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Book Publicist Scott Lorenz offers Authors Book Marketing Tips and Techniques on his Blog “The Book Publicist”

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Top TEDx Talks for Authors

Top TEDx Talks for Book Authors

By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing

TED or TEDx Talks are an invaluable resource for everyone, including authors. Whether you’re an aspiring author, early on in your career, or have been on the New York Times Best Seller list multiple times, you can definitely learn something from them. Since there are countless TEDx Talks out there, I’ve put together this list of the top talks for authors. No matter what your goals are as an author, they’re sure to motivate, inspire, intrigue, and educate you in some way shape or form.

How to Sell Without Selling Your Soul by Steve Harrison

I’ve known Steve Harrison for 25+ years. He is a leading book marketing and book publishing expert whose company helped launch a number of bestselling books including Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Chicken Soup for the Soul. In his TEDx talk, you’ll learn a four-step method that will allow you to sell your book more effectively. All types of people, therapists, doctors, business owners, and authors reach out to him for advice on how to take their ventures to the next level.

The Clues to a Great Story by Andrew Stanton

Screenwriter Andrew Stanton and the face behind Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Monsters, Inc, Finding Nemo, and many others shares all the essential elements needed for a great story. He explains that storytelling is a lot like joke telling because you have to know your punchline. Stanton reinforces the fact that whatever you write should connect with others emotionally. Give them a reason to care.

Want to Be More Creative? Go for a Walk by Marily Oppezzo

Regardless of the genre, creativity is key to a successful book. That’s where this quick, five-minute TED talk by Marily Oppezzo, a behavioral and learning scientist comes in. According to Oppezzo, a simple walk can be all it takes to get your creative juices flowing. It might help you out the next time you get stuck during your next brainstorm.

Words, Not Ideas by ​​Mattie Bamman

Mattie Bamman is a culinary writer and editor who came up with this TED talk to explain why writer’s block happens and what you can do to overcome it. She suggests that it’s the words themselves that often make writing a challenge. That’s why you should view words as objects, estimate how many you need, and create a blueprint that will help you complete the books.

How To Write A Book In A Weekend: Serve Humanity By Writing A Book by Chandler Bolt

Author of six bestselling books and CEO of Self Publishing School, Chandler Bolt gave a TED talk called “How To Write A Book In A Weekend: Serve Humanity By Writing A Book.” It revolves around his belief that the best way to serve humanity is to write a book. Bolt also dives into what keeps most people from getting started and how you can get your rough draft done in just one weekend.

The Bottom Line: TED’s mission is “ideas worth spreading,” and I believe these TED and TEDx Talks firmly live up to it. Check them out. You won’t be disappointed!

About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.

Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.

Would you like help promoting your book?

If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?

Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!


How Authors Can Get Speaking Gigs

How Authors Can Get Speaking Gigs

Want to become a sought-after speaker? Then get cracking on this list and tell the world what you talk about and line up some speaking gigs. DO IT TODAY.

By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications

During the pandemic speaking gigs were canceled by the thousands. Now they are back. There’s also a hybrid opportunity with speakers getting booked in Virtual Conferences as well as in-person.  Being a book publicist, I am often asked to help authors get speaking gigs. But, it’s a specialty in itself and outside our wheelhouse. Authors can make a lot of money speaking, sometimes more than selling books.  Generally, it’s the book that creates the demand which demonstrates the expertise that people want to hear.  Some of my clients earn anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000 per speech routinely. It’s getting on the circuit that’s difficult.

I’ve compiled a list of people and companies in this business that authors can engage with, who represent potential speakers. For many of these entities, their client is the company or organization looking for a speaker and not you.  They want a good fit and someone who’ll deliver a terrific speech. As hockey great Wayne Gretzky said, “You can’t score unless you shoot!”

Here’s the list:

All American Speakers – https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/category/Authors

All American Speakers assists meeting professionals, event producers, corporate groups, universities, nonprofits and associations in booking speakers and entertainment. The database “houses booking information on everyone on the speaker circuit, regardless of their agency/bureau affiliation.”

Endless Speaker Leads – https://www.endlessspeakerleads.com/learn-more

Jess Todtfeld author of Media Secrets: A Media Training Crash Course, has curated some of the biggest resources for speakers in one place.  Using online videos, Todtfeld explains how to find conferences and the contacts who are the decision-makers. Todtfeld suggests authors and experts add speaking as a profit center to help drive more book sales and drive more business.  Says Todtfeld, “If you can get more leads, you can make more connections and get more offers to have you as a speaker.” Watch an interview Jess conducted with Christa Haberstock of the SeeAgency about getting a speaker’s agent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO_V5vUpI4Y

American Program Bureau – https://www.apbspeakers.com/topics/

American Program Bureau books renowned literature speakers, including best-selling authors, historians and poets. The website has easy-to-browse categories and sub-topics to easily find speakers for any conference. I used this firm back when I was in college at UNLV to book speakers for the University. A great company with an incredible roster and reach.

Charli Jane Speaker Club – https://charlijane.com/charli-jane-speakers-club/

Charli Jane actively seeks speaking opportunities and lists them on their members-only website. Charli Jane’s service is different from a speaker bureaus in that YOU reach out to the people looking for a speaker. They charge a nominal monthly fee but they also do the heavy lifting by compiling a list of 200+ speaking opportunities a month. Then you reach out to the best prospects. If it’s a good fit you get booked.

Christian Speakers Services – https://www.christianspeakersservices.com/

The organization serves event planners and ministry leaders. Everyone on the speaker’s roster has been vetted. You must complete an application to be represented by the organization.

ExpertClick – https://www.expertclick.com/

Many speakers and authors turn to Expert Click to send news releases and to expand their online platform. Their proprietary news release distribution service pushes out ten ways including via Google News. Authors can get found based on 30+ key words that meeting planners are searching for. They pull the author’s blog on an RSS feed and syndicate them into the press rooms, thereby getting more exposure, distribution of content and ‘Google Juice. According to CEO Mitch Davis, “We have 150+ speakers and authors who use us including Patricia Fripp, Alan Weiss and Jeffrey Gitomer.  We were featured in Tim Ferris’s book Four Hour Work Week, and PRWeek called us ‘a dating service of PR,’ The New York Times called us ‘dial-an-expert.’ I use it and recommend it. When you join at this discount link you can save $100: https://www.ExpertClick.com/Discount/Scott_Lorenz

Espeakers – https://www.espeakers.com/

The eSpeakers Marketplace brings the world’s greatest speakers together in one place and makes it easy for buyers to filter by topic, price range, and availability. Their platform takes the hassle out of booking and scheduling for both meeting planners and speakers.  They offer a cloud-based, multiuser calendar suite; (they’re sort of like the Airbnb for speakers). They also connect speakers to over 50+ speaker directories saving hours of tedious administrative duties. It’s no wonder they are the preferred choice for many top speakers.

GigSalad – https://www.gigsalad.com/

A service that books entertainment and speakers for parties, productions and events of all kinds. This platform books10,000+ performers and presenters across the U.S. and Canada. The website’s search tool allows potential clients to view authors, categorized by genre and location.

HarperCollins Speakers Bureau – https://www.harpercollinsspeakersbureau.com/

The HarperCollins Speakers Bureau is only accessible to authors published by HarperCollins, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan. It works with corporations, universities, schools, associations, libraries, clubs, hospitals, foundations, and other professional groups and societies in the U.S. and around the world.

Harry Walker Agency – https://www.harrywalker.com/

The Harry Walker Agency works with thousands of meeting planners in need of speakers. The agency belongs to the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB) and has largest breadth and highest caliber of speakers in the world.

International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB) – https://www.iasbweb.org/default.aspx

IASB is the only trade association that exclusively represents speakers bureaus and agencies. Meeting professionals that request assistance in locating a speaker are referred to the Bureau Directory on the IASB website. IASB encourages meeting professionals to seek out member bureaus when searching for speakers.

Lyceum Agency – https://www.lyceumagency.com/

The Lyceum Agency represents authors and academics for speeches, lectures and readings on a variety on subjects. Access to an impressive list of speakers is available on the website.

Nancy Vogl Speakers Bureau – http://www.nancyvoglspeakers.com/

A “boutique bureau” that books professional speakers in leadership, diversity and sales, futurists, health and wellness professionals and those sending a message of hope and inspiration. It’s located in Traverse City, Michigan.

National Speakers Association (NSA) – https://nsaspeaker.org/

NSA has a network of 3,400+ speakers and has the tools, techniques and professional connections to help you share your message effectively. Whether you speak at their annual conference, chapter meetings or other events, NSA is eager to help you grow your business.

National Speakers Bureau – https://nationalspeakers.com/

National Speakers Bureau has achieved over 40 years of success! Clients are primarily corporations and business associations. Speakers are searchable on their website according to topic and fee. **Only a small fraction of received speaker inquiries result in a correct fit.

Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) – https://www.pcma.org/

Professional Convention Management Association calls itself “the definitive authority in education, business networking and community engagement for leaders in the global meetings, convention and business events industry.” PCMA has more than 6,500 members and 50,000 customers.

redBrick Agency – https://redbrickagency.com/applause/

The redBrick Agency works with corporations, conventions, arts and lecture venues, libraries, performing arts centers, schools, colleges and universities. The agency represents authors and all kinds of speakers.

Speakers’ Spotlight – https://www.speakers.ca/

Speakers’ Spotlight has arranged more than 20,000 speaking engagements in over 30 countries. The agency finds speakers for leading corporations, associations, government agencies, colleges and universities, school boards, health care organizations and charities.

Steven Barclay Agency – https://www.barclayagency.com/

The Steven Barclay Agency serves colleges, universities, schools, performing arts centers, corporations, associations, and for private events.

TED – https://www.ted.com/

Collectively, TED speakers have won every major prize awarded for excellence, including the Nobel, Pritzker, Pulitzer, Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, Tony and MacArthur “genius” grant. TED also seeks out emerging artists, scientists and thinkers, introducing them to the TED community.

To speak at TED – https://www.ted.com/about/conferences/speaking-at-ted

TEDx – https://www.ted.com/about/programs-initiatives/tedx-program

A TEDx event is a local gathering where live TED-like talks and videos previously recorded at TED conferences are shared with the community. TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis.

The Tuesday Agency – https://tuesdayagency.com/about/

The Tuesday Agency is a full-service lecture agency representing elite authors, journalists, historians, artists and scholars. Based in Iowa City, “The Tuesday Agency is dedicated to the literary arts and to thoughtful dialogue.”

Thumbtack – https://www.thumbtack.com/

This platform’s motto is “From house painting to personal training, we bring you the right pros for every project on your list.” Although presentations are more obscure than other professional services offered, this platform does book motivational speakers. Special attention: Lifestyle coaches and authors sending a positive message.

“If authors want to get speaking gigs they need to figure out where the leads are and have an easy system for following up on them,” says Jess Todtfeld, creator of  EndlessSpeakerLeads.com, a guide to finding and connecting with events and those who book them.

SPEAKERHUB – https://speakerhub.com/

Believes in the power of live presentations and personal connections, which is why they created SpeakerHub. They are not a speaker agency but the fastest-growing community of professional, independent, or amateur public speakers and trainers who’d like to be found by companies, event organizers and schools. They welcome anyone with expertise in any field who is open to speaking at conferences, events or schools as a paid or pro bono presenter.

Use this service ONLY if you are LOOKING for a speaker for your conference:  ProfNet Speaker Service by CISION https://profnet.prnewswire.com/ProfNetHome/Speaker-service-experts.aspx

Just fill out the form at this link with all the pertinent event information and they’ll distribute your profile via their extensive network of professional communicators and experts. Conference organizers can submit a request for speakers, moderators and panelists for upcoming conferences, webinars, meetings and other such events. There is no cost to submit a request.

The Bottom Line:  Want to become a sought-after speaker? Then get cracking on this list and tell the world what you talk about and line up some speaking gigs. DO IT TODAY.

About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.

Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.

Would you like help promoting your book?

If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?

Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!


Book Publicity Who Needs It? 127 Reasons to Go Get It!

Book Publicity Who Needs It? 127 Reasons to Go Get It!

By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications

Book publicity can change an author’s life. Don’t put off the most important part of publishing a book. Book marketing costs money but obscurity costs more!

Authors will often wonder what book publicity all about is and ask me about the benefits of marketing their book.

Here’s a list of 127 reasons authors should seek out book publicity.

1. An agent will ‘discover’ your book and offer to represent you.

2. Publicity is Free. Advertising costs money.

3. Your book marketing will spark ideas for new offerings.

4. You’ll get good (WOM) word of mouth advertising.

5. You’ll become the go-to author the media seeks out.

6. You’ll get new business because of all the publicity.

7. You’ll create positive energy generating more good book ideas while book marketing

8. Book publicity success will lead to loyal employees.

9. You’ll be a more driven, optimistic, and secure author.

10. Other authors will be blown away by your book publicity.

11. Book publicity will pay off because you’ll be able to work less.

12. Your book will inspire you to create another product or service.

13. Well-known TV shows will reach out to you because they’ve ‘heard of you.’

14. Readers will become loyal to you and demand you write more!

15. Demand for your services allow you to raise your prices.

16. Third party media endorsements will result in new business, speaking engagements.

17. Media stories about you will help your website show up first on internet searches.

18. Celebrities will be reaching out to you to learn more about your book.

19. Those who previously never paid attention to your book want to be your friend.

20. Random strangers come up to you and remember you as an author they saw on TV.

21. Your Amazon.com orders will skyrocket.

22. Your book publicity will help you create a name for yourself in politics.

23. New found ‘fans’ will ask you for your autograph.

24. Your book promotion will turn into sales.

25. The online ads for your books will lead to sales and consulting deals.

26. You’ll get more inquiries for your business or practice.

27. Your book marketing will spread across the Internet

28. Your employees will be proud of working with you.

29. Legislation that you initiate or inspire gets enacted.

30. When the economy gets tough, your book will keep you thriving.

31. You’ll be invited to prestigious events

32. Customers will gladly buy your book.

33. Book buyers will ask for your book in stores.

34. You can charge a higher price for your books

35. Since people are pre-sold about you and your book they’re predisposed to work with you.

36. Book publicity is more credible and therefore more believable than a paid ad.

37. Media outlets will reach out and offer your book more free publicity.

38. You may have the opportunity to write a syndicated column about your book

39. You may get paid keynote speaking engagements.

40. Book deals will come to you.

41. Your book will be purchased by a major company for promotional purposes

42. Your compensation as an author will grow over time.

43. Book publicity will help you become well-known in your specialty.

44. You’ll get your own TV or Radio show.

45. Those who were skeptical about your book now own it.

46. Big-name media outlets will feature your book.

47. You’ll make $$$ speaking about your book.

48. Your book publicity will help you brand yourself.

49. Major magazines will feature you and your book on their front covers.

50. Your book will become so popular that it’ll be time for you to host a radio show.

51. Framed articles about you and your book will decorate your office

52. Articles about you and your book will get shared all over Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter etc.

53. Well-known personalities will endorse YOU!

54. Your book promotion will pay off because you’ll buy your dream home.

55. Your writing techniques will be taught at schools globally.

56. Your book will create a business big enough to franchise.

57. People will be inspired and positively impacted by your book.

58. Significant mistakes will be prevented thanks to your work as an author.

59. Issues you discuss during your book publicity will be taken seriously.

60. Those who appreciate you and your book want to be in your company.

61. Lots of money will come your way when you act as a celebrity endorser.

62. You’ll make money when ideas from you book are licensed.

63. Book groupies will follow all of your public appearances.

64. You’ll be flooded with bulk book orders by organizations who love what your book.

65. Your message becomes part of the lexicon of the language.

66. Major stores will want to sell your book to their customers.

67. You’ll get discounts from those who are interested in a business opportunity.

68. Promoting your books to international markets will be possible.

69. Your book promotion will motivate others to pursue their dreams.

70. The cause outlined in your book will receive grant money from foundations

71. Your family will admire your achievements and be inspired by your success

72. Your children will be inspired by your success.

73. Your closest friends will proudly brag about your book

74. Book promotion will be more fun than you think!

75. Once your book publicity efforts pay off, you’ll enjoy greater self-esteem.

76. Your book publicity success will inspire you to take better care of yourself

77. Others will view you as an author and expert.

78. You’ll have an edge over your competitors

79. Your customers will see your book solidifying a positive image.

80. Investing opportunities will come to you from venture capital companies.

81. Your success as an author will attract experts to help you.

82. People will take your advice to heart.

83. Your love life will improve as a result of the fame your book publicity has brought you.

84. Your name will be in the databases of TV & Radio producers and journalists.

85. Your book publicity will earn you various awards and nominations.

86. Your legacy will be as a successful author.

87. Other authors will covet your level of success.

88. Your book will be at the front and center at indie and big box bookstores.

89. A commencement speech at your alma mater will be offered to you.

90. Those who once looked down upon you as an author will now see you everywhere.

91. Other people will become passionate about the cause your book revolves around.

92. The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and The New York Times name your book a BESTSELLER.

93. You’ll make more memories with your loved ones.

94. You’ll be a media darling and will be recommended as a “Great Interview.”

95. Your book publicity will connect you to people you would’ve never crossed paths with.

96. Your success as an author will give you more faith in yourself.

97. Your book publicity will lead you to earn an honorary doctorate degree.

98. Your debts will disappear thanks to the great results of your book marketing.

99. You’ll be outlived by the legacy you leave as one of the greatest authors.

100. You’ll get a ‘command’ performance by the President of The United States.

101. An early and wealthy retirement will be your option.

102. Words you invent for your book become household terms.

103. Your success as an author will allow you to achieve even more than you ever thought.

104. Your book could be turned into a movie.

105. You could get a deal to collaborate on a new book with a well-known author.

106. Your book will win awards at major book festivals.

107. You’ll be asked to sit on a panel of expert authors at writer’s conferences.

108. Your book will be required reading at universities worldwide.

109. People will buy your book to send to their Congressman.

110. A book award will be named after you and your book.

111. Your book will attract a global audience.

112. Young children will look up to your success as an author.

113. Aspiring authors will consider you their role model.

114. Traveling the world and marketing a book will become your reality.

115. Millions of people will follow you on Twitter.

116. Cruise ships will be calling you talk about your book.

117. The dream life of fame and fortune will now be yours.

118. Once you’re famous and don’t need it, Banks will want to loan you money.

119. A TV producer will want to collaborate on a new series on your book.

120. Your side of the story will be told to the public thus helping your lawsuit.

121. The U.S. Senate will ask you to testify about issues in your book.

122. New laws will be passed as a result of your book.

123. Book publicity is like a drug, the more you get the more you’ll want.

124. Your book publicist will work for free… (Ok that’s not happening!)

125. Marketing a book will become second nature to you.

126. You’ll accomplish what you’ve always wanted to do i.e. make money & get a movie deal.

127. The more book publicity you get the more publicity YOU’LL GET!

The Bottom Line:  Book publicity can change an author’s life. Don’t put off the most important part of publishing a book. Book marketing costs money but obscurity costs more!

About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.

Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.

Would you like help promoting your book?

If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?

Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!

Would you like help promoting your book?

If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?

Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!


Authors: Is it Time to Do a TEDx Talk?

Authors: Is it Time to Do a TEDx Talk?

By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications

A TEDx talk is another arrow in the quiver for authors to propel their book… or to get a book deal.
Scott Lorenz, Book Publicist

Learn about how a TEDx Talk can help you make it big as an author.

Technology, Entertainment, and Design or TED is a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading ideas in the form of short yet powerful talks. Since its inception in 1984, its talks have covered a plethora of topics such as science, art, business, global issues, and education.

TEDx is a program of self-organized events that brings people together to enjoy a TED-like experience. To sign up for and give a TEDx talk, you must obtain a TED license that states you have agreed to adhere to certain guidelines like no selling, religious proselytizing, or speaking about politics.

While TED talks take a global approach to a topic and must be hosted by experts, TEDx talks focus on a local community and can be organized by just about anyone. Believe it or not, there are many authors that have given TEDx talks and landed book deals as a result.

For example, Celeste Headlee spoke at TEDxCreativeCoast on “10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation.” Her talk was viewed more than 14 million times and she was eventually contacted by an agent who helped her publish her book, “We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter.”

In addition, Mac Barnett, award-winning author of children’s books like “I Love You Like a Pig” and “Places to Be” spoke at TEDxSonomaCounty on “Why a Good Book is a Secret Door.”

If you’re interested in taking your career and book to the next level, getting involved in a TEDx talk may be a great idea. Here are dozens of TEDx talks around the country that you can apply to as an author.

1. TEDxWilmington: https://www.tedxwilmington.com/

2. TEDxPortland: https://www.tedxportland.com/

3. TEDxBoulder: https://tedxboulder.com/

4. TEDxMidAtlantic: https://tedxmidatlantic.com/

5. TEDxMileHigh: https://www.tedxmilehigh.com/

6. TEDxSanAntonio: https://tedxsanantonio.com/

7. TEDxFargo: http://tedxfargo.com/

8. TEDxCharlottesville: https://tedxcharlottesville.com/

9. TEDxUCLA: https://tedx.ucla.edu/

10. TEDxOshkosh: https://www.tedxoshkosh.com/

11. TEDxNashville: https://www.tedxnashville.com/

12. TEDx ManhattanBeach: https://tedxmanhattanbeach.com/

13. TEDxJacksonHole: http://www.tedxjacksonhole.org/

14. TEDxRapidCity: https://www.tedxrapidcity.com/

15. TEDxDetroit: https://www.tedxdetroit.com/

16. TEDxSonomaCounty: https://www.tedxsonomacounty.com/

17. TEDxCreativeCoast: https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/14007

18. TEDxCharleston – https://tedxcharleston.org/

19. TEDxElPaso – https://www.tedxelpaso.com/

20. TEDxMolalla – https://tedxmolalla.com/

21. TEDxNatick – https://www.tedxnatick.org/

22. TEDxYouthWilmington – https://tedxwilmington.net/

23. TEDxYouthSanAntonio – https://tedxsanantonio.com/youth/

24. TEDx Tullahoma – https://tedxtullahoma.com/

25. TEDxNaperville – https://tedxnaperville.com/

26. TEDxStLouis – https://tedxsaintlouis.org/

27. TEDxHickory – https://www.tedxhickory.com/

28. TEDxWilmette – https://www.tedxwilmette.com/

29. TEDxSantaBarbara – https://tedxsantabarbara.com/

30. TEDxLaJolla – http://www.tedxlajolla.com/

31. TEDxCincinnati – https://www.tedxcincinnati.com/

32. TEDxWilmington – https://www.tedxwilmington.com/

33. TEDxJacksonville – https://www.tedxjacksonville.com/

34. TEDxMiami – https://www.tedxmiami.com/

35. TEDxPortsmouth – https://tedxportsmouth.com/

36. TEDxAtlanta – https://www.tedxatlanta.com/

37. TEDxBayonne – https://www.tedxbayonne.com/

38. TEDxAlisoViejo – https://tedxalisoviejo.com/

39. TEDxBocaRaton – https://tedxbocaraton.com/

40. TEDxProvidence – https://www.tedxprovidence.com/

41. TEDxSavannah – https://tedxsavannah.com/

42. TEDxKeyBiscayne – https://tedxkeybiscayne.com/

43. TEDxSugarLand – https://www.tedxsugarland.org/

44. TEDxGoshen – https://www.tedxgoshen.com/

45. TEDxAsheville – https://tedxasheville.com/

46. TEDxSanDiego – https://www.tedxsandiego.com/

47. TEDxPittsburgh – https://www.tedxpittsburgh.org/

48. TEDxRockville – http://www.tedxrockville.org/

49. TEDxMinneapolis – https://tedxminneapolis.com/

50. TEDxInglewood – https://tedxinglewoodca.com/

51. TEDxRochester – https://www.tedxrochester.org/

52. TEDxMarin – https://tedxmarin.org/

53. TEDxWarrenton – https://www.tedxwarrenton.com/

54. TEDxSaltLakeCity – https://www.tedxsaltlakecity.com/

55. TEDxDavenport – https://www.tedxdavenport.com/

56. TEDxOneonta – https://www.tedxoneonta.com/

57. TEDxHuntingtonBeach – https://www.tedxhuntingtonbeach.com/

Want a global list of TEDx events? Check out this interactive world map of TEDx talks: https://www.ted.com/tedx/events

If you do decide to participate in a TEDx talk, it’s important to listen and watch various talks so that you can get a feel for what they are like and what the audience expects to see. “TEDx presentations are an art form,” says Jess Todtfeld former TV producer for NBC, ABC and FOX-TV. “You have to deliver on the theme of the event and speak without notes. I help authors and experts fine-tune their talks to fit the TEDx style so they can crush the talk,” says Todtfeld.

Contact Jess at: https://www.successinmedia.com/ted-talk-training/

Also, when speaking in a TEDx talk, focus on one idea worth spreading, create a hook that grabs the audience’s attention and sparks their curiosity, and make sure you are clear and conversational. In addition, keep in mind that some TEDx talks require video applications or in-person auditions.

The Bottom Line:  A TEDx talk can be a great opportunity to get yourself noticed as an author. It may be just what you need to land the book deal you’ve always wanted.

About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.

Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.

Would you like help promoting your book?

If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?

Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!


Doctors Should Write A Book to Get Speaking Gigs

Doctors Should Write A Book to Get Speaking Gigs

By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications

As a doctor, it is important to gain speaking engagements to promote yourself and your practice to both your peers and to gain new patients. Here are the top ten things you can do to get more speaking dates.

Doctors Should Write A Book to Get Speaking Gigs

1. You need a terrific website that is informative and grabs the viewer’s attention as soon as they click to your page. A website is one of the first things someone who is interested in you will check out.

If they like it, they’ll contact you, if not they won’t. Your website is the perfect place to post a video of you at a speaking engagement or feature an article you’ve written. One way to ensure your website is as good or better than others is to benchmark it against websites of your competitors or practitioners in your same field.

It is also important for your website to look professional. In order to achieve a clean, professional look hire a web designer who is familiar with medical marketing to design your website. The days of doing it yourself are over.

2. Patient testimonials are a useful marketing tool and can be easily added to your website. Testimonials can be acquired by asking your patients. Simply ask them questions and videotape their responses. Once you have a few testimonials, edit and compile the videos and upload them to your website and YouTube.

3. Doctors who publish articles get asked to speak. My clients are invited to speak on a regular basis because their articles are discovered online. How? A conference organizer who is looking for a speaker on a particular topic will search the Internet for someone demonstrating that expertise. If you have an article on that topic, they can find you. It’s that simple. When writing articles, it is important to understand that you have two main audiences.

First, you have patients. Second, you have your peers. Your patients are not going to understand the serious medical lingo that your peers might. One solution to this issue is to develop two different websites: one for patients and one for your fellow doctors. With a peer-friendly website, you can add the more technical articles and information. On your patient-friendly website, you can put things in layman’s terms which patients will understand and appreciate.

4. Position yourself as an expert in your particular medical field. One option is to add the word “expert” after the topic you are expert in. For example, one of my doctor clients is a “propofol expert.” If someone were to search a topic of interest online and add the word “expert” to their search, the experts in that area would show up in the search results. Go ahead try – it.

Search on “propofol expert.” You’ll find Dr. Barry Friedberg. By finding your specific expertise and promoting it via articles and press releases, when people need an expert in your field, you will be sure to pop up in their Internet search. You can also get yourself listed as an expert by visiting expertclick.com or authorbookings.com.

5. Writing a book is an excellent way to publicly demonstrate your expertise. The most common approach is to write a book proposal and then find an agent who will present your proposal to a publisher who will publish your work.

A different approach is to compile past articles you’ve written and then self-publish your book. Visit www.Book-Marketing-Expert.com for ideas on publishing and promoting your book. Whichever route you choose, your book will show the media that you are serious about the work you do.

6. Now that you have your book written and published, what do you do with it? The answer? Promote it! You can either promote the book yourself or hire a PR firm to get the word out and promote the book for you.

The PR firm will create a press kit, which includes a press release, a bio of the author, sample media questions, as well as a fact sheet that covers some of the issues in your book along with excerpts and direct quotes from your book.

You can also sell your book at the end of a speech or require the people who schedule your speech to buy “X” number of books to give to the participants. For more strategies on book promotion check out www.WestwindCos.com

7. While searching for speaking engagements, be sure to visit these useful websites. First is www.ProfNet.PRnewsWire.com, which sends out media and speaking leads to PR executives and communications representatives at hospitals, associations and universities.

A second website to utilize is The National Speakers Association (www.NSASpeaker.org). Another website, www.DoctorsReview.com, has two thousand scheduled meetings readily available on their site. On the DoctorsReview.com page, you can narrow your results by searching for a specialty or travel destination. A final suggestion is to visit www.projectspropublica.org/docdollars to gain an idea of who is paying doctors to speak.

8. In order to be a successful speaker, I recommend presentation and media training. A good friend of mine, Jess Todtfeld, was Bill O’Reilly’s producer at Fox for many years, and also worked at NBC, ABC, and CBS. Jess’s website www.successinmedia.com offers media training in both New York and Los Angeles. On his site, you can also find advice on how to pitch to the media and how to create an effective speaking presentation. Media training will help you improve your speaking skills as you will learn to speak succinctly.

9. Another way to gain speaking arrangements is to reach out to the media directly. The Harrison Guide to Top National Media and Interview Shows is an effective way to gain access to the media. For example, each of the top shows from Good Morning America to Dateline list the dozens of producers’ contact information. Another resource is called Media Atlas; they offer an online database you can access.

It is easy to go online through these options and home in on a specific audience and get in touch with the media associated with them. Once you’ve identified a member of the media that covers your topic, send them a pitch letter and a press release.

10. Finally, there are free online services you can utilize to publicize yourself and your book. CraigsList www.craigslist.org is a great place to post a number of press releases and it does, in fact, work to your advantage. Depending upon your topic, people do search for all types of things on CraigsList.

Two other websites are www.PRAvenue.com and www.PR-Inside.com where you can also post releases along with photos and video at no charge. All three of these free websites are fine options for your press release to gain circulation online.

One more thing. Keep your Curriculum Vitae (CV) up to date with education, affiliations and articles as you may be asked to email it to a prospective customer on the spot. Furthermore, have new headshots taken so your photos look like you and not your high school yearbook.

If you follow these steps, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining more speaking engagements. For a more detailed strategy with tips and articles on these subjects visit WestWindCos.com.

About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.

Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.

Would you like help promoting your book?

If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?

Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!