E-mail is very efficient. All authors on our list have e-mail capabilities on their web sites and welcome inquiries. Publishers will forward mail to authors, and some publishers will arrange visits for their authors as well. Most are willing to travel great distances in order to visit schools.
Fees vary and usually depend upon details of the visit.
Most authors must take into consideration that they are missing work to speak, and most expect travel expenses in addition to their speaking fee. Authors are happy to quote fees when asked. The single most important thing is to prepare the students. Students who have heard or read the author's books will be eager to meet and question their visitor. Art activities pertaining to the books also increase the interest and excitement of students.