Card, Orson Scott

Orson Scott Card, the author of Ender´s Game and other popular works of speculative fiction, maintains a very active official site called Hatrack River. Includes the latest news on book and film projects, as well as links to Card´s columns on current events.

Woolf, Virginia

Try "Virginia Woolf: A Literary Life" by John Mepham, or her own autobiographical diary, cleverly titled "The Diary of Virginia Woolf."

To find the former, use this link: A Literary Life

For the Diary, use this one: Diary of Virginia Woolf

Also check out The International Virginia Woolf Society and
Links to Websites About Virginia Woolf

Dick, Philip K.

The official site for the late Philip K. Dick, one of science fiction´s most beloved authors.

Ellison, Harlan

Harlan Ellison is one of science fiction´s less describable institutions. Check out Ellison Webderland for all you need to know about the author of I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream.

Crichton, Michael

Visit the official site of the prolific author (Timeline, The Andromeda Strain, etc.) and creator of the TV series ER.

Cherryh, C.J.

C.J. Cherryh´s Worlds is the official web site of the author of Downbelow Station (Hugo, Best Novel) and other great speculative fiction. News, links, etc.

Hardy, Thomas

You will find reviews of several Thomas Hardy books on Bibliomania ... along with the full text of the novel, if you wish to read it. Start with this page: Bibliomania

In addition, here´s a good site for general information about Thomas Hardy and his works: T. Hardy

A very thorough reference site for students: Hardy Overview

Goldin, Stephen

The official site of Stephen Goldin, author of science fiction classics including The Eternity Brigade and the Family D´Alembert series (based on the work of the immortal E.E. "Doc" Smith)includes information on Goldin´s current projects.

Pournelle, Jerry

Chaos Manor Musings is the online home of renowned science fiction author and futurist Jerry Pournelle. It is updated daily with commentary and news about Pournelle and the subjects he finds interesting.

Gerrold, David

David Gerrold is the author of the "War Against the Chtorr" series and other popular and absorbing science fiction novels. He´s familiar to many readers as the author of "The Trouble with Tribbles," one of the most popular episodes of the television series "Star Trek."
His official site includes information on his previous, current and upcoming projects, as well as commentary and articles.

Williams, Tad

Tad Williams is best known for the "Otherland" saga, a science fiction epic set in a virtual universe. His official site is a fine introduction to his work.

Bear, Greg

To find out more about Greg Bear, author of Eon, Blood Music and other acclaimed science fiction novels, visit GregBear.Com, his official site.

Smith, L. Neil

Libertarian science fiction and political author L. Neil Smith has an official web site that includes information on his books and a comprehensive archive of his political essays and speeches.

King, Stephen

He´s the best-selling author of all time, and his official site has all the latest news about his books and other projects.

Bradley, Marion Zimmer

The Marion Zimmer Bradley Literary Works Trust is the official site for the late author of Mists of Avalon, its sequels and many other beloved novels and stories.

Asimov, Isaac

The late Isaac Asimov was one of the early masters and long-loved pillars of science fiction. Asimov Online is the complete source for information on this author´s life and his more than 500 -- wow! -- books.

Booking an Author for Your Event

TIps for Booking an Author
(FROM THE PUBLISHER´S VIEWPOINT)

1. Plan as far in advance as possible: (6 months is reasonable).

2. Put the request in writing and give all known details: name of the sponsoring organization, location of event, date, time, anticipated size/age/make-up of audience, name of contact person...

3. State exact nature of event and the author´s participation: book and author lunch/breakfast/dinner, lecture, school class(es), conference address/panel... with other authors, alone... length of the presentation, question and answer period... state the theme of the event; the author´s particular topic...

4. DO NOT ASK FOR THE MOST FAMOUS AUTHOR OF THE MOMENT!!! Consider local talent, first novelists, mid-list, genre, backlist, self-help, how-to authors.

5. Request several authors In order of preference. (Make sure they are actually published by the company from which you´ve requested them!)

6. Be up-front and specific about expenses you can cover (or not). This includes speaker´s fees, transportation, hotel, meal costs... Try to take advantage of publisher´s tours where at least some of these costs are covered.

7. Say if you will have an autographing opportunity/sell books and state who will handle this: the library or school, the Friends or PTA, a local bookstore. Find out how to get the books from the publisher or wholesaler. Books should be on-hand well in advance of the event.

8. Once the author has said "yes," confirm all arrangements/ agreements with a follow through letter. Putting details in writing eliminates later confusion.

9. Make the trip as worthwhile as possible from the authors/ publishers point of view: get all the staff informed and involved; educate your audience in advance with flyers, booklists, etc.; try to set up other appearances at the local bookstore, local radio, TV, newspaper... Give the publisher credit by using their name in all PR items.

10. After your successful event, follow-up with a thank you and report to the author/publisher: (You may need to approach the same publisher in the future.) If something went wrong state suggestions/plans for improvement.

and remember...plan as far in advance as possible...

McEwan, Ian

Information on Ian McEwan´s novels and short stories, as well as links to reviews, are available at the Ian McEwan site.

Andrews, V.C.

Try some of these sites for information on best-selling author V.C. Andrews:

"The Complete VC Andrews" has biographical and bibliographical information, and then some!

Then try: "V.C. Andrews, A Real Woman"

And visit: "The V.C. Andrews Shrine" for a more personal look at the author.