Episode 255 - From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker - Part 2 with Michael La Ronn
September 10, 2024
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Michael La Ronn discusses moving FROM PAGE TO PLATFORM: HOW TO SUCCEED AS AN AUTHOR SPEAKER. This is the second of a two-part series, and in this part, we discuss how to find opportunities for speaking engagements (and whether placement services like speakers’ bureaus are worth pursuing), how to assess the opportunities you find or are offered, how to negotiate the offer, how to make the most of in-person events, and how to capitalize on the connections you’ll make.
Michael La Ronn is the author of over forty science fiction & fantasy novels and self-help books for writers. He runs the popular YouTube channel Author Level Up and serves on the staff of the Alliance of Independent Authors as a US Ambassador, and he also co-hosts the AskALLi Member Q&A Podcast.
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I hope you enjoyed my conversation with Michael! What did you think about our conversation about coming to grips with your financial goals, whether they apply to a speaker career or to some other part of your creative life?
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Are you getting value from the podcast? Consider supporting me on Patreon or through Buy Me a Coffee!
Summary
This week on The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Michael La Ronn about the myriad considerations and strategies that authors can use to bolster their careers through public speaking engagements.
The episode digs deep into how authors can find speaking opportunities, evaluate their value, navigate negotiating speaker fees, and the importance of upholding professional relationships after the event. Michael La Ronn offers insightful advice drawn from his extensive experience as an author and speaker.
Summary of Part 1: Recap on Unusual Speaking Engagements
Matty and Michael start by briefly recapping the first part of their conversation, which focused on unconventional speaking engagements for authors. These included podcast interviews, panels, author readings, and both in-person and virtual events. This context set the stage for a more detailed exploration of traditional speaking opportunities.
Finding Speaking Opportunities
The conversation then shifts to discovering new speaking opportunities. Michael emphasizes the importance of starting with podcast interviews to build a track record. He recommends authors listen to shows in their niche, understand the format, and make pitches tailored to each podcast. Michael explains that nothing turns off a podcast host more than a mismatched pitch.
Michael suggests creating a speaker demo reel comprising clips from a few interviews to showcase one's speaking abilities. He stresses the value of showing organizers snippets of past talks, which can serve as a powerful 'business card.' This, he says, helps organizers visualize what working with you might be like.
Matty also underscores the importance of leveraging one's author community to find and pitch speaking opportunities. Networking with fellow authors can reveal valuable leads on conferences and events that fit an author's style and expertise.
Using Placement Services
The discussion also touches on the utility of placement services like speakers’ bureaus. Michael shares his personal preference not to use them and suggests they aren't mandatory to secure speaking engagements. He points out that while some may find them useful, building personal connections is often more beneficial, especially when starting out.
Assessing the Opportunities
One of the critical segments of the conversation revolves around assessing speaking opportunities based on personal and professional goals. Michael discusses the importance of determining whether an event aligns with one's goals, be it monetary, reach, networking, or otherwise. He advises authors to consider what they aim to accomplish with each engagement—whether they want to sell books, spread a message, or build networks.
Monetary Considerations
Matty and Michael delve into the often-uncomfortable topic of negotiating payment. Michael stresses that authors should not shy away from discussing fees and should approach these conversations as professional transactions. Matty adds that publishing speaking rates on a website can be a double-edged sword, potentially scaring off opportunities that one might want to take pro bono.
Michael highlights the importance of understanding the full scope of what's being asked before agreeing on a fee, citing an experience where additional demands were added after the initial agreement.
Understanding Copyright Considerations
The conversation also covers the significance of understanding copyright implications for speaking materials. Michael advises authors to closely examine contracts to ensure they aren't unwittingly giving away valuable rights. He suggests using tools like ChatGPT to decode complex legal language in contracts to better grasp their terms.
Participating Actively at Events
Both Matty and Michael stress the importance of active participation in events, whether in-person or virtual. Michael advises against simply flying in and out for speaking engagements, advocating instead for engaging with other sessions and attendees. For virtual events, he recommends being active in event chats and sharing event details with one’s audience to support the organizers.
Managing Energy
Another pivotal topic discussed is managing one's energy, especially for introverts. While Michael says he becomes an extrovert at writing conferences, he acknowledges that others may need to conserve their energy. Matty suggests practical strategies like the "one drink rule" for those finding social events exhausting.
Post-Event Follow-Up
Matty and Michael agree on the critical importance of follow-up after events. Michael shares his practice of taking detailed notes on conversations and contacts made during an event, which he uses for later networking. Matty emphasizes that following up can help capitalize on the event’s full benefits, from forging new friendships to building professional networks.
Michael also points out the value of capturing the post-event energy, recommending acting fast before the buzz wears off. Keeping in touch with new contacts shortly after an event can cement relationships that may bear fruit in the future.
Engage with Your Tribe
Michael concludes by encouraging authors to engage actively with their audience and peers, emphasizing the unique energy and connection that comes from interacting with fellow writers at such events. He underscores the opportunity to learn, grow, and expand one's network through participation.
Maintaining Professionalism
Throughout the episode, a recurring theme is the importance of professionalism. Michael advises against making extravagant demands and emphasizes treating every interaction as a business transaction. By being courteous, responsive, and transparent about needs and expectations, authors can foster long-lasting professional relationships.
Wrap-Up
In closing, Matty and Michael agree that speaking engagements offer authors a valuable avenue to reach new audiences, build networks, and even earn income. Matty highlights the need to be strategic about choosing opportunities that align with one's goals and to follow up diligently after events to maximize benefits.
For those interested in delving deeper, Matty recommends their book "From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker," which offers a comprehensive guide on the topic.
This episode of The Indy Author Podcast is a must-listen for any authors looking to elevate their speaking engagements and make the most out of every opportunity.
The episode digs deep into how authors can find speaking opportunities, evaluate their value, navigate negotiating speaker fees, and the importance of upholding professional relationships after the event. Michael La Ronn offers insightful advice drawn from his extensive experience as an author and speaker.
Summary of Part 1: Recap on Unusual Speaking Engagements
Matty and Michael start by briefly recapping the first part of their conversation, which focused on unconventional speaking engagements for authors. These included podcast interviews, panels, author readings, and both in-person and virtual events. This context set the stage for a more detailed exploration of traditional speaking opportunities.
Finding Speaking Opportunities
The conversation then shifts to discovering new speaking opportunities. Michael emphasizes the importance of starting with podcast interviews to build a track record. He recommends authors listen to shows in their niche, understand the format, and make pitches tailored to each podcast. Michael explains that nothing turns off a podcast host more than a mismatched pitch.
Michael suggests creating a speaker demo reel comprising clips from a few interviews to showcase one's speaking abilities. He stresses the value of showing organizers snippets of past talks, which can serve as a powerful 'business card.' This, he says, helps organizers visualize what working with you might be like.
Matty also underscores the importance of leveraging one's author community to find and pitch speaking opportunities. Networking with fellow authors can reveal valuable leads on conferences and events that fit an author's style and expertise.
Using Placement Services
The discussion also touches on the utility of placement services like speakers’ bureaus. Michael shares his personal preference not to use them and suggests they aren't mandatory to secure speaking engagements. He points out that while some may find them useful, building personal connections is often more beneficial, especially when starting out.
Assessing the Opportunities
One of the critical segments of the conversation revolves around assessing speaking opportunities based on personal and professional goals. Michael discusses the importance of determining whether an event aligns with one's goals, be it monetary, reach, networking, or otherwise. He advises authors to consider what they aim to accomplish with each engagement—whether they want to sell books, spread a message, or build networks.
Monetary Considerations
Matty and Michael delve into the often-uncomfortable topic of negotiating payment. Michael stresses that authors should not shy away from discussing fees and should approach these conversations as professional transactions. Matty adds that publishing speaking rates on a website can be a double-edged sword, potentially scaring off opportunities that one might want to take pro bono.
Michael highlights the importance of understanding the full scope of what's being asked before agreeing on a fee, citing an experience where additional demands were added after the initial agreement.
Understanding Copyright Considerations
The conversation also covers the significance of understanding copyright implications for speaking materials. Michael advises authors to closely examine contracts to ensure they aren't unwittingly giving away valuable rights. He suggests using tools like ChatGPT to decode complex legal language in contracts to better grasp their terms.
Participating Actively at Events
Both Matty and Michael stress the importance of active participation in events, whether in-person or virtual. Michael advises against simply flying in and out for speaking engagements, advocating instead for engaging with other sessions and attendees. For virtual events, he recommends being active in event chats and sharing event details with one’s audience to support the organizers.
Managing Energy
Another pivotal topic discussed is managing one's energy, especially for introverts. While Michael says he becomes an extrovert at writing conferences, he acknowledges that others may need to conserve their energy. Matty suggests practical strategies like the "one drink rule" for those finding social events exhausting.
Post-Event Follow-Up
Matty and Michael agree on the critical importance of follow-up after events. Michael shares his practice of taking detailed notes on conversations and contacts made during an event, which he uses for later networking. Matty emphasizes that following up can help capitalize on the event’s full benefits, from forging new friendships to building professional networks.
Michael also points out the value of capturing the post-event energy, recommending acting fast before the buzz wears off. Keeping in touch with new contacts shortly after an event can cement relationships that may bear fruit in the future.
Engage with Your Tribe
Michael concludes by encouraging authors to engage actively with their audience and peers, emphasizing the unique energy and connection that comes from interacting with fellow writers at such events. He underscores the opportunity to learn, grow, and expand one's network through participation.
Maintaining Professionalism
Throughout the episode, a recurring theme is the importance of professionalism. Michael advises against making extravagant demands and emphasizes treating every interaction as a business transaction. By being courteous, responsive, and transparent about needs and expectations, authors can foster long-lasting professional relationships.
Wrap-Up
In closing, Matty and Michael agree that speaking engagements offer authors a valuable avenue to reach new audiences, build networks, and even earn income. Matty highlights the need to be strategic about choosing opportunities that align with one's goals and to follow up diligently after events to maximize benefits.
For those interested in delving deeper, Matty recommends their book "From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker," which offers a comprehensive guide on the topic.
This episode of The Indy Author Podcast is a must-listen for any authors looking to elevate their speaking engagements and make the most out of every opportunity.
