School & Library Visits
I love traveling around the country to speak to students. If you'd like to schedule me for a school, library, or other event, email me at megan@meganshepherd.com.
Programs:
"The Writing Life" presentation and reading. I discuss my path to publication, go in-depth on the life of a writer, my personal writing and editing process, and discuss ideas and fun facts behind The Madman's Daughter series, The Cage series, The Secret Horses of Briar Hill, and Grim Lovelies with a Q&A. Reading from selected works optional. 30-60 minutes. Recommended for pre-teens, teens, or adults.
"The Art of Retelling" presentation. I discuss the philosophy and process behind retelling a classic novel, myth, or fairy tale for a modern teen audience, including the various styles of retellings, considerations, and research. 45-60 minutes. Recommended for teens or adults.
"The Best Place to Start is the Beginning" interactive writing workshop. I open by talking to students about a writer's life and how I became an author, then we discuss young adult books as a genre, how to cultivate ideas, and how to write engaging openings, including hands-on writing exercises. 60-120 minutes. Recommended for pre-teens and teens.
"Writing and Publishing YA" workshop. I discuss both the craft portion of writing for teens and the business side, focusing on the many avenues of publication (indie publishing, transitional publishing, hybrid publishing), how to find an agent, the common tropes and rules of YA, and the philosophy of writing for teens. 60-120 minutes. Can be tailored to teens or adults.
Other programs: if you would like a program on a specific topic not listed above, I would be happy to work with you to tailor a presentation or workshop to your audience. Because this requires new content creation, I charge an additional $250 to design new programs.
Speaking fees:
$2500 per day plus travel expenses (mileage and/or flight, hotel costs), with up to three events per day.
For book festivals, conferences, and book fairs, I occasionally waive my speaking fee. Please contact my publicist(s) for more information: Tara Shanahan, HMH, Tara.Shanahan@hmhco.com.
I donate free visits for local schools (Buncombe, Henderson, and Transylvania counties) whenever possible, however I limit the number I do each year, so try to plan as far out as you can.
At this time, I do not do Skype visits, but will send signed bookmarks to your school or library book club. (max 30 bookmarks).
