Speaking Fees

Dear Authors,

I previously sent a poll to our authors requesting help in advising a fellow author about how to charge for speaking engagements. I was somewhat overwhelmed by the response I received! It was one of the largest responses to any of my communications.

The responses were so diverse and comprehensive that I decided to do a whole BOOK BUZZ! on the subject. After reviewing the various answers, it became apparent that it would be very difficult to offer a single definitive answer on the finances of speaking. Every author's situation is different, so the finances of speaking will vary greatly. But, it will be helpful to hear from those who have been doing it for awhile and learn from their experience.

Thanks to all who shared and have granted permission to be quoted!

RANGE OF SPEAKING FEES

In a nutshell, the speaking fees/honorariums mentioned ranged from $0 up to $5000! Why such a spread? The $0 responses came mostly from new authors who were reluctant to charge anything, or from those who are trying to gain experience. In some cases, even highly experienced speakers have charged nothing with certain non-profits such as Rotary Clubs or church mission groups who have very limited budgets. Still others will speak for free to help a group in their fundraising.

On the high end, one author reported receiving in excess of $5000 for a single event (a national network marketing organization).

Most of the responses were in between these two extremes. New authors speaking to small groups reported $50 or more per speech/message. Authors speaking to medium or large churches reported getting $200 or more. And authors speaking to conferences reported $1000 or more.

The amount of experience an author has speaking has a bearing on the fees/honorariums. Generally speaking, the more experience and/or notoriety you have, the more you will receive.

LOVE OFFERING VS. FEE BASED

Some authors use love offerings exclusively while others prefer set fees. Still others use a combination of both methods. It is clear that some authors' positions on this is a matter of faith.

I would say the majority of respondees said they use a love offering in a church setting and a set fee when speaking to a secular group.

WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL EXPENSES?

Here's one area where there was a general concensus: Most authors said they are reimbursed for their travel expenses, whether it's a church or a secular engagement. Unless a speaking engagement is local, virtually all organizations expect to reimburse a speaker for travel expenses.

My suggestion would be to calculate the specific expenses you expect to have and let the group know what they are in advance, rather than letting them use a set amount or telling them after the event.

EXCERPTS FROM AUTHOR'S RESPONSES

"The subject of fees has always been perplexing to me. I am mystified as to what I am worth....My own take on it is that one has to be well-known for anyone to be willing to paying anything! This gives credence to your wise counsel in several of your "Book Buzz" e-mails, namely, the benefit of accepting speaking engagements for no fees and/or a love offering with the
proviso that we are permitted to sell our books." --John Grogan, author of HELP, I'VE FALLEN AND NEED A GOOD LAUGH

"I have spoken at a state conference as a Key Note presenter...and they asked me to quote a fee. I...asked for $2,000.00 for a three hour presentation. They gave me $3,000.00. There have been other conferences and churches...and most offer a "stipend." Each one is different but the common amount is $100.00. However, many of the conferences that I have presented for are done on a volunteer level. Especially...if my participation is at a workshop level and not a key note....What I have learned, each conference is different and dependent upon a budget. However, I have never turned down a chance to speak regardless of money because it gets the message out and it gives me references. Especially at the beginning, it really gave me some exposure and credibility." --Kelly Vates, author of SHATTERED INNOCENCE

"I do love offerings at churches and charge a set fee for Women's Retreats and Youth Conventions. The reason I charge the retreats and youth conventions is because they often sell tickets to luncheons and stuff and make quite a bit of money, and if I don't charge, they end up giving me a couple hundred bucks and pocketing a couple thousand and then I have become a fundraiser! So, I make the organized group event fundraise for my fee before I get there. Of course, there are the groups like the Wisconsin Pastor's Wives convention where they have a set honorarium of $1,000 for the weekend and that is fine with me. Actually, any amount would be fine with me there because the pastor's wives come for free and the district pays for the whole thing and it is a very worthy cause to edify and encourage the pastor's wives. So, basically, a love offering is the way to go, because you are in a position to trust God yourself that way and the people, once they have heard you, are usually quite generous." --Sandi Querin, author of THE PRAYER OF JOB

"When I do art workshops the host club or organization usually has a sum in mind. When speaking about the Lord, the rule I follow is the biblical admonition to "buy the truth and sell it not." However, if a person had no other source of income, I think a love offering is always in order, rather than a speaker demanding a guaranteed amount. If travel and lodging are involved it is reasonable to expect at least those expenses to be reimbursed. I can't imagine myself setting a sum that I have to have for a speaking engagement, but I know it is an accepted practice. The thing to do, I suppose, is to get it settled at the beginning what the host will expect. Most will more than likely be generous." --Joe McCormick, author of TOON-UPS FOR THE SOUL

"I have been doing lots of speaking this spring. I always tell people that I will go anywhere, as long as they can cover my mileage and allow me to sell books. The booktable is where I make money. I find that usually they pay me enough to make it worth my while. When anyone asks what other people pay me, I tell them that in the area of $50 per speech is standard. I also work through CLASServices Inc. When they arrange speaking engagements for me, the money is substantially more... $400 PLUS all expenses for a one day seminar. --Raelene Phillips, author of PUPPY IN THE PULPIT

"That is about the hardest question you can ask. If she is speaking in churches, a love offering is good because that does not count as income (you can see the benefit of that). The down side is that you don't have any control over how much you make....Typically, getting speaking opportunities is not as easy as we would like for it to be. In the beginning I would suggest booking as many opportunities as possible, even if it is for free. Once the name recognition starts kicking in, it is easier to get booked. If she wants to establish a fee, start low and build it up as the market will bear. If she is getting more bookings than she can handle, up the fee. If less, then maybe lower the fee. This is more art than science and you have to start somewhere and feel your way along. This is not a cut and dried answer, but it corresponds with my experience." --Dr. Freddy Davis, author of SUPERCHARGED! and former owner of Podium Power Speakers Bureau

IN CONCLUSION

Another thing virtually everyone agreed on: Make sure you discuss the finances with the church or group in advance and come to a clear agreement.

Well that's it for this issue. I hope you have benefited from the great
information your fellow authors have shared. And a very big thanks to
Candace Long, author of the book WIRED FOR CREATIVITY-HOW TO DISCOVER, DEVELOP, AND USE YOUR GOD-GIVEN GIFT, for asking the question.

Warmest Regards,
Brian Banashak
© 2004, Brian Banashak