Booking Author Speaking Engagements from Pipeline Artists Symposium on Vimeo.

You’ve written your book, gotten it published and even done a book tour, congratulations! You are probably noticing that some authors are popping up at conventions, conferences, colleges and at the local library but don’t seem to be talking about their newest book, so what gives?

They have probably been invited by someone like me to speak for a literary event and now a whole new world of literary engagement is unfolding for them. So how do you get on this side quest and find other ways to connect with audiences?

Led by a literary events expert, this workshop will teach you how to:

• Spotlight on You: Learn how to create visibility around yourself as a speaker by putting together a clear route for engagement from initial contact to speech.
• Crafting the Perfect Talk: Discover the key elements of an effective title and talk that grabs attention and gets you invited back.
• Networking Strategies: Tips on how to connect with the right people and expand your speaking opportunities.
• Overcoming Rejection: Learn how to turn a no into a maybe for a different engagement.
• Everybody’s Doing It: How to get your literary friends to recommend you when the
• opportunity arises.
• Q&A Session: You’ve heard me talk for a while now so let’s hear from you!

By the end of this workshop, you will have a better understanding of different types of speaking gigs, how to connect with the right people, and how to make a great impression at your first or next speaking gig.

[Recorded October 23, 2024]

Questions about registration? Check our handy FAQ page.

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Ashley Wilkins has been professionally dedicated to the literary world for the majority of the past decade. Known for her passion for creating inclusive writing spaces and seamlessly blending the creative and practical aspects of literary events, she specializes in writing workshops focused on the business of writing and the best tips on writing from established authors to emerging authors.

At the Piper Center for Creative Writing, where she spent three transformative years, Ashley revitalized the Visiting Writers Series by introducing distinct literary themes, including a young adult series and a literary icon series which was notably launched by a visit from legendary children’s horror author R.L. Stine. She also built out a more robust line up for the yearly Desert Nights, Rising Stars conference expanding the workshops to include romance, mystery and fantasy leading to the conference making money for the first time since its inception. Her efforts in developing targeted partnerships and expanding their audience were pivotal in enhancing the center's reach and impact, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ashley’s work extends beyond institutional settings. Her involvement coordinating author and writer tracks at conventions like DragonCon and Phoenix Fan Fusion showcases her commitment to nurturing the next generation of writers. Working alongside established authors, she assists with a range of writing workshops, helping aspiring writers develop their craft.

Ashley’s personal love for fantasy and horror genres fuels her professional endeavors. When she’s not working, you can find her catching up on her reading pile, adding to her pulp collection, or slowly getting back into lifting. Her enthusiasm for novels, comics, and graphic novels not only inspires her work but also connects her with a broader community of literary enthusiasts.