As August arrives, the literary world starts to hum with anticipation. It’s the season of book festivals – with the Edinburgh International Book Festival leading the charge – and it’s also the moment many authors begin preparing to take the stage, speak to readers, and share their stories in new ways.
But even if you’re not heading to Edinburgh this year, now is the perfect time to think about how you talk about your book. Whether it's for a panel appearance, a local book club, a podcast interview or a library event, being able to speak clearly and compellingly about your work is a powerful way to connect with readers – and to grow your audience.
So how do you go about it?
First, it’s worth remembering there are many more speaking platforms available to authors than just the big-name festivals. Literary events happen at all scales – from community centres and independent bookshops to online salons and podcast studios. Libraries often run “Meet the Author” sessions, and book groups – both in person and online – love hearing directly from the writers whose books they’ve been discussing. If your book links into themes like education, mental health, business or creativity, there may also be specialist conferences or professional groups eager to host you. And schools or universities are often keen to bring in writers, particularly if your book speaks to young people, teaching topics, or broader cultural issues.
If you're wondering how to get yourself onto these platforms, start local. Your nearest library, indie bookshop or literary group is an ideal place to begin – and a welcoming space to practise. Many festivals and podcasts also have open calls or contact pages on their websites, so don’t be shy about reaching out. When you do, tailor your pitch. A short bio, a sentence or two about your book, and a few well-chosen talking points will help the organiser see how you fit their audience. And don’t underestimate the power of your own network – friends, fellow writers, librarians and readers may be more than happy to recommend you, or even invite you themselves.
Once you’ve got a speaking date in the diary, preparation is everything. Rather than writing a script, aim to speak about your book as naturally as you would to a curious reader at a party. Think about the key messages you want people to remember: what inspired the book, who it’s for, and what makes it special. Avoid simply summarising the plot – instead, share stories. Readers love hearing about the unexpected moments: the scene that surprised you, the bit you rewrote ten times, or the conversation that sparked your whole idea. If you’re reading from the book, time yourself, practise with a timer, and choose an excerpt that speaks well out loud.
And yes – bring copies of your book. You’d be surprised how often authors forget! Not just for reading but also to make sales - people love a signed copy.
While you're at the event, don’t forget to get a few photos. Shots of you signing books, chatting to readers, or holding your book in front of a lively crowd are gold dust for your website, social media, and future PR. Even better, ask someone to snap you with smiling readers holding their signed copies. These images help build your author brand – and they show future event organisers what a warm and engaging speaker you are.
Once the event is over, don’t just pack up and move on. A friendly follow-up email to the organiser makes a great impression. Mention something specific you enjoyed about the event, and thank them for the invitation. If it went well, you could ask whether they’d be happy to write a short testimonial – something you can use when applying to future events. It’s also wise to keep a note of who you spoke with, so you can stay in touch and let them know about future books, tours or talks. Building these relationships is what turns a one-off speaking gig into an ongoing part of your author career.
And finally, remember: you don’t need to wait until you feel like a polished speaker to get started. Every author talk – no matter the size – builds your confidence, sharpens your message, and helps readers connect with the person behind the page. So whether you're planning an appearance next week or next year, August is the perfect time to reflect, rehearse, and reach out.
You never know who’s listening.