How to Use Public Speaking to Sell More Books 

Want to know the secret to selling more books as a Christian author? Here it is: Deliver an interesting speech on a topic related to your book to a groups of people, live and in-person; then, invite those audiences to purchase your book in the back of the room before they leave the room.  

Sure, there are other ways to feel like you’re getting movement on your book sales that will, in reality, make little-to-no impact on your book sales (e.g., distributing a press release, entering a book contest, begging bookstores to carry your book, distributing salesy social media posts, etc.). Most authors are willing to do those things. Why? Because they don’t require the author to ask their prospective readers to buy their books in any direct sort of way.  

But people generally won’t take action unless they are directly asked to take that particular action—especially when asked to exchange any amount of money or time for it. Public speaking can overcome this hurdle in the following ways:  

• Hungry for more – Assuming you’ve said something during your presentation that resonated with your audience, members of your audience are likely going to want more—and quick! That’s the perfect moment to sell your book to someone.  

• Social proof – When people hear an author speak, they assign at least some level of celebrity status to that speaker, making the speaker’s book appear more desirable. Being the “speaker” at an event where others are gathered gives you and your message social proof that you’re worth listening to.  

• Personal connection – People are only going to read a few books each year. If given the choice between purchasing two books, customers would generally prefer to purchase a book written by someone they heard speak in-person—especially if they were able to get the author to sign the book.    

• Reciprocity – After hearing you speak, your audience members will likely feel some level of reciprocal obligation to honor you for taking the time to share your message with them.   

Below are practical, faith-centered steps to help you get more speaking invitations—whether for churches, conferences, retreats, podcasts, or other ministry events. 

Step 1 – Craft your signature speech that aligns with your book.  

Craft a 10-30 minute presentation related to the content in your book. This would be an expanded version of your 300-word teaser/description. Use this as a framework for interviews, speaking engagements, blogposts, webinars, social media posts, etc. related to your book. 

Step 2 – Get video footage of yourself sharing your signature message.  

Unless someone already heard you speak at a live event, there’s a very slim chance they’ll invite you to speak to their group unless they’ve seen some video footage of you speaking.  

Every time you speak, try your best to get it recorded. If you don’t already have some footage, record it yourself. Make sure the footage looks as professional as possible.  

You could stay after church one day and get someone to record you speaking from the stage. Then, get that footage added to your website.   

Step 3 – Add a speaking page to your website. 

Your speaking page should include the following:  

• Your bio 

• Your speaking topics 

• Your audience focus 

• Professional photos of you (downloadable) 

• Video clips of you speaking 

• Testimonials about the impact of your speaking  

• Request these from anyone who has heard you share your signature message.  

• Simple form for event organizers to request you 

Step 4 – Make a list of groups who would be most likely to listen to your signature speech. 

• Start local: Offer to speak at local churches, women’s ministries, small groups, Christian schools, and homeschool co-ops. 

• Reach out to friends, pastors, or ministry leaders and ask if they know of events looking for speakers. 

• Research events that align with your message (e.g. women’s conferences, faith-based wellness events, leadership summits). 

• Use your church’s denominational or ministry networks to expand your reach.  

• Co-host an event or workshop with another Christian speaker or ministry. 

• Offer to speak as part of a panel, breakout session, or online summit. 

Step 5 – Send a short pitch. 

Send a short, compelling email pitch explaining who you are, what your message is, and how it will bless their audience. Be sure to provide a link to some footage of you speaking.  

Follow up after a week or two with a gentle nudge and offer to chat by phone. 

Step 6 – Join speaking networks. 

Once you’ve fully tapped the speaking opportunities you can secure through your own contacts, apply to be listed with speaker bureaus like: 

• Christian Women Speakers 

• WomenSpeakers.com 

• Christian Communicators 

• Christian Speaker Collective 

• Here is a directory of other speaker bureaus: CLICK 

These platforms connect you with event organizers seeking faith-based speakers. 

Step 7 – Leverage your book. 

Your book is not only a resource—it’s also proof you have something worth saying. 

• Offer “Author + Speaker” Packages to event organizers, where attendees receive a copy of your book with your talk. 

Step 8 – Pray for open doors. 

Ultimately, speaking is ministry—not just marketing. Ask God to connect you with the right people, in the right places, at the right time. 

• Pray for divine appointments with event organizers. 

• Ask God to prepare hearts that will receive your message. 

• Trust His timing—sometimes smaller doors lead to bigger platforms. 

Step 9 – Speak more to speak more.  

If you want more opportunities to speak, use the ones you already have. Sure, your first (or next) speaking gigs might not be the most glamorous. It could be as simple as inviting a few people to your house for a meal—with the catch that they have to listen to you speak for a few minutes. As the Bible says, “Who despises the day of small beginnings? (Zech 4:10) When you approach speaking as both a calling and a craft, you’ll find more opportunities to bless audiences with the message He’s placed in your heart.  

BONUS – Here is a private “How to Get More Speaking Engagements to Sell More Books” Q&A for High Bridge Books authors presented by High Bridge author Lauren Sisler, author of Shatterproof.