5 Benefits of Being an Author with Public Speaking Skills
Dawn James
in PUBLISH
Have you considered extending your book’s reach by becoming a public speaker? Here are 5 reasons it makes sense for you and your book.
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Speaking tripled my book income
In 2010 I published my first book, Raise Your Vibration Transform Your Life: A Practical Guide for Attaining Better Health, Vitality and Inner Peace. That year, I had 14 speaking engagements at popular wellness expos in North America and sold over 10,000 copies in person.
By addressing large audiences on stage and captivating them during book signings, I managed to sell thousands of books quickly.
Benefits of being an author who’s a public speaker
Is it worth it for you? Here are five reasons to consider being an author who’s a public speaker:
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You can earn more from your book as a public speaker.
You can either speak for free to a large group and get back-of-the-room sales or seek out organizations with a budget to pay for guest speakers.
Most organizations that invite authors to speak both want and expect authors to have books available for purchase. The bottom line is that speaking equals book sales.
In some situations, you will need to bring, sell, and sign the books yourself. When that’s the case, always ask your host to provide a volunteer to assist you with collecting payment.
In other situations, event organizers purchase enough books to give one to every attendee. That is a real bonus to an author!
You can share your message with more people when you’re a public speaker.
Speaking lets you present your core messages in person or virtually online.
Since the lockdown of 2020, virtual speaking platforms have grown about 800% giving speakers a tremendous advantage to speak globally without ever leaving home!
It can lead to more and often better-paying work.
Many consultants speak to generate leads. Sharing your book’s topic through speaking engagements can increase both your speaking opportunities and professional service inquiries.
Make sure you have helpful handouts to supplement your presentation. Brand them and include your contact details. Provide a link to a lead magnet, and a free digital download , for them to subscribe to your email list.
It supports your expert positioning.
If you wrote a book, you’re considered an expert on its topic.
It applies to authors of all types, including nonfiction writers, novelists, and memoirists. Consider all the extensive research you conducted for your novel.
By positioning yourself as an expert, you can attract media interviews that result in publicity, more speaking invitations, and higher fees for consulting and speaking engagements.
Your fans want to hear from you.
No matter what, non-authors admire authors.
Many readers would like to meet the person behind the story they have read, so oblige them.
This direct connection is especially vital with memoirists. As your story is personal, readers appreciate the chance to establish a personal connection with you.
Personal connections are what solidify relationships and generate loyal fans as well.
How to get started as a public speaker
To get started, identify local groups you’d like to speak to. This is essential if you have little experience.
Groups you belong to should be at the top of your list. Identify groups that reach your audience and check their websites for their meeting schedules.
Your local newspaper often has a calendar of events that will give you new contact, as will Google.
If your goal is to speak on a national scale, concentrate on reaching out to the local chapters of national associations to hone your skills in front of that particular group, and potentially receive commendations for the national conference. Industry conferences usually have a call for proposals on their websites you’ll need to complete and submit.
For instruction on how to become an author who speaks, I recommend you read the book The Wealthy Speaker 2.0: The Proven Formula for Building Your Successful Speaking Business by Jan E. Atkinson
I recognize that public speaking may not be a suitable option for every author. You’ll do just fine without this tactic in your book marketing plan.
It could be the right moment for others to break through the wall that has been holding them back. If you’ve never tried it, being a public speaker can bring unexpected benefits and possibilities to your author’s experience.
If you speak about your book’s topic, how do you usually get your speaking engagements? comment below.
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