Author Visits That Turn Failure Into Real Growth
New York Times bestselling author Mark Cheverton shares the true story of 253 rejections, seven years of failure, a son who was bullied, and the Minecraft-inspired book that changed everything.
For elementary and middle schools, libraries, literacy programs, and growth mindset events.
- New York Times bestselling author
- Internationally published
- Author of 32 novels
- Former teacher
- Registered with BOCES Arts-in-Education
What Students Experience
An honest story students remember
Students laugh, participate, ask questions, and hear an honest, age-appropriate story about rejection, false starts, bullying, perseverance, and learning from failure.
They laugh and participate
Humor and audience interaction keep students engaged from the first few minutes.
They hear real failure
Mark shares the rejections and false starts that came before any success.
They leave encouraged
Students learn that failure is not proof they should quit. It can be part of how they grow.
The Story Behind the Visit
253 Rejections. Seven Years of Failure. One Story That Finally Worked.
When Mark first started writing, he did not know anything about publishing. He wrote a book for his son, certain it would connect with readers. Instead, it received 253 rejections. Rather than quit, Mark wrote three more books over the next seven years. They failed too.
Then his son was bullied while playing Minecraft and believed it was his fault. Mark wrote one more story, set inside the world of Minecraft and starring his son's Minecraft character, Gameknight999, to help him understand that bullying was not his fault. That story became the breakthrough that launched Mark's career.
If I give up, I guarantee the outcome.
Perfect For
Perfect For School Events Like These
- Growth mindset assemblies
- Author visits
- Library programs
- Literacy events
- Anti-bullying programs
- Reluctant reader outreach
- Young Author Days
- Minecraft-loving readers
A Typical Day
What a Typical Visit Looks Like
Mark's visits are designed to be easy for schools to host and meaningful for students.
Before the Visit
Mark sends bookmarks for teachers to share with students, helping build excitement around the presentation and reading. Schools also receive an optional book order form so students can order books ahead of time for autographing. Students may also bring books they already own.
Morning Presentations
The school has Mark for the full day. Through the morning, up until lunch, he gives multiple presentations to grade-level groups — from grade 3 through middle school — in the library, cafeteria, or auditorium. Mark prefers smaller groups because more students get to ask questions and the visit feels more personal, but he can accommodate any group size and any number of presentations the schedule calls for. Each presentation runs about 45 minutes and can be adjusted to fit your day.
Lunch with Students
When possible, Mark has lunch with a small group of students selected by the school. This gives students a more personal chance to ask questions about books, writing, Minecraft, publishing, and creativity.
Book Signing
After lunch, Mark autographs pre-ordered books and books students already own. Book sales are optional and never the focus of the visit. The heart of the day is the time spent with students.
What Mark Offers
Everything a School Needs to Host a Visit
- Full-day author visits
- Multiple presentations for smaller grade-level groups
- Book order form and custom bookmarks sent 2–3 weeks in advance
- Lunch with selected students chosen by the school
- Book autographing after lunch
- Q&A with students
- Virtual visits available
- BOCES Arts-in-Education registration
Book sales are optional and never the focus of the visit. Mark is there to talk with kids, answer their questions, and help them see failure differently.
Testimonials
What Schools Say
One of the best author visits we've ever had.
— Librarian, Rosendale Elementary
Engaging, hilarious, and grounded in a real growth-mindset message.
— Librarian, Maple Ave Middle
The kids were still talking about it weeks later.
— Librarian, Craig Elementary
Give Students an Authentic Audience for Their Writing
After the visit, students are invited to write and submit their own stories. All stories sent to Mark will be posted to his Fan Fiction page for other kids to read.
Bring Mark to Your School
Every school is different, so pricing depends on location, schedule, format, and number of presentations. Request availability and Mark will follow up with details.