Today, I want to talk about your speaking plans for next year. You know that once we get through Thanksgiving, the New Year is right around the corner. Are you set up to promote your book in 2013? Have you booked some speaking engagements, workshops on the topic of your book, college classes or readings at libraries, for example? If you don’t have something scheduled for at least once a month throughout the first half of 2013, now is a good time to start planning your public appearances.
Program directors are already scheduling for next year. Librarians, teachers and school district personnel may be eager to bring in authors with pertinent messages. Organizers for conferences occurring in spring and summer—even fall—are open to suggestions.
Perhaps you should be contacting your local civic club program directors, radio show hosts and adult education program organizers now. Scour the Internet for programs and conferences addressing your book’s audience. Are there website hosts presenting podcasts, webinars, teleseminars on your topic? Contact them and see about setting something up.
If your book covers a nonfiction subject with a definite teaching element built in, consider organizing a series of workshops for your audience. This might be on cat behavior, eating clean, gardening, crafts, home decorating, budgeting, investing, writing, Bible study, or any number of topics.
Need help understanding how to approach program directors? Are you timid or unsure about what you have to offer and how to present it most effectively? Could you use a confidence boost? Would you appreciate tons of suggestions, advice, anecdotes and resources on the subject of public speaking and setting up and conducting workshops? Order your copy of Talk Up Your Book, How to Sell Your Book Through Public Speaking, Interviews, Signings, Festivals, Conferences and More. This is a one-of-a kind book that every author, whether outgoing or shy, will benefit from. It’s available at amazon.com and most other online and downtown bookstores. Or purchase your copy here: http://www.matilijapress.com