Conferences, Events, and Book Signings
AVE Author HQHow do I get on as a speaker at conferences? Will Ave Maria Press help?
Ave Maria Press submits speakers for several major events throughout the year, but event organizers are more likely to contact you directly. You should develop your own speaking schedule and submit yourself for any events you believe connect with your book. At the same time, work closely with the marketing department as you fill your calendar. Send Erin Pierce (epierce@nd.edu) a copy of your schedule as soon as possible. We will notify you of any events and conferences to which we intend to submit your name as a speaker.
How do I decide which conferences to attend as a speaker?
Make a wish list of events at which you'd like to speak, then contact organizers to find out more information and to tell them about yourself and your expertise. If you are just starting out as a speaker, try your own or neighboring parishes, then branch out regionally. Ask fellow authors to make a recommendation for events at which they've spoken. We also recommend having yourself videoed speaking in front of an audience. Larger conferences sometimes require video before they will consider you as a presenter.
If you are approached to speak at an event, our authors have found that sending a questionnaire in response to requests is the most efficient way to find out when the event will be held, who will be attending, what kind of talk they would like, and whether or not they will offer a stipend and cover expenses.
How do I decide which conferences to attend as a speaker?
Make a wish list of events at which you'd like to speak, then contact organizers to find out more information and to tell them about yourself and your expertise. If you are just starting out as a speaker, try your own or neighboring parishes, then branch out regionally. Ask fellow authors to make a recommendation for events at which they've spoken. We also recommend having yourself videoed speaking in front of an audience. Larger conferences sometimes require video before they will consider you as a presenter.
If you are approached to speak at an event, our authors have found that sending a questionnaire in response to requests is the most efficient way to find out when the event will be held, who will be attending, what kind of talk they would like, and whether or not they will offer a stipend and cover expenses.
Will Ave Maria Press sponsor me at events and cover my expenses?
We do not pay stipends or pay for expenses for author speaking engagements. Please arrange for suitable payment and expenses with the conference or event organizer before agreeing to become a presenter. Ave may pay expenses for major events for which we sponsor authors. We do not pay stipends.
How do I make sure event participants have the opportunity to buy books?
There are two ways to make sure your books are at the event or conference:
- Purchase the books with your author discount and sell the books yourself.
- The event coordinator or local bookstore can purchase books with a discount to sell at the event.
Email Erin Pierce (epierce@nd.edu) with your speaking schedule and provide us with contacts to arrange for books to be available at your event.
How will Ave Maria Press help promote my book at the event?
We attend many major events throughout the year. If you are speaking at an event where we are exhibiting, we will sell your book and promote it to attendees with signs and pre-event emails.
We can also provide you with marketing materials to promote the event or to promote your book while at the event. Please send the marketing department your most updated speaking schedule and make requests for any materials that need to be designed at least three weeks in advance.
Who should I contact at Ave Maria Press with questions about conferences and events?
Email Erin Pierce (epierce@nd.edu) with questions about events.
