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Teaching Librarian 15.indd 14 Ontario School Library Association When we decided to launch Authors' Booking Service, we knew that there were going to be hurdles. But we also realized that book creators needed a service to help co-ordinate their visits. And it was a given that educators and librarians would benefit as well. From selecting to contacting to booking--arranging an author visit can be a frustrating experience for an educator whose days are already so full. And what can be more annoying than finding out--too late--that your students' favourite author is in town? For teachers and librarians, Authors' Booking Service provides, at no cost: ◆ advance information about Ontario author visits to all areas of the province ◆ assistance in selecting and booking an author for a specific event ◆ help in matching an author to your curriculum themes and subjects ◆ particulars about relevant grants and subsidies ◆ assistance in planning the most cost-effective visit ◆ an information forum where you can quickly and easily research authors before making a decision to book. ◆ advance notice when out-of-province authors are planning a visit to Ontario. This provides the opportunity to book high profile authors without having to worry about excessive travel costs. We send out a weekly e-mailed newsletter that includes all of the above information, as well as tidbits on our authors' new releases, tours, nominations and so on. Word spread quickly, not only among educators, but authors and illustrators as well. It wasn't long before we were receiving regular requests for representation. With no formal screening process, we asked each applicant to provide a testimonial from a recent school or library visit. Our objective, in doing so, was to ensure that our members were crowd-pleasers. We wanted authors who could not only write, but who could also captivate an audience. We quickly noticed that, in providing feedback on author visits, many of the remarks from teachers and librarians focused on the students' reactions. Authors' Booking Service Free Help for Connecting Authors and Libraries by Valerie Sherrard & Marsha Skrypuch Author Anne Dublin with Eliana and Nicole