Your book is just the beginning! You’ve poured your heart into your book, crafting a message that resonates with readers. So, why stop there?
Monetizing your book doesn’t have to end at the last page. By leveraging speaking engagements and workshops, you can find new ways to transform your knowledge and expertise on your book’s content into a profitable platform that goes beyond traditional book sales.
Sharing your wisdom with the world
As a professional, your book is more than just a collection of pages—it’s a reflection of your expertise and experience. That knowledge positions you as a trusted resource in your industry.
Picture yourself leading workshops on business strategies, offering speaking engagements that share your unique insights, or coaching others on how to leverage your field’s best practices. Every book you write is a tool to establish authority, build credibility, and open doors to new opportunities for teaching, consulting, or advising.
Once you’ve written your book, don’t you feel a sense of responsibility to not only get it out there but to talk about it? That’s where speaking engagements come in.
For example, if you’ve written a book on leadership or business growth, why not offer workshops to help other professionals streamline their operations or boost their career development? Or if your book focuses on personal branding or entrepreneurship, you could create seminars that guide small business owners and consultants in mastering those areas.
Don’t limit yourself—your knowledge and expertise can open up all kinds of opportunities that resonate with industry leaders, business owners, and other professionals looking to grow.
Your words have worth: Finding the right pricing
Charging for speaking engagements can feel intimidating at first, but your time and knowledge are worth it. Many organizations expect to pay for speakers, even if they start by seeking a freebie. Set your fee based on the value you bring, not just the time spent onstage. Remember, your expertise is your product.
A good rule of thumb is to start by assessing what your audience is likely to afford, and then adjust based on the size of the event and your experience level. Whether you’re speaking to a room of 20 or an auditorium of 200, your fee should reflect the quality and depth of your content.
Double-duty: Selling books at speaking gigs
Public speaking and workshops are excellent opportunities to showcase your expertise while promoting your book in a genuine way. Instead of focusing on sales during your presentation, prioritize delivering value to your audience. By the end of your talk, you’ll have naturally piqued their interest, making it seamless to mention that your book is available for purchase.
To encourage sales, set up a table with copies near the exit or at the back of the room. A brief book signing afterward adds a personal touch, allowing attendees to connect with you directly while boosting sales without feeling forced.
More than a speech: Giving workshops with value
Workshops are a great way to connect with your audience face-to-face—it’s always rewarding to finally meet the people behind the names on your email list.
Get creative! Use the workshop or speaking engagement to expand on the ideas in your book, whether it’s a quick one-hour session or an immersive full-day seminar. These events offer a chance for hands-on learning and in-depth discussions, helping your audience dive deeper into your expertise. For professionals, workshops can focus on practical strategies from your book—whether it’s leadership insights, business growth tactics, or personal branding tips.
The key to a successful workshop is delivering real value. Break down complex concepts into simple, actionable steps, and keep your audience engaged by encouraging active participation, ensuring they leave ready to put your insights into practice.
Beyond the event: Building a lasting network
Speaking engagements and workshops aren’t just about the income you make that day—they’re about building long-term connections with your audience. Collect email addresses from attendees to stay in touch and keep them engaged with your content over time.
A well-cared-for email list is one of the most valuable assets an author can have. These are the people who are most likely to buy your future books, attend your next event, or sign up for your workshops. Consistently nurture these relationships, and you could see book sales, speaking engagements, and client opportunities snowball over time.
Turn your events into high-value opportunities
Once you’ve established yourself as a speaker, consider expanding your offerings with exclusive workshops, private coaching, or online courses. These products allow you to reach a more focused audience, providing deeper, personalized experiences.
While it might seem out there to offer high-priced courses, your attendees have already connected with your message. They ALREADY TRUST that you know your stuff and your knowledge has value! If your content resonates, they’ll be eager to explore further opportunities to learn and grow with you through these tailored services.
Closing chapter, opening opportunities
You don’t need to see yourself as a public speaker to make an impact. In fact, trying too hard might not help. Your audience is there because they want to see YOU.
So, think of these engagements as opportunities to share the passion and expertise behind your book. It’s about connecting with others who are eager to hear your story and learn from your experience. You never know whose life you might inspire simply by sharing what you’ve created and the journey you’ve taken to get there.
Reach out
As you explore new ways to monetize your book through speaking engagements and workshops, you might find yourself with questions about how to make the most of your self-publishing journey. If you have any questions at all, our self-publishing expert, Leesa Ellis, is here to help!
Schedule a 30-minute Self-publishing Curiosity Call. Leesa will guide you on your journey and set you up for success in turning your book into more than just a product, but an opportunity.
