My Novel Speakers

A novel speaker is an author who presents, teaches, or shares insights based on their fiction writing. Unlike keynote speakers who often focus on business or motivation, novel speakers dive into storytelling, character development, world-building, and the creative process behind their books.

They might speak at literary festivals, virtual summits, book clubs, or podcasts. Some novel speakers are bestselling authors with global reach, while others are indie writers with niche but loyal audiences. What connects them is their ability to translate the written word into spoken impact.

Novel speakers often tailor their talks to specific themes. For example, a historical fiction author might speak on the research process behind their novel, while a fantasy writer could explore how to build immersive worlds. These talks can be educational, inspirational, or purely entertaining.

In a virtual event or summit setting, novel speakers are especially valuable because they bring a narrative-driven approach. They're not just delivering information-they're telling a story. And in today's content-saturated world, that's a powerful differentiator.

So, whether you're running an event for aspiring writers, educators, or general readers, a novel speaker can offer a fresh, engaging voice that resonates across industries and interests.

When you bring a novel speaker into your event or show, you're not just adding a guest-you're adding a storyteller who can shift perspectives and spark imagination.

Novel speakers are important because they offer a unique lens on creativity, culture, and communication. Unlike business speakers who focus on metrics or strategies, novel speakers dive into the human experience. They explore emotion, conflict, and transformation through the lens of fiction.

In educational settings, novel speakers can help students connect with literature in a more personal way. In corporate environments, they can inspire teams to think more creatively or embrace narrative thinking in branding and leadership. And for general audiences, they offer entertainment with depth.

They also help diversify your speaker lineup. Including a novelist alongside marketers, coaches, or tech experts adds variety and balance. It signals that your event values both logic and imagination, data and story.

Ultimately, novel speakers remind us that stories matter. And in a world where attention is currency, a well-told story can be more valuable than a thousand stats.

Novel speakers bring the art of fiction to life through live or recorded talks, interviews, and workshops. Their role isn't just to talk about their books-it's to share the creative process, the themes behind their stories, and the lessons that fiction can teach us.

Here's what they typically do:

- Deliver talks or keynotes. They speak at events, conferences, or virtual summits on topics like storytelling, character arcs, or the writing journey.

- Participate in interviews or panels. Whether on a podcast or a live Q&A, they answer questions about their work, their inspiration, and their views on literature or society.

- Lead workshops or masterclasses. Some novel speakers teach writing techniques, help others develop their own stories, or guide discussions around specific genres.

- Engage with diverse audiences. From book clubs in small towns to international literary festivals, novel speakers adapt their message to fit the audience's interests and level of familiarity.

- Promote their work and others'. While they often speak to promote their own novels, many also champion other authors, genres, or causes through their platform.

As mentioned in 'How to Select the Best novel speaker for Your Show', the best ones do more than talk-they connect, educate, and inspire. Whether you're hosting a summit, podcast, or classroom session, a novel speaker can bring a fresh, story-driven perspective that sticks.

Becoming a my novel speaker isn't just about having a great story to tell. It's about knowing how to share it in a way that connects, inspires, and delivers value. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define your unique narrative.
- Ask yourself: What makes your novel different? Is it the genre, the characters, your journey as a writer?
- Identify the themes your book explores. These will shape your speaking topics.

2. Build your speaker profile.
- Create a speaker page on platforms like Talks.co. Include your bio, headshot, speaking topics, and a short video of you presenting.
- Highlight your novel, awards, media mentions, and any past speaking engagements.

3. Start small and local.
- Reach out to local libraries, book clubs, schools, and writing groups.
- Offer to speak for free initially to build experience and testimonials.

4. Network with event organizers.
- Use Talks.co to connect with podcast hosts, virtual summit organizers, and conference planners.
- Send personalized pitches that show how your talk aligns with their audience's interests.

5. Refine your talk.
- Practice storytelling techniques: pacing, voice modulation, and audience engagement.
- Include actionable takeaways, especially if you're speaking to aspiring writers or readers.

6. Collect feedback and iterate.
- After each talk, ask for feedback and testimonials.
- Use this to improve your delivery and update your speaker profile.

Once you've got momentum, you can start charging for your talks, booking larger stages, and even turning your speaking into a full-time gig. The key is to stay consistent and keep evolving your message.

A my novel speaker is someone who uses their experience as a novelist to speak at events, workshops, podcasts, or summits. But what exactly do you need to step into this role?

First and foremost, you need a compelling novel. This doesn't mean it has to be a bestseller, but it should have a clear theme, strong characters, and a story that resonates. Your book is your credibility anchor.

Second, you need clarity on your message. Are you speaking about your writing journey? The creative process? Mental health through fiction? Your talk should offer value beyond just promoting your book. For example, if your novel explores climate change, you might speak at environmental events about storytelling for impact.

Third, you need presentation skills. You don't have to be a TED-level speaker, but you do need to be engaging. Practice helps, but so does watching other speakers. Platforms like Talks.co are great for discovering how others structure their talks and connect with audiences.

Fourth, you need visibility. A speaker page is essential. It should include:
- Your bio and headshot.
- A list of speaking topics.
- A short demo video.
- Testimonials or reviews.

Finally, you need a way to connect with event hosts. Talks.co is built for this. It lets you pitch yourself to podcast hosts, summit organizers, and more. The easier you make it for someone to book you, the more likely they will.

In short, being a my novel speaker is about combining your story, your message, and your delivery into something that serves an audience. If you can do that, you're already halfway there.

Yes, my novel speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on a few key factors: experience, niche, audience size, and the type of event.
Let's break it down:
- New or self-published authors often start by speaking for free or in exchange for book sales, especially at local events or online summits.
- Mid-tier authors with a few books and some media exposure might earn $250 to $1,000 per talk.
- Bestselling or award-winning authors can command $2,500 to $10,000+ per keynote, especially at conferences or corporate events.
Here's a quick comparison of typical payment scenarios:

Event Type	Typical Pay Range
Local book club	Free or book sales
Podcast guest	Usually unpaid
Virtual summit	$100 - $500 or free
Writing conference	$500 - $2,000
Corporate keynote	$2,500 - $10,000+

Pros:
- Speaking can open doors to consulting, coaching, or course sales.
- Paid gigs often include travel and accommodation.
Cons:
- It can take time to build a paid speaking portfolio.
- Not all events have a budget for speakers, especially in the literary space.
So yes, my novel speakers get paid, but it's often a journey from free gigs to high-paying keynotes. The more value you bring to an audience, the more you can charge.

My novel speakers have multiple income streams, and the smartest ones diversify. Here's how they typically earn:

1. Speaking Fees
- This is the most direct source. Depending on experience and event type, fees range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
- Keynote speeches, panels, and workshops are common formats.

2. Book Sales
- Speaking creates visibility, which drives book sales.
- Many speakers negotiate bulk sales into their speaking contracts. For example, a corporate client might buy 200 copies for attendees.

3. Courses and Workshops
- Some speakers turn their expertise into online courses or writing workshops.
- Platforms like Teachable or Kajabi make it easy to monetize this.

4. Consulting or Coaching
- Authors who speak on writing, publishing, or branding often offer 1:1 coaching.
- This is especially common among nonfiction novelists or hybrid authors.

5. Affiliate Revenue
- If you speak about tools or services (like Scrivener or self-publishing platforms), you can earn affiliate income.

6. Virtual Summits and Podcasts
- While many are unpaid, some summits offer speaker commissions or exposure that leads to paid gigs.
- Talks.co helps speakers connect with these opportunities.

In short, the most successful my novel speakers treat speaking as a business. They don't just rely on fees... they build an ecosystem around their message.

The income of my novel speakers varies widely, depending on their experience, niche, and how they monetize their platform. Let's look at some data points and scenarios:
- Entry-level speakers (new authors or indie writers): $0 to $500 per event. Many start by speaking for free to build their portfolio.
- Mid-tier speakers (authors with a few books and some media exposure): $500 to $2,000 per talk.
- Top-tier speakers (bestselling authors or those with a strong brand): $5,000 to $20,000+ per keynote.
Here's a breakdown of potential annual income:

Speaker Type	Events/Year	Avg. Fee/Event	Annual Income Estimate
Beginner	10	$0 - $250	$0 - $2,500
Mid-Tier	20	$1,000	$20,000
Top-Tier	30	$7,500	$225,000

Additional revenue sources can significantly boost these numbers:
- Book royalties.
- Online course sales.
- Coaching or consulting.
- Affiliate partnerships.
So while some my novel speakers earn a modest side income, others turn it into a six-figure business. It all comes down to how you position yourself and what value you deliver.

If you're looking to hire a my novel speaker for your event, the cost can vary based on several factors: their experience, the size and type of event, and what you're asking them to deliver.
Here's a general pricing guide:

Speaker Level	Type of Event	Typical Cost Range
Emerging Author	Book clubs, local talks	Free - $250
Mid-Level Author	Writing workshops	$500 - $2,000
Established Author	Conferences, summits	$2,000 - $10,000
Celebrity Author	Corporate keynotes	$10,000 - $50,000+

What affects the cost?
- Format: Keynotes cost more than panels or Q&As.
- Customization: If they're tailoring content for your audience, expect to pay more.
- Travel: In-person events may require covering flights, hotels, and per diem.
- Exposure: Some speakers reduce their fee if the event offers major visibility or book sales.
Tips for hiring on a budget:
- Use Talks.co to find emerging speakers who are building their portfolio.
- Offer value beyond money: professional video footage, testimonials, or book sales.
In short, the cost of a my novel speaker depends on what you want and what they bring to the table. But there's a speaker for every budget if you know where to look.

Here's a list of some of the most impactful my novel speakers ever - authors who've taken their stories beyond the page and onto the stage:

- Maya Angelou: Her poetic voice and powerful life story made her a commanding speaker on identity, resilience, and civil rights.
- Toni Morrison: A Nobel Prize-winning novelist who gave deeply intellectual and moving talks on race, language, and storytelling.
- Neil Gaiman: Known for his fantasy novels, Gaiman is also a captivating speaker who blends humor, wisdom, and imagination.
- Margaret Atwood: The author of 'The Handmaid's Tale' speaks on dystopia, feminism, and the future of literature.
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Her TED Talk 'We Should All Be Feminists' became a global phenomenon, showing how fiction can fuel social change.
- Salman Rushdie: Despite controversy, Rushdie has spoken extensively on free speech, literature, and politics.
- Isabel Allende: Her talks are rich with personal history, magical realism, and themes of love and loss.
- Stephen King: While more reclusive, his rare talks on writing and fear are legendary among fans.
- Elizabeth Gilbert: Author of 'Eat, Pray, Love', she's a dynamic speaker on creativity and personal transformation.
- Kurt Vonnegut: Known for his wit and satire, Vonnegut delivered memorable lectures on war, writing, and human absurdity.

These speakers didn't just write great books - they used their voices to expand their impact, often speaking at universities, global forums, and literary festivals.

Looking at the global stage today, these my novel speakers are making waves across continents, languages, and genres:

- Haruki Murakami (Japan): Though famously private, his rare public talks on writing, jazz, and solitude draw massive international interest.
- Arundhati Roy (India): A Booker Prize winner and activist, Roy speaks powerfully on politics, literature, and justice.
- Colson Whitehead (USA): With two Pulitzers under his belt, Whitehead's talks blend humor, history, and cultural critique.
- Leïla Slimani (France/Morocco): A rising literary star, Slimani speaks on gender, identity, and postcolonial narratives.
- Elif Shafak (Turkey/UK): A TED speaker and novelist, Shafak is known for her eloquent talks on democracy, storytelling, and belonging.
- David Mitchell (UK): Author of 'Cloud Atlas', Mitchell's talks are as layered and imaginative as his novels.
- Yaa Gyasi (Ghana/USA): Her insights on diaspora, history, and trauma resonate deeply with global audiences.
- Mohsin Hamid (Pakistan): A sharp speaker on migration, identity, and the power of fiction to cross borders.
- Marjane Satrapi (Iran/France): Graphic novelist and filmmaker, Satrapi speaks on art, politics, and memory.
- Ali Smith (Scotland): Known for her experimental fiction, Smith's talks are poetic, playful, and thought-provoking.

These authors are not just literary icons - they're global voices using the stage to challenge, inspire, and connect across cultures.

Let's talk about some of the biggest misconceptions floating around about novel speakers. These are the folks who bring fictional narratives to life on stage, often blending storytelling with performance, education, or advocacy. And yet, they're often misunderstood.

- Myth 1: Novel speakers are just authors reading their books.
This one's common, but it's off the mark. While some novel speakers are authors, the role goes far beyond reading chapters aloud. Think of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose TED Talk 'The Danger of a Single Story' wasn't a book reading-it was a masterclass in narrative perspective. Novel speakers craft talks that use fiction as a lens to explore real-world issues, emotions, and ideas.

- Myth 2: There's no demand for novel speakers outside of literary festivals.
Not true. Novel speakers are showing up in corporate events, educational conferences, and even tech summits. Why? Because storytelling is universal. A speaker who can use a fictional tale to explain empathy, leadership, or innovation can connect with any audience. Just look at how Margaret Atwood's speculative fiction has sparked conversations at climate and ethics panels.

- Myth 3: You need to be a published novelist to be a novel speaker.
Nope. Some novel speakers are playwrights, screenwriters, or even spoken-word artists. What matters is your ability to use fictional narrative to engage and inspire. For example, in South Africa, local storytellers use traditional folklore to speak on social justice issues-no book deal required.

- Myth 4: Novel speakers can't be taken seriously in business or policy spaces.
This myth underestimates the power of narrative. In fact, many policy think tanks and NGOs now invite novel speakers to help humanize data. A fictional story about a refugee child can communicate urgency in a way charts can't. That's why organizations like the UN have partnered with artists and storytellers to shape campaigns.

- Myth 5: It's all performance, no substance.
The best novel speakers balance art and insight. They use metaphor, character arcs, and plot to make complex ideas digestible. It's not fluff-it's strategy. Think of it like using parables: the story is the delivery system, but the message is sharp and clear.

When you think of a novel speaker, you might picture someone on a stage, book in hand, reading to a quiet room. But the reality is way more dynamic. Let's look at a few standout examples of novel speakers who've carved out unique paths.

In Tokyo, Yuki Tanaka, a former manga writer, began speaking at tech conferences. At first, attendees were confused-what could a comic book author possibly offer to a room full of engineers? But Yuki's talks used characters from her stories to explain AI ethics. She'd walk through a fictional plot where a robot made moral decisions, then pause to ask the audience what they would do. Her sessions became some of the most talked-about at Japan's largest innovation summit.

Across the globe in Brazil, Ana Ribeiro, a teacher-turned-novelist, started speaking at education conferences. She used scenes from her young adult novels to highlight systemic issues in public schools. Her fictional characters faced bullying, underfunded classrooms, and burnout-mirroring real-life challenges. Her talks were so impactful that local school boards began using her books in teacher training.

Then there's David Chen in Toronto. Originally a screenwriter, David transitioned into public speaking after his dystopian short film gained traction online. He crafted a keynote around the film's themes-privacy, surveillance, and digital identity. Instead of showing slides, he narrated scenes from the script, then broke down their real-world implications. Tech companies started inviting him to speak at cybersecurity events.

Each of these speakers took a different route, but they share a common thread: they used fiction as a framework to explore real-world issues. They didn't just tell stories-they made audiences feel, think, and act. That's the power of a novel speaker done right.

Novel speakers are stepping into new territory, and the landscape is shifting in exciting ways. What used to be a niche role is now expanding into mainstream conversations across industries.

One major trend is the rise of immersive storytelling. With tools like virtual reality and augmented reality, novel speakers are beginning to incorporate multi-sensory elements into their talks. Imagine attending a keynote where a speaker walks you through a post-apocalyptic cityscape from their novel, and you experience it through VR. This isn't sci-fi-it's already happening at events like SXSW and Future of StoryTelling.

Another shift: cross-industry collaboration. Novel speakers are teaming up with data scientists, climate researchers, and even economists to create hybrid presentations. These talks combine fictional narratives with hard data to make complex topics more relatable. For example, a speaker might use a fictional family's journey through a climate crisis to illustrate the human cost of rising sea levels.

Here are a few key trends to watch:
- Interactive formats. Audiences want to engage, not just listen. Speakers are using live polls, choose-your-own-adventure segments, and audience roleplay to make talks participatory.
- Global voices. More novel speakers from non-Western countries are gaining visibility, bringing fresh perspectives and culturally rich narratives to international stages.
- Corporate storytelling. Businesses are hiring novel speakers to train teams on empathy, communication, and leadership through story-based workshops.
- AI-assisted storytelling. Some speakers are experimenting with AI tools to co-write fictional content or generate dynamic visuals during their talks.

As storytelling continues to evolve, novel speakers are proving they're not just entertainers-they're architects of new ways to learn, connect, and imagine.

If you're looking to become a novel speaker, you'll need more than just a good story. Here's a curated list of tools and resources to help you build your platform, polish your craft, and get booked.

1. Talks.co. This platform helps match speakers with podcast hosts. It's a great way to get early exposure, test your message, and build credibility. Tip: Create a speaker profile that highlights how your fictional narratives connect to real-world themes.

2. Storytelling for Influence by Akimbo. This workshop, created by Seth Godin's team, dives deep into how to craft stories that move people. Ideal for novel speakers who want to sharpen their narrative structure and audience engagement.

3. Scrivener. While it's known as a writing tool, Scrivener is also great for organizing talks that are story-driven. Use it to map out your narrative arcs, character examples, and transitions.

4. Canva. Visuals matter. Even if your talk is story-heavy, slides can help anchor key points. Canva's templates make it easy to design professional decks without hiring a designer.

5. SpeakerHub. A directory and booking platform for speakers. You can list your profile, connect with event organizers, and browse speaking opportunities by region or topic.

6. The Moth Podcast. Listening to real people tell real stories is one of the best ways to learn pacing, tone, and emotional delivery. Study how speakers build tension and land their message.

7. Coursera - Storytelling and Influencing. This course by Macquarie University covers how to use storytelling in professional settings. It's especially useful if you want to speak at corporate or nonprofit events.

8. Reedsy. If you're developing a novel or fictional content to support your talks, Reedsy connects you with editors, designers, and writing coaches.

Use these tools not just to build your talk, but to build your brand as a novel speaker. The more you refine your story and your delivery, the more doors will open.