An interesting question popped up from the post I wrote after no one attended one of my library events. Someone commented that people might have shown up if I had charged a speaking fee.
I understand the suggestion. From years of volunteering, I’ve learned that people who have an investment in something are more committed to showing up or following through, but I have valid reasons for not charging a fee.
*Many libraries struggle with thin budgets. I have a heart for libraries and don’t want be a drain on their funds. Truthfully, I’m grateful to get to meet with and speak to writers and readers.
*Churches and non-for-profits don’t usually have extra cash either.
*I don’t have a bestseller (yet), so I realize that just my name won’t bring in a crowd unless I’m speaking in my hometown or in other places I’ve lived.
I do, however, have quite a lot of public speaking experience.
**I taught English on the college level for six years.
**I took the Dale Carnegie public speaking course twice, once as a regular student and then again as a graduate assistant.
**For several decades, I’ve spoken at churches, libraries, book stores, book clubs, colleges, women’s groups, and writing workshops and conferences.
Public speaking is a skill I’ve honed and come to enjoy. After talks, people compliment me for being knowledgeable, real, and funny. Sometimes they seem a bit surprised. As an introvert, I sometimes give a quiet, passive first impression, but I love interacting with audiences and am comfortable in front of a crowd.
So what do you think? Should aspiring/new/mid-to-lower-level list authors accept/charge a speaking fee?
You should absolutely charge fees! To not charge is to in essence reduce the worth of what you are doing.
Charitable giving can be an occasional thing, but real work should be paid. (The workman is worthy of his price…)
Renee, thanks so much for reading and leaving your thoughts regarding speaking fees. I especially appreciate the Scripture reference! It helps me feel more comfortable with charging a fee. Thank you!
As both a librarian and author/speaker, I agree that we as authors need to be willing to speak for free to libraries and churches, or to take what they offer. Not all speaking engagements are the same, and sometimes the free ones become the ones that sell the most books or help us make the best connections.
Thank you for your thoughts, Carol! In the past, I’ve always turned down speaking fees. As a library volunteer, I hate charging fees. As an author who, in this particular case, drove for three hours to an empty room, I’m beginning to consider the idea.