How to Get the Speaking Gig and Get PAID as a Creative?
How I Make $25,000+ a year through Paid Speaking Opportunities as an Author + Refer a Friend Benefits + GIVEAWAY opportunity
Hello Author, Illustrator, and Creative Friends,
If you're ready to be booked, busy, and PAID, you are in the right place. I'm excited to share all my tips and tricks on how to lock in those PAID speaking gigs.
Whether you want to set up school visits, participate in literary festivals, and/or pitch your ideas to storyteller organizations, I want to help you “get the gig!" and "get paid" because I believe creatives deserve to be paid for their work.
Join me for this short course to learn about speaking opportunities, where to find them, how to reach out to them successfully, contracts, and designing materials that put you and your stories in front of audiences.
I booked 67 events in 2023, making an extra $19,000 in income.
In 2024, I booked 48 events, making an extra $21,000 in income — despite having to turn down dozens of events while I was experiencing a high-risk pregnancy with twins and while I was on maternity leave.
So far, I have booked over 50 events for 2025, and it’s only JULY!
This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of two 75-minute sessions offering limited interaction with the community and loads of information.
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
Thursday, August 14, 2025 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat
Both sessions will be recorded for those registered.
Recordings available until September 30, 2025
Affordable Investment: $59
RSVP here.
Why This Workshop?
Communication is at the core of our work—sharing stories that reflect our communities, ourselves, and the wider world. As children’s book authors and illustrators, we do this not only through the pages of our books but also through the stories we tell during our speaking engagements.
Whether you want to set up school visits, participate in literary festivals, and/or pitch your ideas to storyteller organizations, Alyssa Reynoso-Morris wants to help you “get the gig!” and “get paid!”
Key topics covered during the program will include:
An overview of possibilities (school visits, festivals, conferences, and more)
Understanding your voice and story when engaging with an audience,
What to expect (and ask for) when it comes to contracts and finances,
How to position materials on your website, speaker one-sheet, and in-person to “get the gig”
and so much more!
RSVP here.
Course Agenda
Part 1: Opportunities and You!
Welcome and Introduction
An overview of speaking opportunities for children’s book authors and illustrators
Exercise: Brainstorm potential speaking opportunities (Bust out Excel!)
Defining your why and what YOU uniquely bring to an audience
Exercise: Brainstorm potential topics
Part 2: Finances, Contracts, Marketing Materials, and Q & A
Getting Your Website to Work for You
The Power of an Effective One-Sheet
Finances and Contracts (yes, you need to be paid for your time!)
Q&A with Alyssa
RSVP here.
Here are some reviews from past students who attended this course:
Alyssa’s Highlights course, Getting the Gig: A Two-Night Mini on Speaking Opportunities for Storytellers, was filled with useful information, clear and concise examples, and valuable tools for authors in all stages!
— Steena Hernandez, Author and Consultation Client
Your energy and passion are awesome, and you’re so encouraging! I especially benefited from learning about one sheets, contracts, and setting fees.
- Hannah Lorenzo, Author and Consultation Client
Alyssa, chica! I just finished watching your presentation, Getting the Gig. You are amazing. This is one of the best webinars I have attended. I have two PBs coming out next year and the information you presented is so valuable.
— Sandra Martin, Author and Consultation Client
I so enjoyed your Getting the Gig workshop and want to thank you for the great information you shared.
— Elisa Fleener, Writer
RSVP here.
Refer a Friend
Thank you for reading, Alyssa Reynoso-Morris — your support allows me to keep doing this work.
If you enjoy Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, it would mean the world to me if you invited friends to subscribe and read with us. If you refer friends, you will receive benefits that give you special access to Alyssa Reynoso-Morris.
How to participate?
1. Share Alyssa Reynoso-Morris. When you use the referral link below, or the “Share” button on any post, you'll get credit for any new subscribers. Simply send the link in a text, email, or share it on social media with friends.
2. Earn benefits. When more friends use your referral link to subscribe (free or paid), you’ll receive special benefits.
Get Book Marketing 1-Sheet Sample for 3 referrals
Get a SIGNED Book for 5 referrals
Get 30-minute Zoom Chat for 10 referrals
To learn more, check out Substack’s FAQ. Thank you for helping get the word out about Alyssa Reynoso-Morris!
📣 BIG NEWS: My New Book Is Coming! 🎉
Exciting news! I’m thrilled to share my upcoming book ✨ BOLD, BRILLIANT & LATINE ✨ is officially available for pre-order and there is a 25% discount at Barnes and Noble!
From July 8th through 11th, Barnes & Noble Rewards and Premium Members get 25% off all pre-orders, and Premium Members get an additional 10% off. Use code PREORDER25 at checkout (online only). Don’t miss out on this special chance to support BOLD, BRILLIANT & LATINE before it publishes on September 2, 2025!
This vibrant, inspiring collection celebrates 52 incredible Latine and Hispanic heroes from the past and present—and I can’t wait for you to meet them.
When you pre-order, you’ll get access to exclusive FREE gifts as a thank-you for your early support!
Just fill out the pre-order giveaway form HERE and claim your bonuses!
Meet 52 Latine and Hispanic heroes in this celebratory and inspiring biography anthology.
With this dazzling addition to the See Yourself In Their Stories series, readers can meet 52 heroes past and present, from sporting legends to fashion icons, political leaders to fearless changemakers, as well as renowned writers, musicians, artists, scientists, and more.
A heart-warming and soul-rousing book for Latine and Hispanic children and families, this book is also ideal for homeschoolers and educators studying Latine and Hispanic history and achievement, with one new figure to explore every week of the year. This is the perfect read for families looking for empowering stories to inspire their children.
Proud, talented, and boundless, these extraordinary men and women's achievements will inspire a new generation to chase their dreams . . . whatever they may be.
What do you get when you pre-order?
📄 Printable Activity Pack: Every pre-order gets a FREE downloadable PDF with coloring pages, word searches, and fun facts about some of the icons featured in the book.
💌 Personalized Thank You: Be one of the first 50 pre-orders and receive a signed bookplate and a heartfelt thank-you note from Alyssa!
🎥 3 Free Virtual School Visits: Pre-order to enter a giveaway for ONE of THREE 30-minute virtual school visits!
📝 Trivia Card Deck: The first 50 orders will get a FREE Trivia Card Deck. The deck includes 52 cards (one card per person in the book) with 2-3 questions on each card. This is perfect for teachers to test their students or turn it into a fun game at home. In my home, we play, and each correct answer earns an M&M.
Let’s make this launch bold, brilliant, and unforgettable—together.
💛 Thank you for your support. It truly means the world.
Happy Writing!
With gratitude and love,
Alyssa Reynoso-Morris