Authors pour their hearts and lives into their books. Each person has a message so unique and distinctive that they burn to share with the world. It’s little wonder, then, that so many writers are launched into speaking ministry. Writing and speaking go together like peanut butter and jelly. But if you are like many authors, launching or maintaining a speaking ministry can be daunting.

As a publicist at WinePress Group I ask authors two main questions to help direct the focus of their speaking ministry.

1. “Who is your audience?”

Who does your message reach?

• Young mothers?
• Married ladies?
• Women of all ages?
• Veterans?
• College students?

You get the picture. When defining your primary audience, be specific.

Once we have a target audience in mind, the second question comes naturally:

2. “How can I meet my target audience?”

Is there a specific weekly/monthly/bi-monthly group where my audience meets?

If your primary audience is war veterans, consider joining the American Legion so you can promote to speak at their national meetings. Many organizations like to pull from “one of their own.”

Once you know where to direct your publicity efforts, you’ll need to contact (and re-contact) the group. Prepare to knock on a door at least three times before someone will even look at you through the peep-hole. You may find it beneficial to skip the awkward beginnings and allow your experienced publicist to handle the formal introductions. Then you can concentrate on what you’ve been called to do: write and speak.

No matter what your message, there are people who need to hear it. Getting your book in print is the first step in a lifelong journey toward meeting those people. Let publicity and promotions pave the way.

Kerry Williams has worked as an assistant to her mother-in-law, Carla Williams, for over six years. She now uses her experience helping WinePress and Pleasant Word authors build their platforms. She has a gift for opening doors for speaking opportunities.