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How to Become A Paid Speaker If You Are A Published Author

Member
By wendykeller
User-Submitted Article
(3 Ratings)

A book is your golden ticket into the speaking business. If you had a book published by a "real" publisher within the last 12 months in your hands, you have the calling card you need to get those speaking engagements now.

Some authors-to-be and new authors have trouble figuring out precisely how to leverage that book into speaking. Follow these steps:

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • A published book.
  • A website.
  • A list of professional meeting planners.
  1. Step 1

    When your book is published asked the publisher for leftover book covers.

  2. Step 2

    Next, you need to get booked for media appearances. Radio, print, television appearances based on your book are all critical. Capture the name of the show, the host and the date you appeared and put it on your website and in your speaker's package.

  3. Step 3

    Buy a book of meeting planners in any industry online. Then, you make them your new friends. Go to their meetings. Write letters, make
    phone calls, send post cards, follow up and be persistent.

  4. Step 4

    Make 12 calls each day to meeting planners, offer them you, a free copy of your book, send them a postcard thanking them for their time on the phone written on your book jacket cover, and make at least three follow up calls.

Tips & Warnings
  • Stop making phone calls or sending postcards if asked.
  • Don't be bitter if rejected. You will never become a paid speaker if you take rejection personally.

Comments  

CBPope said

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on 11/14/2008 I am a self published author and I have had many speaking engagements. It's all in how you package yourself. Thanks for the tips

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