A book can be one of the most impactful tools in a speaker's arsenal, helping you solidify your message, establish credibility, and open doors to new opportunities. In a recent conversation at the Pro Speaker Summit 2024, self-publishing expert Matt Emmorey shared why writing a book is a game-changer for speakers, regardless of their career stage.

Watch the full conversation: Matt Emmorey - Why Every Speaker Needs a Book.

1. Establish Your Credibility

Publishing a book positions you as an expert in your field. Event organizers, audiences, and potential clients view authors as thought leaders who have invested the time to deeply understand their topics. As Matt shared, “Speakers with books are able to charge on average 50% more for speaking fees.” This boost in credibility can be the key to securing higher-profile speaking engagements and partnerships.

2. Expand Your Reach

A book extends the life of your message far beyond the stage. While your keynote may inspire a live audience, a book allows your insights to reach thousands (or millions) of readers worldwide. It’s a tangible asset that reinforces your ideas and provides value long after your talk is over.

3. Create Multiple Income Streams

Your book isn’t just a stand-alone product—it’s the cornerstone of a larger business ecosystem. Matt described how speakers use their books to drive interest in:

• Workshops and courses: Expand on your book’s content with in-depth learning experiences.

• Consulting opportunities: Build trust with clients who want to dive deeper into your expertise.

• Bulk sales: Offer books as part of event packages or corporate training sessions.

One case Matt highlighted was a speaker who wrote a book on remote viewing. By offering free eBooks to expand her audience, she grew her reach and eventually launched a workshop that generated $160,000 in a single weekend.

4. Crystallize Your Message

Writing a book forces you to organize and refine your thoughts, creating a clear and cohesive narrative. This process can improve your speaking engagements by providing you with a structured framework to pull from for keynotes, blog posts, podcasts, and social media content. As Matt put it, “A book allows you to crystallize your message and turn it into multiple pieces of content, from TikTok videos to podcast interviews.”

5. Build Trust With Your Audience

Books act as a “billboard in someone’s living room,” as Matt explained. When you hand someone a signed copy of your book, it’s no longer just a product—it becomes a gift. People are less likely to discard a signed book, keeping your message—and your name—front of mind. This builds trust and creates lasting connections with your audience.

6. Open Doors to New Opportunities

A book is often the gateway to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Event organizers are more likely to book speakers with published works, and having a book can lead to:

• Invitations to prestigious conferences.

• Guest appearances on podcasts and webinars.

• Collaborations with industry leaders.

Matt shared an example of a real estate author who used his book to attract clients, build a mastermind group, and eventually launch a software product—creating an eight-figure revenue stream.

7. Overcome Common Barriers With Self-Publishing

While many aspiring authors hesitate to write a book due to the complexities of traditional publishing, self-publishing offers a practical alternative. Matt emphasized that speakers no longer need to wait for big publishers to notice them. Self-publishing platforms provide tools to create professional-quality books while retaining control over rights, royalties, and creative direction.

Final Thoughts: Why Every Speaker Needs a Book

A book is more than a marketing tool—it’s a legacy. It allows you to reach more people, establish authority, and create lasting impact in ways that speaking alone cannot. Writing a book may seem daunting, but as Matt reminded us, “You don’t need permission from a publisher to share your message. You can start today.”