to object to authors using school book-reading sessions as a sales opportunity?

[Wordsmith]

DS1 came home with a letter yesterday saying that the school would be 'hosting' a children's author (who I've never heard of) later on in the week, and that she would be reading extracts from her books to KS1 and yr 3 children, and how lovely it will be for them. All well and good, but then the letter goes on to say that the children "will have the opportunity to purchase signed books afterwards" at prices ranging from £5.99 to £7.99, and "if you would like your child to buy a book please send him/her in with the appropriate money in a purse".

Is it just me or is it completely unethical to use school lesson time as a marketing exercise for a third party? It's only 5 weeks into term and we've already been asked for money for this and that, but IMO this one takes the biscuit.

I don't object to the school selling her books, but in the lesson time and without the mediation of parents? What makes it even more amazing is that it's parents' evening next week and there's a book fair going on at the same time - why couldn't they have sold her books there instead?

My kids did this week. I think it's a marvellous opportunity to them to get enthused about writing. They ask lots of questions about the writing/illustration/publication process. It's fab for them to own a book signed by the author who they've met - something they can look back on for years - but you don't HAVE to buy any books if you don't want to!!

If it's anything like our school, book fairs are done by particular companies, and it's their choice of books which are on sale, not the school's.

When our school has hosted authors in the past, they have found that if the children enjoyed the readings, they would be inundated with parents asking for details of the author and the books - and it works out easier for all concerned if they simply ask the author to bring some books with him/her.

With regard to "mediation of parents", maybe the school considers that informing you of the author, book titles and price allows you to mediate sufficiently? I would also assume that content will have been cleared by the school already, so no need for parental mediation on that point.

Plus there's the fact that seeing novels/poetry brought to life by the author is a good way of getting children enthused by reading.

No-one's forcing anyone to buy the book, so I can't see why it would be too big a problem.

Foofi I think you've missed my point. I certainly don't object to the author being in the school - like you say it's a great experience for the kids - but why can't they separate this out from the selling process? i object to children being asked to bring in so much money when some will be able to afford it and some not. It's divisive and unethical, especially when there's a perfectly good sales opportunity only 4 days later.

Am i really the only one who thinks it's unethical?

Unethical to encourage children to buy and read books which are specifically written for their age, and which they have heard extracts from and enjoyed?

No, I don't think it is.

You have the final say on whether you part with your cash or not, and if you find it unethical then don't send any money in.

Jura I don't think the books are personally dedicated. We have been told 'there will be a number of signed copies available.'

I would rather pay money directly to the author than to the book club. I can't imagine the author gets much of a royalty from book fair sales.

"Unethical to encourage children to buy and read books which are specifically written for their age, and which they have heard extracts from and enjoyed?"

in the lesson - yes!

Is it a very well known author?
If not they really don't make very much money at all.
If they weren't allowed to sell their books at an event like this the school would have to pay for their travel expenses and their time which you would have to fork out for.
As it is you get the luxury of your child getting to meet an author and you can decide whether or not to buy the book.

And they honestly can't use the book fair as a "sales opportunity" - as I said before, the company running the fairs generally decide on which books can be sold, not the school - and the company makes a darn sight more profit than the school or the author makes.

I think you are quite right. I am a children's writer, and sometimes go into primary schools to read my books. I always refuse to sell to children (publishers would have you do it) I don't think it's fair. I give a free sample book to the class for the teacher to read or put in the school library, and happily sign book plates and book marks.
Can't take money off kids, enough for me that they sit and listen.

So you're quite happy about lesson time being used to sell stuff to kids. Even if it is a great book - I don't care. Give me a leaflet, tell me where I can buy it. Don't manipulate my kids into buying something when they are supposed to be in a lesson!

IME kids don't care what it is - if they see others handing over money to buy something, they want one themselves.

The nobleness of the cause really is neither here nor there. It's the principle!

Wordsmith, I agreed with you! I think you are absolutely right. Other children's writers I know think the same. Even some publishers.

Slightly different in secondary schools where the writer is being paid to do a full workshop. I know people who make a lot of their income that way. (Not me).

Sorry Slowreader, missed your message. I'm glad you agree - especially as you would gain from it!

...and I think the idea about donating the book to the library is a great one.

Totally with you Wordsmith - complete marketing ploy

Imagine the peer pressure to actually purchase a book, on the parents AND the kids - it will be a "guarunteed" sale pretty much... absolutely unethical

She could leave a note with "this is my number - ring, I'll sign and send you a book" type thing instead but to force the parents (peer pressure - "but EVERYONE is having one!") in parting with their money is stupid

Also, the school may have ok'ed the content, but I would want to flick through it to see what it was about / the illustrations were like because I don't like some kids pictures - far too scary for my liking!

That's the thing - the peer pressure - they'll see their mates buying one and want one too, and not all of them will be able to have them. I just don't think it's the school's place to get involved in this (and I don't mean the author/reading itself - agree, that's a great idea). You could make equally valid arguments for selling no end of stuff. They had a circus skills session last term, but no-one tried to sell juggling balls or Diabolos on the premises!

Have just looked at the letter again. Apparently the signed books will be available to be purchased 'from a representative of Books Unlimited'. The author will probably have left the building by then!