We did this last year with the author of 'chocolate fever'. We bought the books through the author so he received the higher profits. We sent a letter home with each child that told of the books he wrote (there are actually three) and had them send in money for the ones they wanted and the name they wanted in the book. The librarian matched each book she ordered with the slip of paper from the family, lined up the kids after the author gave his speech on how he wrote stories and he signed each book in front of the student. things went very smoothly as all books were purchased before hand and matched up. Things went great.

Might I suggest contacting the author direct for any information he may have such as a narrative or synopsis of his book which you might be able to reproduce and send to the parents beforehand. That way, if they are interested they could then send money in to school with their children. I don't think I'd do it without at least seeing a preview of some sort of the book itself.
Just a thought! Good Luck!
Donna

WE ARE GOING TO BE HAVING AN AUTHOR COMING TO OUR SCHOOL ON THE 28TH OF MARCH. WHAT
I WOULD LIKE TO DO IS ORDER BOOKS FOR THE STUDENTS IN THE SCHOOL AND GIVE THEM THE
OPTION TO BUY THESE BOOKS SO THAT THEY MAY
HAVE THE AUTHOR SIGN THEM AS A KEEPSAKE.

IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE THAT HAS DONE THIS
BEFORE AND IF SO COULD YOU LET ME KNOW WHAT
KIND OF FORM YOU PUT TOGETHER FOR THIS TO SEND HOME TO THE PARENTS TO LET THEM KNOW ABOUT BUYING A BOOK FOR THEIR CHILD.

WE HAVE NEVER DONE THIS AT OUR SCHOOL AND
I AM NOT SURE HOW I SHOULD PUT ONE TOGETHER

THANKS FOR THE HELP