Author Visit Information

Invite Golden Kite and American Institute or Physics Science Writing Award winner and former NASA flight controller MARIANNE DYSON to share her enthusiasm for space and writing at your school, library, museum, conference, or special event.

Marianne Dyson at Briargrove Elementary (2007)

To check my availability and see photos of previous visits, check my SCHEDULE and PHOTO ARCHIVE pages. To schedule a visit, fill out (as much as you can) and email/fax/mail Appearance Agreement pdf or Appearance Agreement doc. To hire me for manuscript critique or science consulting, see Sample Contract and send email for estimate.

Astronomy Day/Tour of the Solar System! Learn why:
Galileo should have worn sunglasses,
Mercury is fast,
Venus breaks cameras,
The Moon has no dark side,
Jupiter is king,
And Planets don’t twinkle.

Dyson has won the American Institute of Physics Science Writing Award and the Golden Kite award for her nonfiction books, has a degree in physics, and was one of NASA’s first women flight controllers. Her “Astronomy Day” presentation takes 45-60 minutes, and is appropriate for elementary school audiences or for mixed groups of parents and children. Audience members will be anxious to follow the instructions given to find the Apollo landing sites on the Moon, trace out constellations, observe planets, and read more about space and astronomy.

Download a one-page Astronomy Day doc (Word document) or Astronomy Day pdf flier to share with your decision committee.

OTHER PROGRAMS OFFERED

Launch Pad to Success/Introduction to Lunar Science! Dyson gets kids ready for their future on the Moon using scale models, visuals, and interactive demonstrations. Presentation covers lunar phases and eclipses, comparison of the Moon and Earth with other worlds, and the effects of low gravity on sports. Math problems and science concepts appropriate for the grade level complement curriculum. Presentation is 30 to 60 minutes. Appropriate for grades K-8.

Space Science Workshop/Camp. Students role-play being astronauts during a simulated trip to the space station and Moon. They experience a launch, assemble a robotic hand, explore the Moon, and plan an investigation. For camps, students also do interviews, record quotes and experimental data, and plot a story of their adventure. Science topics include gravity, biology, and the scientific method. Group size 12 (K-3) to 24 (4-8) plus 3 adult helpers. For supply lists and photos see Space Activities. Workshop takes 2-4 hours and can be designed as an all-day or multi-day space camp.K-8.

Space Scientists of the 20th Century. Many people know that Percival Lowell believed he saw canals on Mars. But not many people realize that in his quest to prove it, he invented new methods of measuring the elements in planetary atmospheres, pushed the cutting edge in photographic techniques, and seeded many of the concepts included in classic science fiction. Dyson shares stories of ten fascinating scientists (see list) in her tour of the history of the 20th century of space and astronomy. 60-120 minutes. Presentation can be broken into 2 parts, either by time (1900-1950/1950-2000) or subject (astronomy/space).Grades 8 and up.

From Idea to Publication: Break Into Print. Dyson explains how to match your interests to markets and have fun sharing your favorite subjects with children. Manuscript preparation and submission, including tips on contract negotiations and book promotions are also covered. Manuscript critique/contest can be arranged. Overview presentation is 45-60 minutes. Interactive workshop takes 2-4 hours. Appropriate for high school classes and adult writers' conferences.High School and up.

Physical Science Inservice/Retreat. Dyson shares simple hands-on demonstrations and experiments that will allow teachers/homeschool parents to confidently share physical science concepts including forces and motion (push/pull and Newton's laws), gravity, energy (light/sound/electricity), and magnetism with students. All activities conform with national and state (math and) science curriculum standards for grades K-5. Workshop takes either a morning or afternoon, and can be offered as a weekend retreat or in conjunction with a library or school visit. Adults.

Custom Keynote. Space and astronomy offer a universe of anecdotes about brave explorers, problem solvers, and people who did not give up on their dreams. As one of the first female flight controllers, the author of a space and astronomy reference book, and former editor of a space magazine, Marianne Dyson will research and write a custom speech for your event. Price varies depending on speech length and research requirements. Adults.

Please see my Author Visit Checklist prior to a scheduled presentation.

BOOK SALES

Hosts are encouraged to offer Dyson's books for sale in conjunction with their event. Author offers a $50 discount off fees when book sales are offered. If the host wants to use the book sales as a fundraiser, then the host must assume responsibility for ordering the books from the publishers or a book store 4-6 weeks in advance of the visit. Author will supply Book Order Contacts for publishers and an All Books Order Form and 3-Book Flier to send home with students so that hosts can order the right number of copies.

Schools can use Borders or Independent book stores to order books for resale. Note that because of a problem with Barnes and Noble's computer listing for Space Station Science, B&N will not accept returns of those books. (The books ARE returnable to the publisher, but we are unable to fix B&N's database.) Another option is to purchase books online via Amazon or PayPal/Credit Card: Order Books Online.

If the host prefers, the author can handle the book sales. Author keeps about 10 copies of each title in stock which she can bring to Houston-area events. If more copies are needed or the event requires airline travel, please collect orders (to be paid on day of the event by check or cash only--no credit cards) 3 weeks in advance using the All Books Order Form and tell author the number of copies to order of each title. The books will be shipped to the host location.

Individuals attending an event who wish to buy a book and bring it for signature may order books online or through book stores. Note that Space Center Houston usually has Home on the Moon and Space Station Science in stock. Other NASA center gift shops also usually carry these books. Space and Astronomy has (an expensive) library binding, so will not be found in book stores. However, it can be ordered through a book store or online. Individuals can also order books directly from the author by sending a check with the Mail Order Form to the address on the form.

Word document versions of the book order forms are 3 MB files, but can be filled in electronically and personalized for your event. Here they are: All Books Order Form doc,Mail Order Form doc.

Print out and share these HOME ON THE MOON and SPACE STATION SCIENCE fliers to generate publicity for your author visit event.

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HONORARIUM

NOTE: Fees valid for 2009-10 school year. Discounts available for multiple bookings, referrals, nonprofits and book sales. See Discount FAQ for more information.

$800-$900/day for 4 presentations or 2 workshops. Travel expenses are in addition to this fee.

$400-500/half day for 2 presentations or 1 workshop, depending on discounts. Travel expenses are in addition to this fee.

$200-$250 and up for single presentation (not custom keynote). $150 for public libraries, nonprofits, and churches.

Ask about Skype interviews or Twitter/Facebook chats.

Expenses. Travel expenses are in addition to honorarium. Author will make accommodations. Hosts are responsible for presentation equipment and workshop supplies. Coordinate details with author.

If you're interested in hiring me as a science consultant, technical editor, graphic designer, webmaster, or to work on a space-related task, here is my resume, and my standard manuscript consultation agreement (in Word format). I charge $60/hour for most assignments. Contact me for estimates.

Fill out (as much as you can) and email/fax/mail Appearance Agreement or Consulting Contract to:

Marianne Dyson
15443 Runswick Drive
Houston, Texas 77062
281.486.4747 (phone/fax)

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To Book an Appearance, Contact: Marianne Dyson.

I Look Forward to Meeting You!