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A book’s publication is the end of one journey and the beginning of another. Putting together a compelling talk about your book gives you an opportunity to connect with audiences in a new way, sell more books, and earn some extra income as a speaker.

When Amy Stewart’s third book, Flower Confidential, hit the New York Times bestseller list, the speaking engagement invitations started rolling in. She had to quickly create a talk that would work for the lecture circuit, and learn the ropes of managing a career as a speaker.

And when she pivoted to fiction, she and her publisher hit on a strategy that led to over 500 virtual meetings with book clubs and new audiences at library “Community Reads”–style programs.

In this class, she’ll share her approach to creating a book talk, including:

• Understanding what audiences and event hosts want from an author event, and exceeding those expectations
• Crafting a talk that enhances and elevates your book’s message
• Practicing in front of small audiences and revising your talk as you go
• Using visuals to keep audiences engaged and entertained
• Working with an “in conversation with” partner
• Inviting questions, discussion, and engagement
• Turning audience members into long-term fans
• Special considerations for bookstore events
• Unique approaches to virtual as opposed to in-person events
• How to handle hands-on workshops if appropriate for your book

A great talk is only the beginning! Amy will also share her strategies for actually getting in front of an audience, including:

• Marketing your availability as a speaker
• Understanding how event hosts choose speakers
• Making it easy for event hosts to find you and quickly grasp what you’re offering
• Connecting with book clubs, special interest groups, and literary festivals that are looking for speakers on your topic
• Soliciting audience testimonials and encouraging word-of-mouth
• Using video to promote yourself as a speaker
• Working with lecture agents or your publisher’s in-house speakers bureau

Finally, we’ll consider some of the logistics and business aspects of giving book talks, including:

• Fielding inquires and giving event hosts everything they need to make a decision
• Handling special requests, such as keynotes, custom topics, extra events or appearances, and permission to record or rebroadcast your talk
• Tracking and following up on inquiries
• Handling contracts and fees
• Setting expectations for everything you require at the event, from tech setups to travel arrangements
• Publicizing your events and getting your own audience to turn out
• Understanding your options for book sales at the event

Who should take this class

• Nonfiction authors whose books have strong audience takeaways, from how-to to self-help to scientific breakthroughs to historical insights
• Novelists, memoirists, and literary nonfiction authors wanting to connect with book clubs, libraries, and literary audiences
• Authors who are getting requests to speak and need help putting it all together

This class is not suited for

• YA and children’s book authors who are primarily interested in school visits and talks for younger audiences (Amy’s experience is with adult audiences)
• Authors who dislike public speaking or simply don’t want to do it (not every author has to do events!)
• Authors whose books are personal or painful in a way that makes it difficult for them to do public speaking

What you’ll receive

How do I attend the live class?

This class uses Zoom webinar technology (see system requirements). You will join through your Internet-connected computer or mobile device. When you register, you will receive information via email on how to join the class. If you don’t receive it within 1 hour of registering, please contact us.

• When: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
• Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EDT / 10:00 a.m. Pacific
• Fee: $25 through April 12, 2026 / $35 if you register after April 12, 2026

The webinar is broadcast via the internet with live audio delivered through your computer or mobile device speakers. The visual presentation is displayed directly from the presenter’s computer to your computer screen. The Q&A is managed through a chat-style submission system with questions read and answered by the presenter for the entire class to hear.

Closed captions are provided during the live class. We use Zoom’s automated closed caption service, which is about 80%+ accurate. We use ElevenLabs to generate a lightly edited transcript, provided with the recording.

Refund policy

If you attend the live class and/or watch the recording, and it does not meet your expectations, contact us for a full refund, no questions asked.

Testimonials

Event Attendance & Anti-Harassment Policy

We strive to provide an environment where all present—whether attendee, presenter, or staff—can feel supported. In order to ensure a welcoming event, here is what we expect from all who participate.

• That the presenter and the presenter’s work be treated with respect by attendees and that all attendees treat each other with respect and a generosity of spirit.
• That attendees will refrain from harassment of any sort including (but not limited to) comments or questions of a racist, homophobic, sexist/sexual, or threatening nature. This includes actions that disrupt or interfere with anyone’s ability to participate. Offenders will be disconnected from the live event.