Why Every Public Speaker Should Write A Book
Public speaking is a great method of connecting with people and promoting your brand. Addressing an audience can be motivational, inspire them to action, or simply inform them of a topic that you’re passionate about.
If you’re a public speaker and searching for ways to book more appearances at conferences or meetups, there are a number of things you can try. Something you should definitely put on the top of this to-do list is writing a book.
While you can still book speaking events without being a published author, you can streamline the process and increase your chances of securing gigs when you have a published book on your resume.
Keep reading to find out more about why publishing a book as a public speaker can help you grow your career and allow you to make more of an impact in the industry.
Builds Authority
One of the biggest reasons you should write a book as a public speaker is to establish more authority in your field.
While you may have a lot of experience and a history with the topic you’re presenting, a person with the same background who has written a book is likely going to be seen as more credible to conference or event organizers.
If it comes down to you and a published author trying to get a spot, it’s going to come down to who has a book backing them. Publishing a book helps to prove credibility and authority, providing another reason for people to believe you know what you’re talking about.
You want to be the person with the edge here!
The public speaking space can be competitive, and the ability to stand out above the rest of your peers who have not written a book can help catapult your career. The more gigs you can book, the better! This is why every public speaker should write a book.
Many conference planners require potential public speakers to make a pitch as to why they should be allowed to speak at their event, since space is usually limited. Writing a book can give you more ammunition during this process as to why you’re a great pick and eliminate you from having to give a cold pitch to organizers.
Allows you to introduce preliminary topics to your audience
Just like not having to give a cold pitch to event organizers can help you book public speaking gigs, an audience appreciates being warmed up to the topic or idea that you’re going to be presenting.
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Public speakers only have a set amount of air time, and you want to make the amount you’re given count! Publishing a book can allow you to introduce preliminary topics to your audience ahead of time, which can give you more freedom when you get up on the stage.
Writing a book means that you won’t have to waste time on insignificant details during your speech. Being able to dive in with an audience who is familiar with your views and what you came to say can help you create more punch and hook your audience in quicker.
The quicker your audience is locked in to what you’re saying, the more likely you are to generate positive feedback after a gig. This positive feedback will get shared and allow you to keep building a following and increase your popularity – a great way to continue booking events!
Another perk to having these details established already? You have a built-in outline for things you want to address during your time on stage. Headers or chapters of your books ensure that you won’t run out of topics or ideas – they’re already written down!
Lets you find your ideal client
The great thing about becoming a more established and authoritative public speaker is the freedom it gives you when booking events.
In the beginning of your public speaking journey, it’s common to take what you can get and avoid being picky. When you’re trying to make a name for yourself in the industry, getting as much experience as you can is important.
Once you’ve been a speaker at several events and have a published book under your belt, however, you have the opportunity to be more selective. As your audience and credibility grows, the choice to speak in spaces you’re excited about is yours.
With this growth, you’ll be able to narrow in on your audience and carve out a lane for yourself in the space. Having an audience that’s easier to find means you’ll be able to book the right speaking engagements – and target them for book sales ahead of time.
As a published author, you also can leverage your resume and charge a higher rate to event organizers who are trying to get you on the list.
Sets you apart from the competition
As we mentioned before, being able to call yourself a published author is going to help prove your credibility and help you achieve “expert status” on the topic you’re speaking about.
Publishing a book is going to help increase your influence in your industry or subject matter you’re speaking on. More people are going to pay attention to YOU than the competition.
We’ve already emphasized that establishing authority in the public speaking space is important to a successful career and booking more gigs. Sometimes, a person will make a speech at a conference and never be heard from again – and you don’t want that to be you!
Writing a book means you’re willing to give away the information and knowledge that you’re set to speak about. It lets people know that you’re not some fly-by-night speaker – you’re the real deal, and you’re worth having at events.
Generate higher earnings
If you’re trying to make a living as a public speaker, having an additional source of revenue can help you get there. Publishing a book is a new income stream that can give you the opportunity to call public speaking your full-time career.
Event organizers and planners are going to do their research before filling up spots at their conferences. If you’ve written a book, they’ll have an easier time doing this and feel more confident in hiring you to speak. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: AUTHORITY!
Higher levels of credibility means there will be more demand for your services. This demand equals a higher price tag, plain and simple. The power of negotiation is something you’ll have at your disposal when deciding where you want to devote your time and resources!
Of course, sales of your book will also help you increase your earnings. Audience members attending these events are likely doing their research, too, and several of them might pick up a copy before they show up to hear you talk.
The opposite might be true as well – once an audience hears what you have to say, they’ll be looking for ways to connect with you off stage, and having a book available for purchase will give them this opportunity.
People connect with books, and connection is the key to success as a public speaker. The communication doesn’t have to end when your speech does. Your book will be there to dive deeper into topics and answer questions for your audience.
Building these relationships is the key to building your brand and business, which results in higher earnings over time.
HINT: As an in-demand speaker, you can require event organizers to purchase a copy of the book for every ticket sold, rather than having to announce, “I’ll be selling books in the back after this.”
Earn more publicity
Publicity is one of your best friends as a public speaker. Being an author gives you more chances for exposure in a number of ways.
One of these is SEO exposure, something that is proving more and more important in an ever-changing digital age. This can help your name appear higher on Google Search results for an audience looking for an authority on the topic you’ve published on.
Having listings on high-ranking sites like Amazon and other online booksellers can push your name into the public eye. It’s one of the best ways to reach new readers and event planners located in different places across the globe.
Not only does publishing a book help increase your SEO exposure, but it’s also something that can attract media attention. From local news shows to magazines or blogs, having a book in circulation makes you an expert, and the media loves experts.
When a guest is needed to fill a segment or interview, you’re going to be someone they want to talk to. These appearances and other publications are just one more way for you to grow as a public speaker.
Now you know why every public speaker should write a book
While you can break into the world of public speaking without a book behind you, why wouldn’t you choose to write one?
The benefits of publishing a book are numerous. Apart from the reasons we gave, becoming a published author is something that can give you a sense of pride and allow you to add one more accomplishment to your career!
If you’re intimidated about the experience, don’t fret. You’re not alone! Services like ours are designed to make the process of writing and publishing a book as simple as possible.
We’re here to help through the entire process, from strategy and outlining to creating your manuscript and designing your cover. Of course, we can help publish it and come up with a marketing plan to get it into the hands of your audience.
Find out more when you schedule a free consultation with an experienced Publishing Consultant today!