From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker

Are you ready to elevate your writing career by stepping onto the stage? Establishing yourself as a successful speaker is both an art and a science–where do you start?

From Page to Platform is your essential guide to making that leap. This comprehensive guide will help you land your first speaking engagements, deliver captivating presentations, and build a respected brand as a speaker.

- Define your speaking goals and craft your unique message

- Connect deeply with your audience, whether in-person or virtually

- Land your first paid speaking engagement

- Discover the secrets to creating impactful slides

- Impress organizers and ensure you’re always in demand

Learn from Matty Dalrymple and M.L. Ronn (Michael La Ronn), two acclaimed speakers who have successfully transformed their words into income on the speaking circuit.

Whether you're an experienced author or just starting out, From Page to Platform offers insightful strategies, practical steps, and the inspiration you need to share your voice with the world from the stage.

From Page to Platform covers …

YOUR SPEAKING CAREER

Defining Your Goals as a Speaker

Creating Your Speaker Strategy

What is your speaker mission statement?

Establishing Yourself as a True Professional

THE GOALS OF YOUR TALK

What do you want your audience to learn?

What do you want your audience to experience?

What actions do you want your audience to take?

TYPES OF TALKS ... NOT JUST THE USUAL SUSPECTS

Interviews / Podcasts

Panels

Workshops

Author Readings

Keynotes

FORMATS

In-person Events

Virtual Events

FINDING THE OPPORTUNITIES

Your Author and Speaker Communities

Conferences

Placement Services

ASSESSING THE OPPORTUNITIES

Consider the Organizer’s Goals

Consider the Organizer’s and Event’s

Professionalism

Consider the Venue

Make Your Provisional Decision

SETTING YOUR FEE AND NEGOTIATING THE OFFER

What to Charge

If the Offer Doesn’t Include Payment

If the Offer Does Include Payment

Consider Copyright

Negotiation Basics

PREPARING YOUR TALK

Slides

Notes

Handouts

SELLING YOUR BOOKS

In-person Events

Virtual Events

THE SPEAKER ON THE ROAD

Travel Costs

Travel Tips

DRESSING FOR SUCCESS

Match the Level of Formality to the Event and Venue

Be Comfortable

How about Branded Clothing?

Consider a Uniform

Best (Dressed) Practices

BEFORE THE EVENT

Block Your Calendar

Heed Communications from Organizers

Manage Your Materials

Research Your Fellow Presenters and Event Attendees

Promote the Event as well as the Talk

Triple Check Your Website

Use the Event App

If You Have to Cancel

For In-person Events

For Virtual Events

ATTENDING THE EVENT

You’re Always on Stage

Scope Out the Venue

Audiovisual Setup

Be an Active Participant

Use Social Media

Manage Your Energy

THE DAY OF THE PRESENTATION

Calm Your Nerves

Arrive Early

Confirm the Logistics

Mingle with the Participants

Capture the Moment

GIVING THE BEST TALK OF YOUR LIFE

The Main Event

Q&A

Dealing with Hecklers

Be the Last to the Leave the Room

AFTER YOUR TALK (IT’S NOT OVER WHEN YOU STEP OFF THE PODIUM)

Recharge and Celebrate!

Tick off the Tasks

Follow up with the Organizers

Capitalize on Your Connections    

Share the Experience    

Update Your Website    

Speaker’s Notes    

YOUR SPEAKER TOOLKIT    

Media Kit    

Speaker Bios    

General Topic Information    

Upcoming and Past Events    

Event-specific Web Page    

Headshot    

Business Cards    

Demo Reel    

STAYING AT THE CUTTING EDGE OF YOUR NICHE