NEW: VIRTUAL VISITS!
I am now offering virtual visits to schools that are not able to bring in outside presenters. My remote presentations offer all the same fun, fast-paced writing information as my in-person visits, and I won't spill my coffee all over myself on the drive to your school!
While there is no replacement for the excitement, fun, and inspirational learning potential of an in-person author visit, the current reality makes them difficult or impossible for many schools. Using the school’s preferred remote learning platform (Google Meets, Zoom, etc.) I share the same presentation that I normally share in-person. Students get an in-depth look at the process of creating books. I cover topics from idea generation to creating the final art, with an emphasis on editing and revising work to improve it. I’ll even do a live drawing demonstration using the software I create my digital art with. There will also be time for questions and answers.
While there is no replacement for the excitement, fun, and inspirational learning potential of an in-person author visit, the current reality makes them difficult or impossible for many schools. Using the school’s preferred remote learning platform (Google Meets, Zoom, etc.) I share the same presentation that I normally share in-person. Students get an in-depth look at the process of creating books. I cover topics from idea generation to creating the final art, with an emphasis on editing and revising work to improve it. I’ll even do a live drawing demonstration using the software I create my digital art with. There will also be time for questions and answers.
Here's a thrilling video so you can see how awesome my virtual visits really are!
The video is downloadable so you can share it with students.
Students will see that writing and illustrating are processes that take time. My hope is that they will come away with a renewed appreciation for the process of writing and a rekindled passion for creating stories.
Here are some reviews of my new virtual visits:
"Man of many talents, Marty Kelley, can add virtual author/illustrator Zoom visits to his impressive resume! In just a half an hour Marty read one of his well loved books, shared his writing process, demonstrated the Procreate app he uses to illustrate his book, and answered previously submitted student questions as well as live questions through the chat feature of Zoom. His flexibility, humor, and passion for what he does made for an educational and entertaining experience for our third grade students during this new age of remote instruction! I couldn't have hoped for a better virtual visit! Thanks, Marty!"
~Michele P. (Library Media Specialist)
"Thank you!!! You were wonderful. I’ve received emails sharing what an awesome presentation it was!! I will definitely pass your name to other coaches. You made our first Virtual Literacy night an overwhelming success!!"
-Faye K. (ELA Coach)
"Marty is just as personable online as he is in person. He makes writing fun, and shows kids that real writing can be approached in many different ways, opening doors for children who struggle with generating ideas to write about."
~Bonnie B. (Third Grade Teacher)
"He is a funny guy, and a great artist." ~ Tenley (student)
"I thought the way he did drawing on the computer was cool!" ~ Thomas (student)
"I would like to try to write books like that." ~ Izzy (student)
Virtual Visit Pricing:
Single Virtual Presentation: $225
30-35 minutes. Best when limited to 1-3 classroom per presentation but I understand that's not always possible this year.
Each Additional Virtual Presentation on the Same Day: $200
Book up to 4 virtual classroom presentations for your school on the same day.
Evening Family Virtual Presentation: $525 ($475 if booked with a school visit on the same day.)
35 - 40 minutes.
Please contact me for details or to book a virtual presentation.
Here are some reviews of my new virtual visits:
"Man of many talents, Marty Kelley, can add virtual author/illustrator Zoom visits to his impressive resume! In just a half an hour Marty read one of his well loved books, shared his writing process, demonstrated the Procreate app he uses to illustrate his book, and answered previously submitted student questions as well as live questions through the chat feature of Zoom. His flexibility, humor, and passion for what he does made for an educational and entertaining experience for our third grade students during this new age of remote instruction! I couldn't have hoped for a better virtual visit! Thanks, Marty!"
~Michele P. (Library Media Specialist)
"Thank you!!! You were wonderful. I’ve received emails sharing what an awesome presentation it was!! I will definitely pass your name to other coaches. You made our first Virtual Literacy night an overwhelming success!!"
-Faye K. (ELA Coach)
"Marty is just as personable online as he is in person. He makes writing fun, and shows kids that real writing can be approached in many different ways, opening doors for children who struggle with generating ideas to write about."
~Bonnie B. (Third Grade Teacher)
"He is a funny guy, and a great artist." ~ Tenley (student)
"I thought the way he did drawing on the computer was cool!" ~ Thomas (student)
"I would like to try to write books like that." ~ Izzy (student)
Virtual Visit Pricing:
Single Virtual Presentation: $225
30-35 minutes. Best when limited to 1-3 classroom per presentation but I understand that's not always possible this year.
Each Additional Virtual Presentation on the Same Day: $200
Book up to 4 virtual classroom presentations for your school on the same day.
Evening Family Virtual Presentation: $525 ($475 if booked with a school visit on the same day.)
35 - 40 minutes.
Please contact me for details or to book a virtual presentation.
Information about my In-Person Visits:
As a former second grade teacher, I love visiting schools and talking with students about the writing process.
(I also love the amazing welcomes I get from SO many terrific schools all over the country.)
I offer three different presentations:
•Kindergarten (30 minutes) Focuses on the creation of text and art for a picture book for younger readers.
•Grades 1-12 (45 minutes) Focuses on the creation of text and art for my books.
•Family (45 minutes) A fun, all-ages presentation for libraries and family events.
•Kindergarten (30 minutes) Focuses on the creation of text and art for a picture book for younger readers.
•Grades 1-12 (45 minutes) Focuses on the creation of text and art for my books.
•Family (45 minutes) A fun, all-ages presentation for libraries and family events.
About my presentations:
My presentations are fun, fast-paced explanations of how I create my books. Using a grade-appropriate interactive digital slide show, I explain the writing process from generating ideas to writing rough drafts and final copies. I emphasize the importance of all the revisions and editing I do to my work while creating it. I share rough drafts with the students and demonstrate why it’s so important to keep working and reworking the writing. I also show how I create the artwork for the books. I explain how the writing and illustrating processes are linked for me.
I share actual artwork from my books and end the presentation with a drawing demonstration using an audience volunteer as a model. I also discuss what it’s really like to be an author for a living and share top secret information about what authors do all day.
I share actual artwork from my books and end the presentation with a drawing demonstration using an audience volunteer as a model. I also discuss what it’s really like to be an author for a living and share top secret information about what authors do all day.
In-Person School Visit Pricing:
In an effort to offer the best value to both small and large schools,
I offer two different pricing options for school day visits:
Single presentations - $495 per presentation
(strictly limited to a maximum of 125 students per presentation)
Full Day - $1,350
(up to 4 presentations per day, no maximum number of students per presentation)
Family/Evening Presentation - $550
(a 45 minute presentation appropriate for all ages)
*Book With A Friend and Save BIG*
Find schools near yours and book together. All schools will get a discount.
Two nearby schools booking full-day visits on consecutive days - Each school will receive a $100 discount.
Three or more nearby schools booking full-day visits on consecutive days - Each school will receive a $200 discount.
Schools can also share mileage/flight costs.
*Travel fees*
I'm located in southern NH.
Up to 1 hour drive - No travel fee
1-2.5 hour drive - $0.50/mile travel fee
2.5-8 hour drive - $0.50/mile travel fee + $200/day lodging fee
Over 8 hour drive - Actual travel charges for airline, hotel, rental car
In an effort to offer the best value to both small and large schools,
I offer two different pricing options for school day visits:
Single presentations - $495 per presentation
(strictly limited to a maximum of 125 students per presentation)
Full Day - $1,350
(up to 4 presentations per day, no maximum number of students per presentation)
Family/Evening Presentation - $550
(a 45 minute presentation appropriate for all ages)
*Book With A Friend and Save BIG*
Find schools near yours and book together. All schools will get a discount.
Two nearby schools booking full-day visits on consecutive days - Each school will receive a $100 discount.
Three or more nearby schools booking full-day visits on consecutive days - Each school will receive a $200 discount.
Schools can also share mileage/flight costs.
*Travel fees*
I'm located in southern NH.
Up to 1 hour drive - No travel fee
1-2.5 hour drive - $0.50/mile travel fee
2.5-8 hour drive - $0.50/mile travel fee + $200/day lodging fee
Over 8 hour drive - Actual travel charges for airline, hotel, rental car