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Motivational Author & Poet Speakers

Author and poet speakers bring the power of language, imagination and lived experience to the stage. Key Speakers represents Pulitzer Prize winners, bestselling novelists, influential nonfiction writers, celebrated poets and thought leaders whose work has shaped public and professional conversations.

For literary festivals and educational programmes, speakers can explore creativity, craft, publishing and the writing process. For corporate audiences, motivational authors and speakers connect storytelling to leadership, resilience, innovation and personal growth. If you are looking for the best speaker for writers, consider whether the audience will value a practical discussion of craft, a reading and conversation, or a broader keynote built around the author’s ideas.

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Viewing 1–18 of 18
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Speaker Fee
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18

Omékongo Dibinga

Award-winning Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion Strategist
Fee Range: $31,000–$32,000
Travels From: District of Columbia
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Brandon Leake

Youth Educator, Spoken Word Poet and Winner of the 2020 Season of America's Got Talent
Fee: Inquire
Travels From: California
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Cleo Wade

Poet & Bestselling Author
Fee Range: $31,000–$50,000
Travels From: California
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Joy Harjo

Performer and Writer of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, 23rd Poet Laureate
Fee Range: $15,000–$25,000
Travels From: Oklahoma
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John Ondrasik

Singer/Songwriter, Five For Fighting; Offering Musically Enhanced Inspirational Keynote Presentations
Fee Range: $25,000–$44,000
Travels From: California
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Sonia Nazario

Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist and Author of Enrique’s Journey
Fee Range: $10,000–$12,000
Travels From: California
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Jesse Itzler

NY Times Bestselling Author, Living with a Seal, Serial Entrepreneur, Marquis Jet, Zico Coconut Water, Co-Owner, Atlanta Hawks; Married to Spanx Founder, Sara Blakely
Fee Range: $44,000–$75,000
Travels From: Georgia
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Doug Blackmon

Author, Slavery by Another Name
Fee Range: $10,000–$15,000
Travels From: Georgia
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Jewel Kilcher

Singer-songwriter, Poet, Actress, Best Selling Author, Workplace Wellness & Mental Health Advocate
Fee Range: $100,000–$300,000
Travels From: Tennessee
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Sekou Andrews

GRAMMY-nominated artist; “Hamilton Meets TED” keynotes
Fee Range: $50,000–$63,000
Travels From: California
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Dan Buettner

World Renowned Explorer and National Geographic Fellow; Founder of the Blue Zones®; NYT bestselling author: “The Blue Zones of Happiness: Lessons from the World’s Happiest People"
Fee Range: $75,000–$125,000
Travels From: Minnesota
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Cornel West

Professor, Activist, Provocative Public Intellectual & Groundbreaking Author
Fee Range: $40,000–$75,000
Travels From: California
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Tammy Bruce

Outspoken Radio Talk Show Host; Political Commentator; Gay Feminist; Best Selling Author, The Death of Right and Wrong
Fee Range: $10,000–$20,000
Travels From: California
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John McEnroe

Four-Time U.S. Open Champion; Three-Time Wimbledon Champion; Television Commentator
Fee Range: $55,000–$115,000
Travels From: New York
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Joan Lunden

Former host of Good Morning America and current host of Second Opinion on PBS
Fee Range: $25,000–$40,000
Travels From: New York
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Bob Woodward

Legendary Pulitzer Prize-Winning Investigative Journalist; Associate Editor, The Washington Post and Author, 21 Bestsellers
Fee Range: $26,000–$60,500
Travels From: District of Columbia
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Dennis Prager

Acclaimed Talk Show Host; "The Moral Compass of America"; Best-Selling Author
Fee Range: Inquire
Travels From: California
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Deborah Norville

Emmy Award-Winning Anchor; Bestselling Author; Host, Inside Edition; Cancer Survivor
Fee Range: $20,000–$40,000
Travels From: New York
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Tell us about your speaker needs and we will send you a custom proposal!

Unlocking impact: benefits of author & poet speakers

Inviting an author or poet speaker to your event offers a wealth of transformative benefits, enriching your audience's experience in profound ways:

● Powerful storytelling: They deliver compelling narratives that resonate deeply, making complex ideas accessible and memorable.
● Inspiring creativity: Our author speakers ignite imagination, encourage critical thinking, and foster self-expression, prompting new perspectives.
● Unique perspectives: Gain fresh insights into culture, society, and personal journeys from voices that have shaped public discourse.
● Enhanced communication: Learn to craft more impactful messages and engage effectively through their mastery of narrative.
● Memorable experiences: Our motivational authors and speakers create truly thought-provoking events that linger in the minds of attendees, sparking ongoing conversation and reflection.

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Why hire author & poet speakers for your event?

Bringing an author or poet speaker to your event is more than just booking a presenter; it's about inviting an experience that transforms and inspires. Our author speakers are masters of narrative, using the power of storytelling to ignite imagination, foster deeper understanding, and connect with audiences on an emotional level. They don't just share information; they weave intricate tapestries of ideas, making abstract concepts tangible and personal.

These distinguished individuals, many renowned as motivational authors and speakers, offer unparalleled insights into a vast array of subjects. Imagine your audience gaining fresh perspectives on creativity from a best-selling novelist, learning resilience from an acclaimed memoirist, or understanding leadership through the lens of an investigative journalist. Their talks span critical topics like writing and the creative process, deeply personal journeys, pressing social issues, the future of innovation, and the nuances of effective communication.

The value of a keynote speaker and author lies in their unique ability to deliver thought-provoking and exceptionally memorable talks. They craft presentations that resonate with diverse audiences, whether at corporate conferences, vibrant literary festivals, esteemed universities, enriching education programs, or dynamic creative industry events. Through their carefully chosen words and authentic delivery, they create meaningful connections, leaving your attendees inspired, challenged, and ready to apply new ideas. Choosing a speaker from Key Speakers means selecting an expert who will elevate your event and leave a lasting impression.

Our author & poet speakers & expertise

Key Speakers proudly represents a diverse array of author and poet speakers whose expertise spans the full spectrum of literature, journalism, poetry, media, and creative writing. For over 30 years, we've meticulously curated a roster that includes both seasoned author speakers and newly emerging, recognized thought leaders whose works shape cultural conversations worldwide. Our roster includes Bob Woodward, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author; Dan Buettner, NYT bestselling author and National Geographic Fellow; Sekou Andrews, Grammy-nominated poet and speaker; and many more compelling voices across memoir, fiction, journalism, and poetry.

Through our trusted author speakers, you gain unparalleled access to celebrated voices who are not only exceptional writers but also compelling presenters. Each keynote speaker and author on our roster is carefully vetted, ensuring they deliver the highest caliber of content and stage presence. We are dedicated to providing a leading source for booking premier author and poet speakers worldwide, committed to matching your unique event needs with an expert voice.

As a Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)-certified firm and member of the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB), Key Speakers is committed to professional integrity and personalized service in every engagement.

FAQs

Our author and poet speakers cover a vast range of topics including creative writing, storytelling, personal growth, leadership, resilience, social commentary, innovation, diversity, history, current events, and the power of words. Many are renowned motivational authors and speakers who draw from their own experiences and works.�

Absolutely. Motivational authors and speakers are highly sought after for corporate events. They bring unique perspectives on problem-solving, creativity, leadership, and resilience, inspiring employees and executives alike with compelling narratives and actionable insights.�

Yes, our author speakers regularly connect authors with literary festivals, book clubs, universities, high schools, and educational programs. They often discuss their published works, the writing process, and the importance of literacy and creative expression.�

Yes, customization is a cornerstone of our service. Our keynote speaker and author roster typically offers tailored presentations designed to align with your event's theme, audience demographics, and desired learning outcomes.�

Definitely. Many of our author and poet speakers are experienced in delivering engaging virtual keynotes, workshops, and Q&A sessions, ensuring your online audience receives the same high-quality content and interaction as an in-person event.�

Get in Touch
Tell us about your speaker needs and we will send you a custom proposal!