7 Things Every Author Speaker Page Needs (If You Want to Actually Get Booked)
Your author speaker page has one job: turn “let me check out your site” into “yes, let’s book you.” Here’s what actually closes the deal.
You’ve been invited to speak. You’ve delivered keynotes that left audiences buzzing. You have a message that matters.
But when event planners Google you late at night on a Tuesday, they compare you to two other speakers. Does your speaking page make the decision easy?
Or does it prompt them to move on to someone else?
I’ve been in the writing trenches long enough to see what works and what costs authors opportunities. I’m not actively pursuing speaking gigs myself right now. I’m committed to stewarding websites for authors like you, but I also understand what event planners need to extend you a speaking invitation.
Here are the 7 things your speaking page needs if you want to turn interest into bookings.
1. Clear Speaking Topics with Outcomes (Not Just Titles)
The problem: Most author speaking pages list generic topics or just book titles.
“I speak on leadership.”
“Topics include: My Book Title, Another Book Title.”
Event planners can’t pitch that to their committee.
What works: Specific topics with the transformation that the audience gets.
Instead of: “Leadership for Women”
Try: “From Self-Doubt to Decision-Maker: Leading with Confidence in Male-Dominated Spaces”
Audiences walk away with 3 actionable strategies to advocate for themselves in high-stakes meetings and one framework for handling pushback with grace.
Why this matters: Event planners need to sell your session internally. Give them language that makes their job easy. Tell them what their audience will leave with, not just what you’ll talk about.
2. Proof You Can Actually Speak
The problem: Event planners are risk-averse. They’re spending real money (your fee, travel, marketing) and betting their reputation on you delivering.
What works (in order of effectiveness):
Video clip: 60-90 seconds of you speaking on stage. Doesn’t need to be professionally produced—phone footage works if the audio is clear and you look confident.
Testimonials from recognizable organizations: “Sarah spoke at our annual conference for 300 nonprofit leaders. Attendees rated her 4.8/5, and three organizations immediately reached out about consulting afterward.” — Jane Doe, Director of Programs, National Nonprofit Association
Logos of organizations where you’ve spoken: Even if they’re regional or niche, recognizable names build credibility.
Why this matters: No video + no recognizable names = they’re moving to the next speaker who has both. You might be phenomenal, but they don’t know that yet.
3. One Dead-Simple Way to Contact You (That Actually Works)
The problem: Broken contact forms. Five different contact options (email, form, DM me, carrier pigeon) so they don’t know which to use. Or a “contact my assistant” layer that adds friction when they just want to ask one quick question.
What works:
ONE contact form that you’ve tested in the last 30 days or ONE email address (SpeakingBookings@YourName.com feels more professional than your general contact.
Plus this line: “I typically respond within 24 business hours.”
Why this matters: Event planners are researching speakers late at night. If your contact method is broken or confusing, they’re not troubleshooting—they’re booking someone else.
4. Where You’re Located (And Where You’re Willing to Travel)
The problem: Event planners are budgeting. They need to know if you’re local, regional, or if they’re paying for cross-country flights and two hotel nights.
What works:
“Based in Wilmington, NC | Available for events nationwide | International bookings welcome.”
OR
“Based in Charlotte, NC | Primarily serving Southeast U.S. events | Open to national conferences for the right fit.”
Why this matters: It answers their question before they ask. And it signals whether you’re flexible or focused—both are fine, just be clear.
5. Your Speaker Fee (Or Starting Range)
The problem: Authors hesitate to list pricing because they’re worried about scaring people off.
But here’s the truth: if you don’t list a fee range, serious event planners assume one of two things:
- You’re too expensive for their budget (so they don’t ask)
- You’re inexperienced and will undervalue yourself
What works:
“Speaking fees start at $5,000 for keynotes.”
OR
“Investment starts at $3,000 and varies based on event size, location, and customization. Contact me for a detailed proposal.”
OR
“Speaking fees range from $7,500–$15,000 depending on event scope and travel requirements.”
Why this matters: Listing your fee (or a starting point) filters tire-kickers and attracts serious inquiries. It signals you’re a professional who values your expertise.
If someone’s budget is $1,000, you’ve saved both of you time. If their budget is $10,000, they know you’re in range and will reach out.
6. A Professional Photo of You Speaking (Or At Least Looking Speaker-Ready)
The problem: Your headshot is lovely, but event planners want to see you on a stage or at least imagine you there.
What works:
- Action shot of you speaking (even if it’s from a small event)
- Photo of you at a podium, holding a mic, or engaging with an audience
- Professional photo where you look confident, approachable, and like someone they’d want in front of their audience
Why this matters: It’s the difference between “I think she could be good” and “I can already picture her on our stage.”
7. Your Audience’s Dream Outcome (Who You Speak To and Why It Matters)
The problem: Event planners need to know if you’re the right fit for their audience.
What works:
A short section that says:
“Who I Speak To:”
I work best with audiences of entrepreneurial women, nonprofit leaders, and faith-based organizations who are navigating growth, leadership transitions, or building platforms that matter.
My speaking resonates with groups who value substance over hype, authenticity over performance, and practical application over motivational fluff.
Why this matters: It helps the right people say “that’s us” and helps the wrong people self-select out. You don’t want every gig—you want the right gigs.
My Dream Speaking Gigs (Just to Give You an Idea)
I’m not actively pursuing speaking engagements right now—I’m focused on stewarding websites for authors like you. But if I were? Here’s what I’d be chasing:
- She Speaks Conference (Proverbs 31 Ministries) — Women writers and speakers who want to grow their platforms with integrity
- Hope*Writers Member Summit — Authors building sustainable writing careers without burnout
- Elevate Coworking — Women-owned coworking space in Wilmington, where I’d love to lead a workshop on protecting creative energy while building a business
- Fueled by Faith ILM — Faith-fueled entrepreneur networking group doing beautiful work at the intersection of purpose and profit
- Local author panels at Wrightsville Beach Books or Pomegranate Books — Intimate gatherings where authors connect with readers face-to-face
Why these? They align with my values: creativity over hustle, depth over volume, stewardship over performance. I want to speak to rooms full of people doing meaningful work who need permission to protect their vision and focus on what matters.
The Bottom Line
Your speaking page isn’t about listing everything you’ve ever done. It’s about making one thing clear:
You’re the right person for their stage.
Give event planners:
- Topics with outcomes they can pitch
- Proof you’ll deliver
- Easy contact
- Transparency about location and fees
- A picture of you that they can imagine introducing
- Clarity about who you serve best
If your speaking page does all that? You’re not competing with three other speakers anymore.
You’re the obvious choice.
Want to make sure your entire website—not just your speaking page—is opening doors instead of costing you opportunities?
Download my free checklist: 12 Website Red Flags for Entrepreneurial Authors
Sarah Mays is a Website Steward for entrepreneurial authors. She helps women build platforms beyond book sales to protect their online presence—so they can focus on writing, speaking, and leading what matters. Based in Wilmington, NC.
