Price Your Author Library Events with Confidence
The transparent email that got me $550 (after 18 years) without apology or negotiation
I recently got an inquiry from a library where I’d last done a program at least 18 years ago. Back then, I was charging maybe $150 to $200. My rates have increased since then to match my experience and value—and inflation.
Here’s the challenge we may face from time to time: When someone remembers your old prices—or expects authors in general to work cheaply—how do you reset expectations without damaging the relationship or losing the booking?
Most authors do one of two things: They apologize for their current rates and offer a discount for you, or they ignore the inquiry because they’re too uncomfortable having the conversation. Both approaches cost money and credibility.
I did neither. I sent a straightforward email that stated my rates, showed my work, and established clear boundaries. No apology. No hedging. No I hope this works for your budget.
She responded within an hour: “Yes, let’s do the one-hour program at $550.”
No negotiation. No real pushback. Yes, there was a little of that’s more than we expected. But it was more along the lines of, I guess we’ll take the one-hour program rather than the two-hour workshop.
Below, I’m sharing the exact email I sent, why each element worked, and how you can use this approach for your own speaking engagements—whether it’s a library, nonprofit, corporate client, or any organization that might expect you to work for less than you’re worth. [Note the might. You most often do not know others’ expectations or budgets.]
