Author visits are generally expensive, and preparing students well gives you the best return on your investment. Have someone prepared to introduce the author in an enthusiastic and knowledgeable manner. Make sure you have provided the equipment the author requested. Wait until all classes are seated before introducing the author. It is wise to familiarize yourself with the author's books before you invite them and discuss any problems before plans for the visit are finalized.
Authors are very sensitive to censorship of their books.
Most authors speak in order to promote sales of their books. If the author is not bringing books for sale, you should plan to order books at least three months in advance of the visit and make them available for student and teacher purchase. The author will be delighted to sign all purchased books but cannot sign slips of paper. It is far more meaningful to a student to present their book to the author and watch them sign it than to have teachers turn over stacks of books for signing out of the students' presence. Write each young person's name on a slip of paper to tuck in their book to prevent spelling errors.