Your book doesn't speak for itself. It needs YOU to be its voice.
Congratulations! You just published your first book or have a new one coming out.
If you are an author, you may naturally shy away from the spotlight. But you can’t avoid it when you promote your book. You must speak in public.
It’s challenging to speak in a way that makes people want to listen. And expectations are high.
Your podcast host expects a lively and informative guest.
The book event planner expects you to engage attendees and motivate them to buy your book.
If you land a live television interview, you’re expected to be poised and articulate on camera.
And what if you’re invited to give a paid keynote? The meeting planner will expect your message and delivery to captivate their audience.
“My book speaks for itself.”
That’s wishful thinking. If you want to sell your book, you must speak to live audiences. And being a good author doesn’t automatically make you a good speaker. Speaking and writing are two very different forms of communication.
The good news is you don’t have to like speaking to be good at it. Even introverts can be great speakers. See Susan Cain’s TED Talk for a good example.
Public speaking can help you reach new audiences. Interviews and book events are ideal for expanding your reader base. And meeting planners are always looking for authors, who can speak, to draw attendees to their events.
Becoming a good speaker will increase your…
impact
You will sell more books and impact more readers’ lives.
influence
You can leverage opportunities to establish yourself as an authority and expand your reach and influence.
income
You can parlay your book into profitable businesses, such as paid speaking engagements, consulting, training or online classes.
Connecting with your readers
Think of your public appearances as opportunities to connect with your readers personally. By stepping out from behind the pages of your book and into the spotlight and sharing personal stories, insights, and experiences, you can create a genuine connection that fosters a loyal, dedicated readership.
You must create the impression that there’s nowhere else you would rather be. (I tell authors to imagine themselves talking to a good friend over coffee.)
If you are chatty and relaxed and tell good stories, listeners tune in and enjoy themselves. They’ll wish they could spend more time with you. So, they do the next best thing. They buy your book.
Remember, you have the power to sell your books and create new and lucrative opportunities. So, if you’re thinking about winging it, think again.
Introducing The AuthorsSpeak Coaching Program
The customizable coaching program for authors!
Want to be a good guest or deliver a dynamic keynote? I can help you.
Together we’ll lift your words off the page and prepare you for conversations and keynotes.
Our collaboration can include developing a keynote that’s aimed at your target audience. First, we’ll uncover your unique story and craft a memorable message. Then I’ll show you how to deliver a dynamic speech that creates buzz and book sales.
My coaching services include all virtual and in-person coaching sessions, co-writing scripts, video review and feedback, and in-person attendance and observation at San Francisco Bay Area presentations.
I use a discovery process to determine our tasks and the cost of your coaching program.
Why I’m the coach to help you
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I’m an author and former reluctant speaker, so I know what it’s like to have to step outside of your comfort zone.
In my first career as a clinical social worker, I didn’t do any speaking and wasn’t thinking about writing a book. But, after a persistent literary agent contacted me, I agreed to write a book proposal, which in turn, was snapped up by a large publishing house.
Within 2 weeks of the book’s publication, I landed my first paid speaking engagement! I didn’t want to embarrass myself or my publisher. So, I hired a speaking coach, who helped me write and deliver my first speech. Best decision I ever made. A few months later I got my first standing ovation.
For the next 15 years, I spoke professionally. And the more I spoke, the more books I sold. Over time, I knew I wanted to share what I'd learned. So, in 2008, I started coaching authors and speakers.
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Many of my clients are introverts, who become as confident in their speaking as they are in their writing. Some authors’ interviews lead to paid speaking engagements. (That’s how I landed my first keynote).
I coach authors from all over the world for interviews and public appearances, as well as TED talks. My special expertise is in helping authors turn their messages into engaging conversations that impact listeners’ lives.
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I love working with authors. I use all my experience, which includes 25 years as an author, speaker, and coach, as well as a background in psychology, to help you step into the spotlight and speak with confidence.
It would be my privilege to help you lift your words off the page and land them in the hearts and minds of your audience.
How it works
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Step 1
Schedule your free 30-minute phone consultation.
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Step 2
Develop confidence and skill for your book tour and speaking engagements.
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Step 3
Sell more books and become a successful author and speaker!
Book your complimentary 30-minute consultation today.
Schedule Free ConsultationNot ready for coaching? You can still get my free guides!
What Clients Say About My Services
AuthorsSpeak FAQ
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First, I learn a little about you and how you became a published author. Then we discuss your upcoming public speaking events and interviews. Next, I explain how I work with authors. At the end of the consultation, if it seems like we have a good fit, I’ll recommend that I draft a custom coaching package that will include the cost for my services.
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Many authors have no or limited speaking experience. It’s not a requirement for coaching. A willingness to learn is all you need.
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My services are an adjunct to the media training you may receive from your publisher. I find that many authors are given media tools but are unsure how to use them. So, for example, we could help you be more conversational and tell interesting stories.
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We use a 6-step template to streamline and organize the writing process. You can use this template to tailor your talks for any audience.
We start by creating your key message and then develop your main points, supporting points, and stories. We also develop a strong Opening and Closing.
From there, we turn to your delivery: connecting with the audience, good vocal dynamics, and effective body language. We leave time for rehearsals and solo practice, so that you feel confident and prepared.
I recommend that we start working 2-3 months before you deliver your first keynote.
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Yes. Delivering a speech live on stage and speaking at your desk or in a studio are very different. We’ll modify both your content and delivery, so you continually engage virtual listeners and keep them tuned in.
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No. I co-write scripts with authors to ensure that their authentic voices come through. The speech template I use makes writing easier for authors and saves them time.
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Absolutely! But, I don’t coach you on how to market your book. I leave that to experts who specialize in that area.
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I reserve single-session coaching for authors who have worked with me previously. However, during the discovery process you will have ample opportunity to ask questions.