Progressing From Published Author to Public Speaker - podcast

Occaisonally an unknown author will strike gold with a bestselling book that progresses to lucrative public speaking events. But if you don't have a high-profile position at a university or association with a think tank, for example, create your persona, define why you are compelling and promote yourself. "You have to be your own publicist," says Laura Rossi Totten, founder of Laura Rossi Public Relations. For published authors to become public speakers, they need to seek opportunities. Talk to local bookstores about signing events, create communities online using Facebook and Twitter and develop relationships. Pitch yourself to speak at smaller write workships and conferences. Bloggers, too, are a tremendous resource--many have events where you could potentially speak and offer your expertise.