Book Coach Speakers
You've got a crowd of aspiring authors or content creators, and you need someone who actually knows how to guide them.
Someone who won't just inspire, but explain.
But how do you find the right book coach speakers who know their stuff and can hold a room?
It's easy to get stuck between big names with no real coaching experience and actual coaches with zero stage presence.
That's where book coach speakers come in.
These aren't just writers or editors.
They're the experts behind the scenes of bestselling books, guiding writers from blank page to published work.
And when they speak, they break things down in a way your audience will actually remember.
Whether you're running an indie publishing summit, a podcast for creatives, or a mainstage panel, the right book coach speaker can bring clarity and energy.
I've seen how much better an event flows when the guest has real teaching chops and knows the publishing world inside out.
If you're looking for smart, practical voices who know how to coach and connect, you're in the right spot.
Explore the featured book coach speakers below or book someone who fits your event.
Top Book Coach Speakers List for 2025
Deborah Walker
Transforming speakers into storytellers, one powerful speech at a time
Sarah McDavis
I’m known as the storyteller/author/illustrator who uses curiosity, kindness, and play to spark creativity and joy in kids and adults.
Mike McQuillan
Transforming stories into powerful speeches, one voice at a time
Karen Dwyer
Empowering lives with MS: coaching, speaking, and thriving
Amy Collette
Empowering visionary women to leave a lasting impact
Debra Russell
Transforming passion into profit for small business owners, creatives, and athletes
Ken Williams
Get Unstuck, Rewrite Your Career Story - You Deserve Better!
Leisa Reid
I train Coaches & Entrepreneurs how to use speaking to attract their ideal clients
Ly Smith
Unleashing potential by rewriting your inner narrative.
What Makes a Great Book Coach Speaker
A truly standout book coach speaker brings a blend of deep industry insight and personal passion. Think of someone like Joanna Penn or Mark Dawson. They've built careers not just around writing books, but around helping others do the same. When they speak, they're not just sharing tips-they're transferring belief. That belief that yes, you can write your book, and yes, it can succeed.
But it's not just about inspiration. The best book coach speakers are also highly strategic. They understand the publishing landscape-traditional, hybrid, indie-and they tailor their message to the audience. A group of first-time authors in Nairobi might need a different approach than a room full of tech entrepreneurs in San Francisco looking to publish thought leadership books.
And let's not forget delivery. A great speaker knows how to pace their talk, how to read a room, and how to use silence as powerfully as words. They're not afraid to share failures alongside wins. That authenticity? It's magnetic.
So, when you're watching a book coach speaker and you find yourself scribbling notes, nodding along, and suddenly believing your book idea is worth pursuing-that's when you know you're in the presence of a great one.
How to Select the Best Book Coach Speaker for Your Show
1. Define Your Audience's Goals.
- Are they aspiring authors? Entrepreneurs looking to publish a lead-gen book? Coaches wanting to build authority?
- Knowing this helps you filter for speakers who specialize in those outcomes.
2. Search on Platforms Like Talks.co.
- Use Talks.co to browse speaker profiles. Look for book coach speakers with clear bios, past appearances, and demo videos.
- Pay attention to their topics-do they talk about mindset, publishing strategy, marketing, or all of the above?
3. Review Their Speaker Page.
- A solid speaker page should include a short bio, speaking topics, testimonials, and links to past talks.
- Look for clarity and specificity. If they say they help 'people write books,' that's vague. If they say they help 'female entrepreneurs write authority-building books in 90 days,' that's gold.
4. Watch or Listen to Past Interviews.
- Check YouTube, podcast directories, or their own website.
- Are they engaging? Do they offer actionable advice? Do they match your show's tone?
5. Reach Out and Ask Smart Questions.
- Ask about their preferred audience, what topics they love to speak on, and how they tailor their message.
- Bonus: Ask how they promote their appearances. A speaker who shares your episode can help you grow too.
6. Match Energy and Format.
- If your show is high-energy and fast-paced, pick someone who can keep up.
- If it's deep-dive and reflective, look for someone who brings thoughtful nuance.
Selecting the right speaker is like casting a role. You want someone who not only fits the part but elevates the entire production.
How to Book a Book Coach Speaker
1. Identify Your Ideal Speaker.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to search for book coach speakers who match your audience's needs.
- Look for those with a proven track record-check their speaker page, testimonials, and past interviews.
2. Reach Out with a Clear Pitch.
- Be specific. Mention your show's name, audience size, format, and what you'd like them to talk about.
- Example: 'Hi [Speaker], I host a podcast for first-time authors called Write It Forward. I'd love to have you on to discuss how coaches can turn their expertise into a bestselling book.'
3. Confirm Availability and Format.
- Offer a few potential dates and times.
- Clarify the format: live or recorded, video or audio, length of the session, and whether there's a Q&A.
4. Send a Prep Guide.
- Include your audience profile, sample questions, and any tech requirements.
- This helps the speaker tailor their message and show up prepared.
5. Promote the Episode Together.
- Ask if they're open to sharing the episode with their audience.
- Provide them with graphics, quotes, and links to make it easy.
6. Follow Up Post-Show.
- Thank them for their time.
- Share performance stats or feedback if available. This builds a relationship for future collaborations.
Booking a great speaker isn't just about logistics-it's about creating a win-win experience for your audience and the guest. When done right, it can lead to long-term partnerships and even referrals to other top-tier guests.
Common Questions on Book Coach Speakers
What is a book coach speaker
Unlike a traditional book coach who works one-on-one behind the scenes, a book coach speaker brings their insights to a broader audience. They might speak at virtual summits, appear on podcasts, or lead workshops for entrepreneurs, creatives, or corporate teams. Their goal is to educate, inspire, and equip people to write and publish impactful books.
These speakers often specialize in specific niches. For example, some focus on nonfiction business books, while others work with memoirists or self-help authors. Their talks might cover topics like outlining a book, overcoming writer's block, choosing between self-publishing and traditional publishing, or building a marketing plan.
What sets them apart is their ability to simplify complex processes. They break down the journey from idea to published book in a way that's accessible and motivating. Whether they're speaking to a room full of tech founders or a Zoom room of wellness coaches, they know how to meet people where they are and move them forward.
In short, a book coach speaker is both a guide and a messenger-someone who not only knows the path to authorship but can articulate it in a way that makes others want to walk it.
Why is a book coach speaker important
First, they demystify the process. Writing a book can feel overwhelming, especially for first-timers. A book coach speaker breaks it down into manageable steps. They explain how to structure your content, how to stay consistent, and how to avoid common pitfalls. For example, in startup communities, speakers like Tucker Max have helped founders understand how a book can drive leads and authority.
Second, they bring credibility and motivation. When someone hears a book coach speaker share real-world examples-like how a fitness coach in Australia used her book to land media appearances-it makes the dream feel tangible. That's powerful, especially in communities where publishing might feel out of reach.
Third, they help audiences make informed decisions. Should you self-publish or go traditional? Do you need a ghostwriter? What's the ROI of a book for your business? These are questions a good speaker can address clearly, helping people avoid costly mistakes.
Finally, they create momentum. A live talk or podcast appearance can be the spark that gets someone to finally start writing. And in group settings-like masterminds, summits, or corporate workshops-the ripple effect can be huge.
So whether you're building an author brand, launching a podcast, or running a summit, a book coach speaker can be the difference between passive interest and real action.
What do book coach speakers do
- Educate and Inspire Audiences. Book coach speakers deliver talks, workshops, and interviews that teach people how to write, publish, and promote their books. They often speak at virtual summits, podcasts, writing retreats, and business conferences.
- Break Down the Book Process. They simplify the complex journey of writing a book. From developing a compelling idea to outlining, drafting, editing, and publishing, they walk audiences through each stage with clarity.
- Tailor Content to Specific Niches. Whether it's helping tech founders write thought leadership books or guiding wellness coaches through memoir writing, they adapt their message to the audience. For example, a speaker might focus on lead generation strategies for authors in the B2B space.
- Provide Strategic Frameworks. Many book coach speakers share proprietary systems or frameworks. These might include 90-day writing plans, book funnel strategies, or hybrid publishing models. Their talks often include templates, checklists, or real-world case studies.
- Promote Collaboration and Community. Beyond delivering content, they often encourage audience interaction, Q&A sessions, and follow-up coaching. Some even offer group programs or online courses tied to their talks.
In essence, book coach speakers are catalysts. They don't just talk about writing books-they empower others to actually do it, with a clear path and the confidence to follow through.
How to become a book coach speaker
1. Define Your Niche and Expertise.
- Are you focused on fiction or nonfiction? Memoirs or business books? Clarify your specialty.
- Example: If you've helped entrepreneurs self-publish bestsellers, that's your edge.
2. Build Your Authority as a Book Coach.
- Start coaching clients and gather testimonials.
- Publish your own book or contribute to anthologies.
- Share writing tips and case studies on LinkedIn, Medium, or your blog.
3. Create a Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to set up a professional speaker profile.
- Include a bio, speaking topics, past appearances, and a demo reel.
- Tip: Keep your topics focused on transformation, like 'From Manuscript to Market' or 'How to Coach Writers to Bestseller Status.'
4. Start Speaking Locally and Virtually.
- Pitch to writing groups, author summits, and online conferences.
- Use Talks.co to connect with event hosts looking for niche experts.
- Offer to speak for free initially to build your portfolio.
5. Network and Collaborate.
- Join speaker communities and book coaching associations.
- Partner with editors, publishers, and writing software companies for joint webinars.
6. Monetize Your Speaking.
- Offer coaching packages at the end of your talks.
- Sell digital products like templates, courses, or group programs.
Consistency is key. The more you speak, the more you get invited. And once you've got a few gigs under your belt, you can start charging premium rates.
What do you need to be a book coach speaker
1. Deep Knowledge of the Book Coaching Process
You should understand the full lifecycle of a book: ideation, outlining, writing, editing, publishing, and marketing. Whether you specialize in developmental editing or helping authors self-publish, your expertise must be clear.
2. Communication and Presentation Skills
Being a speaker means you need to articulate your ideas clearly and confidently. This includes:
- Storytelling ability to keep audiences engaged.
- Teaching skills to break down complex writing concepts.
- Adaptability to speak to different audiences, from aspiring authors to publishing professionals.
3. A Clear Personal Brand
Your brand should reflect your unique voice and coaching style. Are you the tough-love coach? The creative muse? The strategic planner? Define it and make sure it shows up in your website, social media, and Talks.co speaker page.
4. Tech and Tools
You'll need:
- A professional microphone and camera for virtual events.
- Presentation software like Canva or Keynote.
- A Talks.co profile to connect with hosts and list your speaking topics.
- A booking system like Calendly to streamline inquiries.
5. Proof of Results
Event organizers want speakers who deliver value. Show:
- Case studies of authors you've helped.
- Testimonials from clients and event hosts.
- Clips or recordings of past talks.
Ultimately, being a book coach speaker is about positioning yourself as both an expert and a guide. You're not just sharing knowledge... you're helping people take action.
Do book coach speakers get paid
1. Paid vs. Unpaid Gigs
- New speakers often start with unpaid or low-paid opportunities to build credibility.
- Established speakers with a strong track record can command fees ranging from $500 to $10,000+ per talk.
2. Factors That Influence Payment
- Audience Size: Speaking at a national writers' conference pays more than a local meetup.
- Event Type: Corporate training or publishing summits typically pay better than community events.
- Reputation: If you've coached bestselling authors or published your own successful book, your fee goes up.
3. Alternative Compensation Models
Some book coach speakers are paid in other ways:
- Affiliate commissions for promoting tools or courses.
- Free access to high-ticket events.
- Leads for coaching clients, which can be more valuable long-term.
Comparison Table:
| Speaker Level | Typical Fee Range | Other Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | $0 - $300 | Exposure, testimonials |
| Intermediate | $500 - $2,000 | Leads, affiliate deals |
| Expert/Niche Leader | $2,500 - $10,000+ | Paid keynotes, product sales |
How do book coach speakers make money
1. Speaking Fees
- Paid keynotes, workshops, and panels at writing conferences, publishing expos, and virtual summits.
- Example: A speaker at the Self-Publishing Formula Live event might earn $2,000 for a 45-minute session.
2. Coaching Packages
- Many speakers use their talks to funnel attendees into 1-on-1 or group coaching programs.
- Tip: Offer a limited-time discount or bonus for attendees who sign up within 48 hours.
3. Digital Products and Courses
- Online courses on topics like 'How to Outline Your Book in 30 Days' or 'Self-Publishing 101'.
- Templates, workbooks, and checklists sold via Gumroad or Kajabi.
4. Affiliate Marketing
- Recommending tools like Scrivener, Grammarly, or publishing platforms.
- Some speakers earn recurring income by promoting writing software or editing services.
5. Book Sales
- Selling their own books at events or online.
- Bonus: Having a published book boosts credibility and often leads to more speaking invites.
6. Membership Communities
- Monthly subscription groups for aspiring authors.
- Example: A speaker might run a $49/month mastermind with weekly coaching calls.
7. Licensing and Partnerships
- Licensing their frameworks to other coaches.
- Partnering with publishers or writing platforms for branded content.
The key is stacking these income streams strategically. A single talk might not pay much, but if it leads to five new clients and 100 course sales, it's a win.
How much do book coach speakers make
1. Entry-Level Speakers
- Typically earn $0 to $500 per event.
- Often rely on coaching upsells or digital product sales.
- Annual income: $10,000 to $30,000 (part-time or side hustle).
2. Mid-Level Professionals
- Earn $1,000 to $3,000 per speaking engagement.
- May combine speaking with group coaching or online courses.
- Annual income: $50,000 to $100,000.
3. High-Level Experts
- Can charge $5,000 to $15,000 per keynote.
- Often have bestselling books, media appearances, and high-ticket coaching programs.
- Annual income: $150,000 to $500,000+.
Income Breakdown Example:
| Revenue Stream | Monthly Estimate | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking Fees | $4,000 | $48,000 |
| Coaching Packages | $6,000 | $72,000 |
| Course Sales | $2,000 | $24,000 |
| Affiliate Income | $500 | $6,000 |
| Total | $12,500 | $150,000 |
- Niche demand (e.g., business books vs. poetry).
- Marketing reach (email list, social media).
- Speaking frequency (monthly vs. weekly gigs).
So while some book coach speakers earn modest side incomes, others build six-figure businesses. It all comes down to strategy and positioning.
How much do book coach speakers cost
1. Speaker Experience Level
- Beginner: $0 to $500. Often speaks for exposure or lead generation.
- Intermediate: $500 to $2,000. Has a few events under their belt and a niche following.
- Expert: $2,500 to $10,000+. Known in the industry, often with a bestselling book or high-profile clients.
2. Type of Event
- Local Writing Groups: $100 to $500.
- Virtual Summits: $0 to $1,000 (some offer affiliate commissions instead).
- Industry Conferences: $1,000 to $5,000.
- Corporate or Publisher Training: $5,000 to $15,000.
3. Add-ons That Affect Cost
- Custom workshops or hands-on training.
- Travel and accommodation (if in-person).
- Licensing of materials or recordings.
Sample Pricing Table:
| Event Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Local Meetup | $100 - $300 |
| Online Webinar | $0 - $1,000 |
| National Conference | $2,000 - $7,500 |
| Corporate Workshop | $5,000 - $15,000 |
Who are the best book coach speakers ever
- Lisa Tener. Known for her Book Proposal Bootcamp and TEDx talks. She's helped hundreds of authors land publishing deals.
- Joanna Penn. A prolific author and host of The Creative Penn podcast. Her talks on indie publishing are staples at global writing events.
- Jane Friedman. Former publisher turned educator. Her talks at Writer's Digest and publishing expos are packed with insight.
- Mark Dawson. While more known as a self-publishing guru, his talks at SPF Live and online summits have inspired thousands of authors.
- Chandler Bolt. Founder of Self-Publishing School. His high-energy keynotes blend motivation with actionable strategy.
- Tucker Max. Co-founder of Scribe Media. His blunt, no-fluff speaking style has reshaped how entrepreneurs write books.
- Kelly Notaras. Editor and founder of KN Literary. Her talks focus on the emotional and spiritual journey of writing.
- Ally Machate. A behind-the-scenes powerhouse who speaks on publishing strategy and author platforms.
- Honorée Corder. Business strategist and author coach. Her talks often focus on using books to build authority.
- Nina Amir. Known for her 'Authorpreneur' approach. She speaks on turning books into businesses.
These speakers have not only coached authors to success but also educated and inspired audiences worldwide.
Who are the best book coach speakers in the world
- Joanna Penn (UK). Internationally recognized for her work in self-publishing, she speaks at events across Europe, North America, and Australia.
- Chandler Bolt (USA). With a global student base, he's spoken at conferences from the US to Asia, teaching authors how to write and launch books fast.
- Karen Ferreira (South Africa). Founder of The Children's Book Mastery Summit, she's a go-to speaker for authors in the kids' book space.
- Tom Morkes (USA). Known for his growth marketing and publishing strategies, he's spoken at global entrepreneur summits.
- Sacha Black (UK). A fiction coach and speaker who's been featured in global writing podcasts and summits.
- Anita R. Henderson (USA). The 'Author's Midwife' helps professionals around the world birth their books and speaks on writing with purpose.
- Michael La Ronn (USA/Japan). A prolific author and YouTuber who speaks on writing productivity and legal issues for authors.
- Rashid Darden (USA). A literary activist and speaker focused on empowering marginalized voices in publishing.
- Yvonne Rediger (Canada). A coach and speaker in the romance and mystery genres, active in North American writing circuits.
- Rik Schnabel (Australia). A mindset coach and book mentor who speaks on using books to build thought leadership.
These speakers are not just regional stars... they're shaping the global conversation around writing, publishing, and coaching authors to success.
Common myths about book coach speakers
1. "Book coach speakers are just glorified motivational speakers."
This one's easy to believe if you've only seen highlight reels. But in reality, book coach speakers combine deep publishing expertise with speaking skills to educate, not just inspire. They guide aspiring authors through the writing, publishing, and marketing process-often with proven frameworks. Think of someone like Azul Terronez, who not only speaks on stages but also helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into published books. It's strategy, not just storytelling.
2. "You need to be a bestselling author to be a book coach speaker."
False. While having a bestselling book helps with credibility, it's not a requirement. What matters more is your ability to help others write and publish their books. Many successful book coach speakers have built their reputation by helping clients achieve success, not just by selling their own books. Their authority comes from results, not rankings.
3. "Book coach speakers only work with writers."
Not quite. Many of them work with business leaders, consultants, therapists, and even athletes who want to use a book to grow their brand or business. The book is often a tool for authority positioning, and the speaker's role is to help translate expertise into a compelling narrative. It's not about writing for writing's sake-it's about impact.
4. "You can't make a living as a book coach speaker."
This is outdated thinking. With the rise of virtual summits, online courses, and hybrid events, book coach speakers are monetizing in multiple ways: coaching programs, group masterminds, affiliate partnerships, and digital products. Some even license their frameworks to other coaches. It's not just about speaking fees anymore.
5. "Book coach speakers are only relevant in English-speaking markets."
Actually, the demand for book coaching and author education is growing globally. In regions like Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, more professionals are looking to publish books in their native languages or in English to reach international audiences. Bilingual book coach speakers are especially in demand.
So next time you hear someone reduce book coach speakers to 'just another speaker type,' you'll know better. It's a hybrid role that's strategic, scalable, and increasingly global.
Case studies of successful book coach speakers
Take Jennie Nash, for example. She started as a book coach long before the term was trendy. Over time, she built Author Accelerator, a training and certification platform for other coaches. What made her stand out as a speaker wasn't flashy slides or viral quotes-it was her ability to break down the writing process into a system that even overwhelmed first-time authors could follow. Her talks at publishing conferences and online summits are known for being both practical and empowering.
Then there's Azul Terronez, co-founder of Authors Who Lead. He's coached TEDx speakers, entrepreneurs, and even monks on how to write books that reflect their voice. As a speaker, he blends personal insight with tactical advice, often sharing how writing a book can unlock new business opportunities. His podcast and virtual events have positioned him as a go-to expert for thought leaders who want to publish with purpose.
In a different lane, Arlene Gale built her reputation by helping small business owners turn their expertise into books that generate leads. Her speaking engagements often focus on the ROI of writing a book-not just creatively, but financially. She's spoken at business expos and chamber events, showing that book coach speakers don't have to stick to literary circles.
And let's not forget the international angle. In India, Deepak Bajaj combines book coaching with motivational speaking, helping network marketers and entrepreneurs write books that boost their credibility. His talks are packed with energy, but also grounded in frameworks that attendees can apply immediately.
These stories show that success as a book coach speaker isn't about fitting into a mold. It's about carving out your niche, building trust through results, and showing up consistently-whether that's on stage, on Zoom, or on a podcast mic.
Future trends for book coach speakers
First, hybrid events are becoming the norm. Book coach speakers who can deliver value both in-person and virtually will have an edge. Virtual summits, like those hosted on platforms such as Virtual Summit Software, are giving speakers global reach without travel. That means more opportunities to connect with niche audiences, from indie authors in Berlin to startup founders in Lagos.
Second, AI-assisted writing tools are changing the conversation. Tools like ChatGPT and Sudowrite are helping authors draft faster, but they still need human guidance for structure, voice, and strategy. Book coach speakers who understand how to integrate these tools into their coaching and talks will stand out. Instead of resisting AI, the smart ones are using it to enhance their frameworks.
Third, micro-niching is on the rise. Instead of being a generalist book coach speaker, more pros are carving out verticals: memoirs for trauma survivors, books for SaaS founders, or children's books for bilingual families. This allows them to speak at highly targeted events and build deeper trust with their audience.
Here are a few key trends to watch:
- More demand for multilingual book coach speakers, especially in emerging markets.
- Growth of book-to-business models, where the book is a lead magnet for high-ticket services.
- Increased use of podcast guesting as a primary visibility strategy.
- Rise of certification programs for book coaches, creating new layers of authority.
- Expansion of author education into corporate wellness and leadership training.
In short, the future of book coach speakers isn't just about writing books. It's about helping others turn ideas into influence-across platforms, languages, and industries.
Tools and resources for aspiring book coach speakers
1. Talks.co
This podcast guest matching tool helps you get booked on shows that align with your niche. It's perfect for book coach speakers who want to build authority and reach new audiences without cold outreach.
2. Author Accelerator
A training and certification platform for book coaches. If you're serious about building credibility and want a structured methodology, this is a solid investment. Plus, being certified can open doors to speaking at publishing events.
3. Virtual Summit Software
Run your own summit or get featured on others. This tool helps you manage speaker lineups, session recordings, and audience engagement. Great for building your list while showcasing your expertise.
4. PodMatch
Another excellent platform for finding podcast opportunities. It matches you with hosts based on your expertise and bio. Use it to get in front of niche audiences who care about writing, publishing, or business growth.
5. Scrivener
While it's primarily a writing tool, Scrivener is great for organizing your speaking content too. Use it to draft your signature talk, outline your book coaching framework, or prep workshop materials.
6. Canva Pro
Design slides, social media graphics, and lead magnets without hiring a designer. Book coach speakers often need to present visually engaging content-Canva makes that easy.
7. Zoom
Still the go-to for virtual speaking gigs, coaching calls, and webinars. Invest in a good mic and lighting setup to stand out. Pro tip: record your sessions and repurpose clips for marketing.
8. ConvertKit
Build your email list with lead magnets like book planning checklists or publishing timelines. ConvertKit is easy to use and integrates with most landing page tools.
Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, these tools can help you streamline your workflow, grow your audience, and deliver more value as a book coach speaker.