable sessions.
• Poetry Ireland Writers in Schools – A Poetry Ireland administered scheme that helps fund visits by writers and storytellers to primary and post-primary schools in Ireland, with a directory and application process.
• Scottish Book Trust Live Literature Directory (Scotland) – A Scottish Book Trust directory to help schools and other organisations find writers and illustrators for events, searchable by filters such as specialism and local authority.
• Speaking of Books – A UK agency that organises school, library and festival author events and related sessions, managing arrangements and invoicing to reduce administration for schools.
• The Author Speaks (Ireland) – The O’Brien Press author interview hub, which also signposts schools to arrange visits with participating authors via Poetry Ireland’s Writers in Schools scheme.
• Virtual Authors – A free directory of UK children’s authors, poets and illustrators offering virtual visits, organised by key stage, with links so schools can book directly.