<p>I was contactd by a professor at a state university about a possible speaking engagement in my area of expertise, and asked about my fee. I’ve had some experience speaking for free, and in one instance they paid me for travel and hotel. But I’m not sure about how to set a fee. I’m not a celebrity but do have a book to peddle, which was probably how the prof heard of me. I’d ask for expenses at a minimum. If they have money to pay me, I don’t want to sound like an innocent by saying I’d do it for free. But I don’t want to overprice it. So what’s reasonable? Any way of finding out what a typical state u might pay for a non-celebrity expert? Is $1,000 in the ballpark–more or less? Thanks.</p>
<p>(Oops mod, I meant to post this in the cafe.)</p>
<p>Why not ask the professor? Tell him you’re most interested in the exposure, but of course you’d like to be compensated for your time and travel expenses, so what budget could the school afford? Most profs will understand this situation – they have to do endless conferences and papers to achieve tenure.</p>
<p>Having “a book to peddle” changes the equation, I think. Many authors speak for free as a way to get their books into the hands of more people. Would your book be required reading for the class?</p>
<p>@siliconvalleymom My book would be more of a supplemental text for the class. It’s not a textbook. The normal arrangement is for the publisher to contact a local bookseller (in this case probably the campus bookstore( who sets up sales table at a speaking engagement. But might not work in an academic setting–unless I was speaking at the book store itself. In these days of e-readers, Amazon, etc. Physical books at an event are not necessary–except it works against the dying breed of local bookstores.</p>
<p>As far as setting a fee for this event, I think I’m going to punt, and ask for more information about what they have in mind before I come up with a number (beyond expenses)–if any.</p>
<p>Being contacted has inspired me about looking into speakers agencies.</p>
<p>Often when I speak, I receive travel and an honorarium of about $500. When we have speakers, we often are able to get them with NO honorarium, especially since we use in-state speakers who are generally healthcare professionals.</p>
<p>It sounds like a good idea to get more info before you figure out what fee is appropriate. Many school budgets are very constrained and can’t afford much (if any) of an honorarium.</p>
<p>Was that university money or did alumni boosters pay for it to increase publicity?
I read Morrisons fee is usually $60,000 but she halved it. She also used to teach there.</p>