FAQ Speaker Connection
How do we book a Speaker?
Select your Speaker from our bookstore, answer a few quick questions about your group, and hold your requested date with a credit card number. Once the Speaker has accepted your invitation to speak we'll respond by email (usually within a few days). To finalize the booking and confirm the date with your selected Speaker, your card will be charged at that time. If your selected Speaker is already booked for your date(s) we'll notify you by email so you can select an alternate date or Speaker. Remember, a portion of your fee will go directly to literary and literacy programs, which is the focus of augustwords.org.
What if we'd like to book several speakers for one event?
You can simplify event planning by booking all your speakers through our Speaker Connection.
How much lead time do we need to book a Speaker?
You may book a Speaker as much as 18 months in advance, but please no less than 2 months ahead. Not only does the Speaker need to fit your date into their calendar, you will want time to properly publicize this Speaker at your event.
Speakers by Satellite
What kind of technology do we need for a Speaker by Satellite? It's so easy! For small groups like a book club, a computer with a large monitor, web camera, and external speakers is sufficient. For larger groups we recommend a projector connected to a laptop with a camera facing the audience, a screen large enough to be seen by everyone, and audio speakers sufficient to be heard well throughout the room. You will also need a Skype account for video conferencing, which is free and available through www.skype.com along with detailed and simple instructions. Have someone who is familiar with Skype to handle things and thoroughly check your equipment and connections prior to the appointed time to be sure everything is working properly. A free online tutorial is available at gclearnfree.org/skype.
What if we can't connect with our Speaker by Satellite the day of the presentation?
Unfortunately, technical glitches do happen. If a connection cannot be made after due diligence then an alternate date and time can be arranged.
What if we have to cancel a Speaker by Satellite event?
Once a booking has been confirmed, if you cancel a Speaker's appearance we can issue a refund, but must retain 25% for administration.
Speakers on Site
What expenses does the fee for a Speaker on Site include?
You have no worries. Fees are inclusive of all travel arrangements and expenses: airfare or ground transportation, rental car, gas, ferries, tolls, taxis, meals en route, as well as overnight accommodations. Naturally, your Speaker is your guest, so should not be expected to have any out-of-pocket expenses while on Site, such as any costs associated with your event, registration fees, tuitions, or any group meals, banquets, or parties. Remember, a portion of your fee will go directly to literary and literacy programs, which is the focus of augustwords.org.
What do you mean by 1-hour, 3-hour, and 6-hour presentations?
This is the block of time you require your Speaker to be present in your event, presenting, teaching, and/or interacting directly with attendees, up to 1 hour, 1 - 3 hours, or 3 - 6 hours, in one or more sessions. Casual time at your event which is not scheduled is not included, such as group meals, breaks, or attending other event sessions. Speakers may choose to spend more time than specified with no additional fees or to spend time between sessions outside your event.
Do we need to plan evening activities for overnight Speakers?
Speakers staying overnight, especially out-of-towners, may like to be included in after-hour festivities. Invite them to join you as your guest. Everyone likes to be included. However, do not be offended if they decline. They may be faced with a deadline and need writing time, have a booksigning at a local bookstore, want to connect with a business associate, or just wish to relax in the hotel spa after a grueling book tour.
What if something happens and our Speaker on Site can't make it for a presentation?
In the event a speaker is unable to appear at the appointed time due to valid unforeseen circumstances, such as ill health, inclement weather, travel delays, or government intervention, every effort will be made to reschedule with your selected speaker, supply a replacement speaker of equivalent caliber, or with no other recourse, provide a refund.
What if we have to cancel a Speaker on Site event?
Once a booking has been confirmed, if you must cancel we can issue a refund, retaining 25% for administration and any prepaid expenses, allocated between augustwords.org and the Speaker, and retaining 50% if the cancellation is less than 30 days till your event.
