How to Get a Speaking Engagement at a Writers Conference

By networking, you can find speaking engagements.

Speaking engagements can be a fun way to earn extra cash if you enjoy public speaking. Many writers’ conferences are conducted throughout the United States that may provide you with an opportunity to speak. You should be an expert in a particular topic of interest to writing professionals. To get your name out there, you may have to offer your services for free or at a reduced fee until you have some events under your belt.

Instructions

1. Offer to speak for free at events in your community if you need the experience. Check with your local Rotary Club or Chamber of Commerce for upcoming events or openings. Record your speeches for review and inclusion in your marketing materials.

2. Attend writers’ conferences to understand the types of speakers wanted. At these events, you can also network with organizers who may hire you for a speaking engagement in the future.

3. Design a press kit to send to event organizers, who will want to see information before making a decision. Your kit should include a video of you speaking at an event and a list of past speaking engagements.

4. Visit websites listing speaker’s services. Place posts for topics on which you are wanting to speak. Organizers sometime use these websites to hire speakers.

5. Contact writers’ conferences. You can find a list of national conferences online; many contain contact information for the organizers. Call or email organizers to express interest in speaking at an event. Follow up by sending your press kit.

References

• Writers' Conferences and Centers: Welcome to WC & C
• Berrett-Koehler Publishers: How to Get Speaking Engagements: Your Guide to Booking Engagements and Making the Most of Them
• Branding on the Net: 14 Tips for Booking Speaking Engagements

Resources

• Speaker Services
• Speaker Zone