Kate Messner, an author herself, shares a list of book authors–middle school, teen, adult books–who are wiling to Skype into your school for a presentation. Although this may not work in some districts because Skype is blocked, it does present a wonderful opportunity for schools where Skype is permitted (I definitely encourage Skype use when possible)! Thanks to Kate for compiling the list, which appears further down below!

Be sure to also check out the wiki with another list, SkypeAnAuthor.Wetpaint.com shared via Twitter from SACHAUNCEY (web site).

Authors can interact with readers without having to do the book tour, saving money all along. One author put it as “inviting readers into your home.” Check out this interview (YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxkmnUBlqO4|KickYouTube) with Libba Bray about Skype Book Tours:

Watch and Listen also to Dawn Kairns, author of MAGGIE: The Dog Who Changed My Life/ A Story of Love, via Skype blog.

And, finally, here are a few excerpts from Kate’s Book Blog entry on the subject:

• Kate’s Book Blog – Authors Who Skype with Book Clubs
  • it’s possible to invite the author along for the book club discussion!

    How does a Skype virtual visit work? Click here to read a blog entry about my students’ virtual visit with the fantastic Laurie Halse Anderson. It includes an overview of how a Skype chat with an author might work, as well as tips for teachers, librarians, & book club organizers to help your virtual visit run smoothly.

  • I’ve also created a list of authors who offer free 20-minute Skype chats with book clubs. My agent literaticat , also a fantastic indie bookseller, got me thinking about how to get that information to bookstores so they can get it
  • The following authors offer free 20-minute Skype chats with book clubs that have read one of their books! (Many also offer more in-depth virtual school visits for a fee.) To arrange a virtual visit, check out the authors’ websites for book choices and contact information. Then ask for their books at your favorite independent bookseller or visit IndieBound to find a store near you!
  • For Middle Grade Book Clubs (Ages 8-12)
  • For Teen Book Clubs
  • For Adult Book Clubs
  • Picture Book Clubs for Younger Readers (4-8)
  • If you’re an author of a traditionally published book who would like to be added, please email me (kmessner at katemessner dot com). If you’re a publicist and would like to send a list of all your authors who Skype with book clubs, that’s fabulous, too.

I definitely hope school districts that block Skype will consider allowing it.