What sessions can I book?

You can have any mix of talks or workshops you like for the hours you book me for. With the 2-hour option, the sessions needs to be consecutive (although a short break in-between is fine). For the 3 and 4-hour options, you can spread the sessions throughout your school day as you wish.

What’s your availability?

If you’re looking at World Book Day, or around that time, you need to be thinking about 12 months in advance. For other times of the year, I usually have better availability. Get in touch, do mention if you have specific dates in mind, and my assistant will confirm what’s available.

How flexible are the session runtimes?

Don’t worry, I know that by the time you’ve successfully got the kids in the hall there’s usually less time than anticipated! All the sessions can be adapted on the fly to suit the time we have. Equally, if you have a specific slot you need to fill, just let me know.

How does payment work?

I’ll invoice you after my visit. I’m registered as a sole trader with HMRC, and my invoice will include my UTR and NI details. Terms are 30 days.

Will you sign books for the students?

Absolutely! Getting a signed book is a lovely way to make the visit extra special for your students and inspire reading for pleasure, so I’m always happy to do this. Signing time isn’t included in your official booking time, it’s added at no extra cost.

How can we arrange book sales?

I don’t bring my own books to sell. Most schools either buy the books from a wholesaler like Browns Books (usually at a discount on a sale or return basis) or use their local bookshop to sell copies. I can also recommend Rosemary Hill Books who can supply books to you at a good discount on a sale or return basis.

Will you meet the LGBTQ+ Society / student newspaper /The Library Gang at lunchtime??

Of course!

What is the maximum number of students at your talks and workshops?

There’s no limit for the talks, and approx 30 students maximum works best for the writing workshops.

Do you need any equipment?

If it’s a really large hall, I may need a microphone for the talk – I prefer a hand-held, or lapel, radio mic. However, very often I’m fine without. I will need projection facilities for the talk, including a school laptop I can run a PowerPoint presentation off. I’ll send you a copy of the presentation in advance, and will also bring it with me on the day. There’s no sound on the presentations.

For my workshops, students will generally need paper and pens, and I’ll need a flip-chart with pens. Some workshops have additional requirements, which I’ll confirm with you on booking. 

Can we take photos of your event and post them social media?

Yes, you may.

Can we film your event?

Generally, I don’t allow my talks or workshops to be filmed – but get in touch if you would like to discuss options for this. 

Do you have public liability insurance?

Yes, I’m insured for £10 million.

do you have an enhanced dbs?

Yes. I can send you a copy in advance, if requested, and will bring it with me on the day, along with photo ID.

What are your expenses likely to be?

I’ll be travelling to your school from London. Wherever possible, and depending on start times, I’ll aim to make this journey on the day. Where that isn’t possible, I’ll come up the day before and book into a Premier Inn (or similar). I always aim to book tickets and hotels in advance to secure the cheapest rates for you, and will provide a bespoke quote for your approval once we have dates.

What is your cancellation policy?

I will usually book train tickets (and hotel accommodation if needed) in advance to secure the best possible rates for you. These will need to be repaid in the event of any cancellation. In addition:

The full fee applies if you cancel the event within 6 weeks of the event date.

50% of the fee applies if you cancel within 8 weeks of the event date. 

We would like to give you lunch. is there anything you don’t eat?

How lovely, thank you! I don’t have any dietary requirements.