Uncategorized – Page 2 – Authors' Booking Service

Stewart, Michael (Ottawa, ON)

Fiction/Poetry, Two X Ottawa Book Award Nominee, Snow Willow Award nominee, eOne Television Adaptation Lab winner, Publishers Weekly BookLife Grand Prize winner, Twice named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book, and more. TWUC, SCBWI, and CANSCAIP. Ages 9+.

$150 per session plus a publisher book bundle (each curated bundle includes 5 middle grade, or 5 young adult novels), up to four sessions per day. Plus a travel fee of $0.50/km, if outside of Ottawa area. Virtual Visits: $100 for each session.

Michael tailors presentations based on the needs and desires of the group and can speak to any element of writers craft and process. He can do up to four presentations in the same school per day. As the author of middle grade novels, a middle grade novel in verse, interactive fiction, scriptwriting, and young adult novels, Michael enjoys working with students in workshop format, or as a presentation with a preference for audiences of under 60 students.

Presentations by grade (60 Minutes):

Michael always covers the top five questions (How did you become a writer? Where do you get your ideas? What’s the name of your cat?) quickly before delving into the presentation, always being sure to include: Why stories matter, why the students’ stories matter, and how knowing how to tell stories can help them be successful in any field.

Here are example themes by grade:

4-8: Let’s write a story: Using a super secret technique, Michael works with students to generate strong story concepts. This includes learning the elements of a story pitch and can end with delivering and whiteboarding pitch ideas to go deeper and inadvertently learn Aristotelian story structure.

4-7: Digital Resilience Through Poetry: Based on Michael’s novel in verse, Seeking Draven. This interactive presentation and workshop scaffolds student understanding of the internet, social media, and other digital literacies, while incorporating literary devices and poetry. If time allows, the students use prompts to develop their own poems.

7-9: The Heart of Structure: Using his novel Heart Sister, Michael explains how to use theme as a structuring tool, connecting this technique to popular books and movies. Further discussions explore students’ thoughts on organ donation, a central element to Heart Sister. Michael shares his family’s organ donation story and why he wrote the book. We explore common myths about organ donation and truths—completing a quiz as a class. Finally, we complete a private exercise in which the students explore the same questions Minnie asks other characters in the book, generally about self improvement. Heart Sister was named an official educational resource by Canadian Blood Services.

4-12: Michael can elaborate on any elements of craft desired, from character, setting, structure, and theme to humour and literary devices.

7-12: Emotion Driven Stories: In this interactive presentation, Michael shows the connection between emotion, stories, and healing ourselves. Using popular literature, movies, and his own books, Michael shows how powerfully resonant stories are based on therapeutic models we can use to create stories of our own.

9-12: Advanced Craft: In this workshop-based format, Michael will work with up to 12 students to refine their stories. Includes Michael prereading student work and identifying elements of craft tailored to the students’ needs. Multiple sessions available.

Anthology

Grade 8+ School Anthology: Michael will organize a full grade (up to three classes) anthology of short stories. This includes a kick off session to identify the anthology’s theme, types of short stories, and what makes a strong short story. Later Michael will present techniques for successful self editing and peer editing, and tips on how to edit the work of others. After peer editing, Michael will assemble and format the ebook. Finally, students vote on preset cover options, and the book is launched on Amazon, allowing the students to try to hit number 1, while learning about the financial and marketing side of publishing. In total, this program includes 3 presentations, an ebook cover, ebook formatting, and ebook publication services. Please contact for fee.

Contact Michael to Book a Visit:

Varga, Andrew (Oshawa, ON)

Member of the Writers Union of Canada, the Royal Historical Society, and the Historical Novel Society. 2024 Red Maple Award Nominee.

Rates: $250 for one session, $450 for two, $675 for three, $900 for a full day (four sessions). Plus a travel fee of $0.50/km if outside the Durham Region.

Virtual visit fees range from $100 – $200

Andrew is an experienced and passionate speaker who tailors each presentation to the group in front of him. As someone who has studied history all his life, he loves speaking to children and adults about the lesson-known sides of history and why historical fiction is important for people to read. But he is also more than happy to work with teachers and educators if there are certain topics they wish to see covered and he can quickly adapt if the situation calls for it.

The Last Saxon King is a 2024 Forest of Reading Red Maple Nominee

Andrew’s presentations involve a fun and immersive deep dive into the past, with audience participation a crucial part of the presentations. He doesn’t want to just talk to the audience, he wants them there with him as he takes them on a tour through the past. His presentations work best with students in grades 7 through high school. He prefers to speak to a maximum of 125 students at a time. He can be a bit flexible on this.

Since his presentation is power point, he requires an LCD projector (provided by the school), or a smart board, a screen, and a microphone (if the audience size is over 50 kids). He will bring his own laptop.

Contact Andrew to book a visit:

Join our roster

author and illustrator applications to authors’ booking service

The roster opens in June.

If you are interested in being considered for our roster we invite you to apply via the Authors’ Booking Service online application.

Who is a great candidate for our roster?

Canadian authors and illustrators
Traditionally published creators
Creators who enjoy speaking about their books and creating process
Authors and illustrators able to do either in-person, virtual visits or both

Please note: we do not represent self-published or hybrid-published authors or illustrators.

Membership in our community of Canadian, traditionally published, authors and illustrators
Customized author/illustrator page on the Authors’ Booking Service website complete with your author bio, school presentation info, author headshot, book cover gallery (up to 6 covers), contact form and SEO.
Inclusion in the Authors’ Booking Service directory of Canadian authors/illustrators available to do school and library visits (in-person and virtual).
Monthly newsletters to members with industry news, author/illustrator opportunities, professional development, member marketplace and more.
Monthly newsletters to educators/librarians with calls to action to book Authors’ Booking Service members
EXCLUSIVE monthly members zoom
Promotion and amplification of your social media posts.

Syed, Anoosha (Milton, ON)

Anoosha Syed is a Pakistani-Canadian author, illustrator, and character designer for animation. She has illustrated over forty books, including I Am Perfectly Designed by Karamo Brown, APALA honor book, Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed and her author/illustrator debut, That’s Not My Name!

Book topics: Empathy, First Day of School, Self-empowerment, Food and Culture. Family, South Asian and Muslim

Awards:

Forest of Reading Blue Spruce Award Honour 2023
APALA Honor for Bilal Cooks Daal
Society of Illustrators Original Art Show
Royal Society’s Young People’s Book Prize Shortlist
Featured in Netflix series ‘Bookmarks’
Featured in Eric Carle museum
Otter Award nominee

Virtual Visits:

$300 + HST for up to one hour
$200 + HST for each additional presentation on the same day

I usually work with children ages JK-Gr 3. But older kids/teens can also benefit from learning about the life of an author/illustrator, and a love for writing and drawing!

PRESENTATION FORMAT

My session is a 1hr presentation that covers my career, how I wrote and illustrated the book That’s Not My Name!, and the importance of diversity/inclusivity in books. It ends with a live drawing demonstration and Q&A

I also offer a shorter 30-45min storytime session (best suited for JK-SK) that includes an intro on myself, a reading, and Q&A.

This is a guideline of what I offer, but I am happy to be flexible and work around your school needs; if you’d like me to focus on any particular topics, books or activities we can definitely discuss!

Other notes
A projector is required for in-person visits, and microphone + podium for larger groups.
For drawing activities, an easel with paper as well as paper, markers, crayons for the children to draw along with.
In-person presentations for JK-2 max 30 per group, teacher/facilitator MUST be present.

Contact Anoosha to book a visit:

Polak, Monique (Montreal, Quebec)

Writers’ Union of Canada, CANSCAIP, Quebec Writers’ Federation, English Language Arts Network

Monique Polak is three-time winner of the Quebec Writers’ Federation Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, recently renamed the Janet Savage Blachford Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature. Her work has been nominated for several prizes including the Arthur Ellis Award, Best Juvenile or Crime Book and the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People.

Presentation rates: $250 per hour. Plus travel unless I am in Toronto area for
other reasons. I come to Toronto several times a year to visit family and friends. I charge HST.

Monique Polak is the author of 32 books for young people – and she has two
more books slated for publication! Monique was a long-time teacher at
Marianopolis College in Montreal, where she taught, amongst other courses,
Writing for Children and Print Journalism. Monique began her writing career as a reporter and her stories have been published in newspapers across Canada. A
classic extrovert, Monique loves doing writing workshops with kids (and adults) of all ages. Monique’s mother was a Holocaust survivor who went to school with Anne Frank, and Monique has a special interest in Holocaust stories and the history of the Holocaust.

Monique has done writing workshops for students in Grade 1 all the way to
university.

With her youngest audiences (Grades 1-3), Monique teaches basic story-telling
skills, such as how to find a beginning, middle and end, and how to ensure that a story has drama. She also reads from her new picture book, The Brass Charm.

With older audiences (this includes students in Grades 4 and up, high school
and college students), Monique shares writing tips she wishes someone had
shared with her when she was an aspiring author. Monique also discusses the
inspiration behind some of her stories. And of course, expect Monique – who
love stories – to tell some stories. You can also expect writing exercises.
Monique is especially interested in personal memory as a source of inspiration.
One of her exercises is designed to use personal memory to find the story
participants in her workshops most need to tell!

Monique can handle groups of any size! No special supplies needed – Monique’s only requirement is that students have paper and pen (or in the case of very young participants, crayons!).

Contact Monique to book a visit:

2022/2023 Governor General’s Awards

No posts found.

Vitalis, Jessica (Waterloo, ON)

Rates: Writer’s Union, CANSCAIP, SCBWI. All sessions 45-60 minutes. Virtual $250. In-person $300 (available in Kitchener/Waterloo and GTA only). Half-day $550 (two sessions, available in Kitchener/Waterloo and GTA only). Full day $800 (up to three sessions). Half and full days may be split between nearby schools on the same day. Prices quoted do not include travel costs or HST.

JJESSICA VITALIS is an award-winning, Columbia MBA-wielding middle grade author with Greenwillow/HarperCollins. Her books have been translated into three languages, received multiple starred reviews, been designated as Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections, and appeared on “Best Book” lists for Kirkus and CCBC. Coyote Queen won the Reading the West Book Award, the High Plains Literary Award, and the Women Writing the West 2024 WILLA Literary Award in Children’s Fiction and Non-Fiction. Her latest novel, Unsinkable Cayenne, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, a NCTE Notable Verse Novel, and was featured as a best new release by Parade Magazine. Jessica has American and Canadian citizenship; she currently lives and writes in Ontario but speaks at schools, conferences, and festivals all over North America.

Unsinkable Cayenne is a NCTE 2025 Notable Verse Novel
Coyote Queen is a Reading the West Book Award winner
Coyote Queen is a winner of the High Plains Book Award
Coyote Queen won the Women Writing the West 2024 WILLA Book Award for Children’s Fiction and Non-Fiction

When she’s not writing, Jessica’s favorite activity is talking about writing; her presentations are best suited for students grades four and up (and adults of any age). She is also available for festivals, conferences, and keynote speeches and can speak to issues ranging from SEL topics to grief and healing.

Offerings include (but are not limited to):

The Story Behind the Story: This interactive presentation includes the inspiration behind Jessica’s books, a short reading, stories of tenacity and perseverance related to her unusual childhood and 13-year journey to publication, and a peek at the revision process (including the most important tool in her writer’s toolbox!). Q&A included. For small or large groups (grades 4+).

Stand Out From The Crowd: Creating Compelling Characters: In this hands-on writing workshop, participants look at what makes characters come alive in readers’ hearts and minds and learn how to develop memorable characters using the author’s secret technique to show and not tell. For smaller groups (ages 10 to adult).

The Building Blocks of Story: Using the building blocks of story, we’ll work through a flexible pre-writing strategy that provides authors with a framework to draft a novel without bogging them down or making the drafting process feel too prescriptive. For small or large groups (adults only).

“Jessica’s presentation was so inspiring and energizing for our fifth and sixth grade students! Her stories––both on and off the page––are magnetic. A couple of our more reluctant learners sought Jessica out after the talk to connect with her and have their photos takes. What a wonderful celebration of reading and writing!” -Elementary school librarian

“Jessica did a beautiful presentation for my 7^th grade reading classes. My students were engrossed! At the end, she answered all of their questions about being an author, the writing process, and everything in between! It was such a fantastic experience for my students!” – 7^th Grade Teacher

“[Jessica’s] presentation totally changed my life! It was so incredibly helpful and exactly what I needed for my writing.” -Workshop attendee

Maximum group size: No limit on large group offerings. Smaller group offerings are better suited for individual school classes or conference breakout sessions.

Venues: Flexible as long as a microphone and projection screen are available.

Tech Requirements: Microphone (when necessary), digital projector and screen (most presentations are accompanied by PowerPoint slides; Jessica can either hook up with her laptop or bring in a flash drive), water, and lunch (for full day visits).

Jessica looks forward to connecting with you!

Contact Jessica to book a visit:

Lewis, Amanda West (Perth, ON)

Member of The Writer’s Union of Canada; Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators (SCBWI); Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators & Performers (CANSCAIP); Access Copyright; MASC Artist/Instructor

Amanda’s rates: In-person workshops: $400 for one session, $625 for two, $850 for three. Virtual presentations: $300 for one session, $525 for two. No travel costs within GTA or Eastern Ontario. $.50/km west of Toronto, north of Ottawa.

Each program is adapted to the needs of the class/group.

CCBC Book Awards: Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People nominee

Amanda West Lewis combines careers as a writer, theatre artist, and calligrapher. She is the author of ten books for youth and young readers, including three-starred A Planet is a Poem, Focus Click Wind, (listed as one of the Best Books of 2023 by The Globe and Mail),and the semi-autobiographical novel These Are Not the Words, (recommended by the American League of Poets as recommended reading in 2022.)

Amanda’s books have been nominated for the Silver Birch Award, the Red Cedar Award and the Violet Downey IODE Award. She has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

In her theatre career, Amanda has acted, directed, produced, and written for theatre, as well as founded The Ottawa Children’s Theatre, a school dedicated to theatre education for young people. Her calligraphic artwork has been exhibited in numerous shows and she has written books on calligraphy and the development of writing.

Amanda teaches writing, theatre, and calligraphy to people of all ages, in schools and libraries across Canada.

Born in New York City, Amanda moved with her mother to Toronto, Canada as a teenager. She now lives with her husband, writer Tim Wynne-Jones, in the woods near Perth, Ontario, where they raised their three children.

Author Readings/Presentations

“A PLANET IS A POEM” A Cross-Curriculum Workshop combining Science and Literary Arts (Grades 1 – 5)

EUREKA! 2024 Excellence in Children’s Non-Fiction Award, California Reading Association HONOR BOOK;
NCTE Notable Poetry Book;
Cybils Award nominee 2024;
School Library Journal Best Poetry Books 2024

This unique workshop combines Science AND Writing! Working with the book A Planet is a Poem, we’ll explore the solar system through poetry. What is a poem? How do planetary scientists use metaphors to explore big ideas? Why did I pair Saturn with a Sestina poem form? What’s a Companion poem, and why does it work for Pluto and Charon? We’ll take a deep dive into our solar system, talk about some of the poetic and magical things we can discover there, and write poems based on our discoveries.

Equipment And Other Requirements: A projector compatible with a computer for a memory stick. A flip chart or white board.

WRITING FROM MEMORY: A Poetry Writing Workshop (Grades 1 – 12/sec V)

Memories are made of small moments that can form the basis for new story ideas. In this collaborative workshop, we’ll start with the writing prompt: “What is your earliest memory?” Together, we’ll create a series of group poems that are both specific and personal. We’ll also look at examples of how this same memory prompt inspired the verse novel “These Are Not the Words.”

The workshop explores ways that our memories and dreams can spark ideas and springboard us into larger writing projects.

Equipment and other requirements: A projector compatible with a computer for a memory stick. A flip chart or white board. Writing utensils.

“CONFLICT FROM BOTH SIDES” A Cross-Curriculum Workshop combining History and Literary Arts (Grades 5 – 12/ sec V)

In “Conflict from Both Sides,” the focus is on an empathetic understanding of World War 2. Looking at the lives of British and German children, we’ll explore true stories of young people in England, Germany, the United States, and Canada who had to face the challenges of World War 2 and the Vietnam War. Working with the novels September 17 , The Pact, and Focus. Click. Wind, we’ll discuss the impact of propaganda, indoctrination, racism, and survival.

Equipment And Other Requirements: A projector compatible with a computer for a memory stick. Writing utensils

“A LENS ON THE PRESENT” A Cross-Curriculum Workshop combining History and Literary Arts (Grades 7 – 12/ sec V)

Opening a window into the past gives us an understanding of our present moment. Using the YA novel Focus. Click. Wind, we’ll look at some of the reasons behind political activism in 1968 and draw parallels between 1968 and contemporary political movements. Looking at the past shows us there are reasons to be optimistic and hopeful about our own future.

Equipment and other requirements: A projector compatible with a computer for a memory stick. Writing utensils.

“WHAT’S BEYOND?” A Cross-Curriculum Workshop Combining Literary Arts and Theatre Arts (Grades 7 – 12. sec V)

We can learn a lot about a character by what they don’t say. Conveying the space between words –– the pauses in life –– is an essential skill for any writer. This unique, interactive workshop combines theatre and writing skills. Drawing on improvisation and drama games, we’ll explore character motivation, points of view and dialogue as we discover the hidden meaning beyond the words.

Equipment and other requirements: A large pace to move around in. Writing utensils.

“ILLUMINATED LETTERS” A Cross-Curriculum Workshop Combining Literary Arts and Visual Arts (Grades 5 – 12/ sec V)

This workshop helps to develop a love and passion for letters by combining writing skills with artwork.

The workshop starts by writing simple poems based on participants’ names. Then, we’ll learn how to draw Versal letters in the style of 15^th Century Books of Hours. These illuminated letters will be used to create a uniquely decorated poem. Equipment and other requirements: Two-session workshop. A projector compatible with a computer for a memory stick. A flip chart or white board. Paper and pencils.

Contact Amanda to book a visit:

Baird Warren, Jane (Ayer’s Cliff, Quebec)

Writers’ Union Member. Also SCBWI, CANSCAIP, TWUC, CAA, QWF.

Rates: $150 for one classroom session (grades 4-8), $350 for half-day workshop (grades 9-12, CEGEP). Plus a travel fee of $0.50/km. For Ontario, $0.50/km if outside Toronto. Book Club visit fee $150

Travel from Toronto (though author lives in Quebec). All activities can be offered online.

Located in Quebec, Jane is a former teacher, personal trainer and coach with BPE, BEd and an MFA in Creative Writing. She’s published short fiction and poetry and has been featured on CBC radio. Her debut children’s novel HOW TO BE A GOLDFISH deals with themes of family, relationships and bullying can expand to offer a gentle introduction to discussions about alternative families, homosexuality, feminism, forced adoptions and social justice. (Grades 4-7)

How to be a goldfish by Jane Baird Warren

Writing workshops

Grades 4-8

No Shaggy Dogs Here! A fun, hands-on workshop where students learn that a good story is not just a collection of events; characters matter! Working together we will develop a collective story outline. Students choose and develop their own protagonist then, armed with our story roadmap, they are free to navigate as their imaginations allow. Suitable for a class.

Grades 9-12 (and CEGEP)

Workshops are geared to the writer wanting to hone their craft and who may be considering continuing in the field of creative writing either at university or independently. These half-day workshops focus on the student’s own writing and work best when limited in size (10-15 participants).

Book Club: Grades 4-7

Jane is available for student book clubs/ classrooms wanting to discuss HOW TO BE A GOLDFISH. Discussions can follow the Study Guide (Scholastic Canada) or can be adapted as needed.

Contact Jane for a visit:

Sadler, Judy-Ann (London, Ontario)

Judy-Ann Sadler (London, Ontario) is a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada, CANSCAIP, and Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC). She presents (in English) to students in JK to grade 5 and beyond.

Rates:

1 session: $300
2 sessions: $525
3 sessions: $675
4 sessions: $800

These rates include craft supplies for 50 students per 1-hour session. Travel costs are extra. No HST. Rates for virtual visits are negotiable.

Judy-Ann Sadler is the bestselling author of over 25 books for children that have sold over a million copies in various languages around the world.

Ever since Judy-Ann can remember, she has loved to read, write and make things. She feels passionate about sharing stories and crafts with children. She knows that using your imagination and working with your hands encourages creativity, curiosity, resourcefulness, patience, passion and generosity. She feels that these are all qualities our children will need to help make the world a better place!

Judy-Ann has presented to, and made crafts with, tens of thousands of children at schools, libraries and festivals. Here are a few examples of what she does during a presentation, but she always tailors her presentations to the needs of the students. She loves to keep her audience engaged and excited about books, crafts and stories!

JK- grade 1: Read a picture book, show other books, show crafts from some of her books, take questions, make a craft.

Grade 2-3: Read one of her picture books, show other books, show lots of crafts and chat about the joy of making things, answer questions, make a craft.

Grade 4-5: Talk about and show samples of the many steps involved in putting together a good book, read a story, show her books and crafts, answer questions and hear about the creative activities and writing projects of the students. Make a craft!

For presentation set-up, Judy-Ann requires a couple of tables at the front of the room, and tables with chairs for the students. She will present to a maximum of 50 students/two classes per session.

Category: Uncategorized