Join Stephanie and Jen in this Beyond the Page livestream to discover effective techniques for promoting and selling your book during your speech, including the art of reading book excerpts and sharing compelling stories to encourage immediate purchases. Learn how to seamlessly integrate book sales into your presentation while maintaining audience engagement. Gain valuable guidance on how to naturally discuss your offerings during your presentation and hear success stories of authors who have successfully converted speaking engagements into lucrative consulting or service contracts. Don’t miss this opportunity to optimize your speaking engagements and unlock new revenue streams.

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Show Notes:

How Speaking Engagements Help Authors Sell More Books and Build Loyalty

Featuring Jennifer Crosswhite

If you are speaking and don’t have a book, you are leaving money on the table.

That bold statement opened a powerful conversation about why speaking engagements for authors are more than just visibility opportunities—they are strategic business tools.

Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, the stage (virtual or in-person) can deepen loyalty, grow your email list, and increase book sales when approached intentionally.

Let’s break down how.

Speaking Deepens Reader Loyalty

Recently, Jennifer Crosswhite led a webinar for authors on systems for writing success. The next morning, she discovered that someone who attended the webinar had posted in a completely unrelated reader group asking if anyone had read Jennifer’s novels.

The attendee hadn’t even connected the dots at first.

That’s the power of speaking.

When readers hear you speak, something shifts:

• They connect your voice to your words.
• They see the human behind the book.
• Trust increases.
• Loyalty deepens.

Speaking doesn’t just sell books—it strengthens relationships.

Speaking Is a Strategic Business Move

Too many authors think of speaking as simply “sharing a message.” But speaking engagements for authors are part of a larger business ecosystem.

When you speak, you should consider:

• How will attendees stay connected to you?
• How will they remember your book?
• What next step can they take?
• How are you building your email list?
• How are you making it easy to purchase?

This is where logistics matter.

Make It Easy: QR Codes and Digital Handouts

Instead of printing stacks of handouts that may be discarded, Jennifer is implementing QR codes in her conference presentations.

Here’s why that works:

• Attendees scan the code with their phones.
• It links to a private page or downloadable PDF.
• It can connect to your email list.
• It creates a searchable digital resource.
• It reduces printing costs.

This small adjustment supports both sustainability and smart business strategy.

The goal is frictionless follow-up.

Sell Naturally from the Stage

Selling from the stage does not require awkward announcements.

Instead:

• Read a short excerpt from your book.
• Reference client stories or case studies.
• Mention research from your book.
• Display your book cover visually.
• Show your process and explain that today’s talk is one part of a larger framework.

These subtle signals remind attendees that you are not just a speaker—you are an author and expert with deeper resources available.

Back-of-the-Room Sales: Think Like a Business Owner

If you are selling books in person, logistics matter.

Consider:

• Do you accept credit cards? (Stripe, Square, or other processors.)
• Do you have a card reader?
• Are your prices rounded for simplicity?
• Do you offer bundles?
• Do you have bags for multiple purchases?
• Have you thought through discounts?

Reducing friction increases sales.

One key insight shared: dusty books sitting at home do nothing. Books in readers’ hands fulfill your mission.

Practice Makes Confident

Speaking is a skill.

It improves with:

• Practice on Zoom.
• Timing yourself.
• Watching recordings.
• Editing out filler phrases.
• Leaving buffer time for ad-libs and Q&A.

And perhaps most importantly: have fun.

Audiences remember how you made them feel more than any single slide.

Final Encouragement for Authors

Do the hard things.

You may discover you love speaking. You may discover it’s not your path. But you won’t know until you try.

When done well, speaking engagements for authors:

• Increase book sales
• Expand your platform
• Deepen loyalty
• Grow your email list
• Position you as an authority

Your words have power. Your message has power. And the stage—whether virtual or in person—is simply another way to amplify it.

FAQ: Speaking Engagements for Authors

Do fiction authors benefit from speaking engagements?

Yes. Fiction authors can deepen reader loyalty through readings, author talks, book clubs, and conferences.

What is the best way to sell books from the stage?

Use natural integration—read excerpts, reference your book visually, and offer easy purchasing options.

Should authors use QR codes at events?

Absolutely. QR codes make it easy to distribute digital handouts, grow your email list, and reduce printing costs.

How can I grow my email list through speaking?

Offer a valuable downloadable resource tied to your talk and connect it to your newsletter signup.

What if I’m nervous about speaking?

Practice consistently, start small, and focus on serving your audience rather than performing perfectly.

Listen to the Podcast Here: