Speaking Engagements for Authors: Tips & Tricks

UPDATED APRIL 1, 2026

I’ve been speaking professionally for over 20 years and know firsthand the impact it can have on book sales. No matter how digitized a culture we become, there's no substitute for actual human contact—the sacred connection between an author and their audience. As an author, how can you harness that power of speaking engagements? Here are some tips to use for speaking engagements to help you build your author platform and sell more books.

I’ve accumulated a treasure trove of author speaking tips over the years, some of which may seem like common sense—but when you’re rushing out the door to a speaking engagement, you may not think about these things until it’s too late. We'll go from the preliminary to the tactical, discussing why speaking engagements are important for self-published authors and where to start, then diving into speaking tips for authors, tech tips to remember, and how you can use speaking engagements to market your book.

If you’re an author, doing speaking engagements is a game changer. Conversely, if you’re already on the speaking circuit or recognized for a topic area, adding the distinction of author to your name is the next natural step in branding yourself. It works both ways. That’s what makes speaking such a win-win.

Getting Started

One of the biggest myths about speaking is that it’s not an option for someone who’s quiet or shy. On the contrary, you don’t need a big, outgoing personality to be a powerful speaker. You just have to be open and be yourself. There's nothing more captivating than an author who communicates from the heart.

You can research businesses and organizations in your own community that are always looking for speakers. In addition to local bookstores and libraries, you could also try rotary clubs, places of worship, chambers of commerce, schools, and community centers. 

Additionally, there are now numerous digital opportunities to take advantage of, with the capability of reaching many more people than you would at a local venue. 

• • YouTube Channel: Hosting your own channel on YouTube gives you the chance to directly connect with your fans and bypass traditional gatekeepers like agents. You can even make much more money this way, independently creating and releasing your own content.

• • Podcast Guesting: Podcasts are the "new" local speaking circuit. A powerful way to build the "human connection" without having to leave the house is to appear as a guest on a niche podcast. Look for shows that serve the same audience you wrote your book for or programs that focus on your area of expertise. 

  • Niche Online Communities: These spaces often have highly engaged members who already trust the group's leaders, so a Q&A session or a live reading in places such as specialized Facebook groups or Discord communities can feel intimate and impactful.

Speaking Tips for Authors

The hardest part for most authors is putting yourself out there and interacting with the public—here are a few tips to make it a bit easier and more effective.

• Dress for Your Brand, Not Just for Comfort: While breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes are important, remember you’re also visually representing your book. If you wrote a rugged outdoor guide, for example, a formal suit might feel a bit out of place. Choose an outfit that feels good to wear and also reflects the spirit of your author brand.
• Nourish Your Energy. Don’t eat heavy before an author talk. Eat light, but smart—like high-protein snacks such as raw nuts or a protein bar. This will help you keep your mental clarity sharp.
• Plan Your "Hook" Introduction: Instead of just a recitation of your author bio, provide your introducer with a "hook"—a surprising fact or a compelling "why" behind your book. This builds immediate curiosity before you even speak.
• Be Present, Not Scripted: Know your core message, but try not to read it word for word. If you lose your place, a simple pause is your friend—it gives you a moment to breathe and can draw listeners in. Let your notes be a gentle backup, not the star of the show; the real connection happens when you look up and meet your audience’s eyes.
• Manage Your Time Wisely: If you’re running over, don’t rush. Be honest: “I have so much more to share, but to respect your time, let me leave you with this one key takeaway...” This leaves them wanting more.

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  PRO-TIP: Use AI as Your Rehearsal Partner
  Use AI to generate an outline of your speech or to brainstorm potential "curveball" questions that may arise during Q&A.
  

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• Take Questions, But Own the Microphone. Never give the microphone to an audience member during Q&A. Listen to their question, then repeat or rephrase it for the whole room. This ensures everyone hears the context and allows you to frame the answer in a way that serves your message.
• Sell Books. Speaking helps sell books. There’s “Back of the Room” sales in which you bring copies of your book to the speaking engagement, ask that a table be set up, and then sell and autograph them on-site at the conclusion of your talk. Also mention online retailers for those who prefer ebooks or audio. Always have a clear call-to-action. 

Tech Tips for Speaking Engagements

When you're booked for an author speaking engagement, you'll likely be asked how you’d like the room arranged, what kind of microphone you prefer, and if you have any specific tech requests. Outlined here are some tips for those new to author speaking engagements.

• Room Set-Up: There are two basic room set-ups: theater style and tables. In theater-style rooms, request an aisle so you can walk to the back and connect with everyone. For table set-ups, ask that tables be spaced so you can move comfortably around the room.
• Podium or No Podium: podiums can create a barrier. If you need notes, use index cards you can hold, and when possible speak from the floor, close to your audience, to make the experience more engaging for everyone.
• Microphone Tips: choose what suits you, but a cordless handheld usually works best, giving you freedom to move and connect. Speak with conviction, and let your voice—not the microphone—carry your message.
• Interactive Tools: Powerpoint can be useful—just keep your presentations simple and clean so your audience watches you, not the screen. You can also use live polling apps such as Slido or Mentimeter to keep audiences engaged. 
• Hybrid & Virtual Speaking: Post-pandemic, many "speaking engagements" have become webinars or hybrid events. Be sure to keep these factors in mind for such events:
  • • Stable Internet Connection: Test your speed, have a smartphone hotspot ready to use immediately if your primary internet fails, and turn off notifications that could disrupt your event. 
    • High-quality External Mics: High-quality external mics for online video are easier than they sound—just pick what fits your space, keep it close to your mouth, and add a simple windscreen to keep your audio clear and pleasant. For more details on which type of mic is best for you needs, check out this video. 
    • Lighting: Content creators must prioritize lighting to enhance video quality, using tools like ring lights for even, shadow-reducing illumination.

Marketing Your Book with Speaking Engagements

What steps can you take both on-site at your presentation and afterward in terms of follow-up? Here are some tips for marketing your book through your speaking engagements.

Supplies: the only way to make meaningful connections with your audience after your talk is to provide them with followup information that tells them how to connect with you later. With that in mind, here are a few items to throw in your bag before you head to your talk:

• Create digital business cards/QR codes to place within your digital presentations or printed collateral that link directly to a mailing list or a landing page to buy the book.
• Use share & sell links to offer discounts to friends and family, run promotions, or sell your book at events.
• A printed hand-out with four or five highlights from your talk, the title of your book, and your contact info and author website
• A notebook and pen to record new leads

Book Signing and Networking: it’s natural for people to want to chat with the author when they’re getting their book signed. Enjoy this interaction and “be in the moment.” Some authors make the mistake of rushing through an autographing because so many people are coming up to them at once, they become overwhelmed.  Remember, this is a GOOD problem. Here’s my rule of thumb—if someone in the signing line has a quick question or comment, take the time to listen and respond. If what they’re asking is more complicated, explain that you want to give them your full attention, and would they mind waiting until you’ve finished the signing, and that you’ll be happy to talk further with them then. 

Thank You Notes: after a talk, send individual thank you notes to the folks involved in making it all come together—the buyer or primary contact, the administrative assistants, the receptionist at the front desk. You might even want to include a personalized copy of your book with some of these notes. Kindness and gratitude count. Thanking people has a way of magically stimulating word of mouth for your book. And when the next potential buyer wants references, those whom you’ve taken the time to thank will be much more eager to provide glowing recommendations.

Catalytic Outreach: email or call your primary contact after the talk, and ask if there are any other organizations with whom they have a relationship that might be interested in your message. Most buyers, if they were happy with your presentation, are always willing to refer other possible speaking opportunities.

These tips and tricks can help you land speaking engagements and build your author platform. It may take patience and persistence, but opportunities await. Now, get out there and show ‘em what you’ve got! This is your moment. Seize it with your whole heart!