Author Visits, Speaking Engagements & Workshops with Sarah Woodard
Looking for a speaker, author, or workshop presenter for your next event?
I love sharing stories, exploring ideas, and connecting with people through conversation.
Whether you're organizing a school visit, library program, community gathering, or virtual event, I'd be happy to hear what you have in mind.
My interests range from children's literature and Nature connection to storytelling, compassionate living, and the ways we relate to one another and the world around us.
Book Me
Let's Create an Experience Your Audience Will Enjoy
Every audience is different.
A group of five-year-olds listening to an illustrated story has different needs from a room full of adults discussing humanity's relationship with Nature.
That's one reason I prefer to discuss events individually.
I want to understand who will be attending, what you're hoping they'll experience, and how I can contribute.
You may already know exactly what you want. Perhaps you're organizing a book reading or looking for someone to speak on a specific subject. Or maybe you’re a school looking for an author visit.
Or you might have a general idea and want to explore what would work for your group.
Either way, please to reach out.
Finding the Right Presenter for Your Event
Planning an event involves a lot of decisions.
You want someone who understands your audience, communicates clearly, and can make the subject interesting without assuming everyone in the room shares the same experiences or beliefs.
For a children's event, you might be wondering whether the presenter can keep young readers engaged while introducing a meaningful subject.
For an adult audience, you might want a speaker who can discuss Nature, connection, or spirituality in a way that leaves room for different perspectives.
And if you're considering a workshop, you may have a particular skill or topic in mind without knowing exactly how to structure the session.
Those are all useful things to discuss before making a booking.
Speaking Engagements & Author Visits
I enjoy speaking with groups about subjects that have shaped my writing and my work.
Topics I'm especially interested in sharing include:
Connecting with Nature at any age. Exploring practical ways to notice, appreciate, and spend time with the natural world.
Humanity's relationship with Mother Earth. Considering how we've become disconnected from Nature and what reconnecting might look like in everyday life.
Connection, belonging, and the greater Whole. Exploring relationships with ourselves, one another, and the world around us.
Book readings and related activities. Sharing my illustrated stories and discussing their characters, subjects, and lessons with readers.
These topics can be discussed in different ways depending on the audience.
A library might be interested in a children's reading followed by questions. A community group might prefer a discussion about Nature connection. An organization planning a special event might have a particular theme it wants to explore.
I welcome inquiries about both in-person and virtual engagements. For in-person events, I travel within 1 hour of my home in Downers Grove, IL.
How Booking Works
1. Tell me about your event.
Share the date, location or virtual format, expected audience, approximate group size, and the kind of presentation you're considering.
2. We'll discuss the details.
I'll ask about your goals, the subject, the age range of participants, and anything else that would help determine whether I'm a good fit.
3. We'll agree on the scope and fee.
Once we know what's involved, I can provide a quote based on the event's requirements.
For planning purposes, my quotes for basic speaking engagement generally start around $495.
For a custom workshop, prices usually start around $650 - this includes the time needed to prepare material specifically for your group.
4. We'll prepare for the event.
After confirming the booking, we'll work out the practical details so everyone knows what to expect.
Workshops by Request
I welcome inquiries about custom workshops.
I don't currently offer a fixed workshop schedule or a catalog of predeveloped classes. If your school, library, organization, or group has a specific need, we can discuss creating a session for that audience.
Subjects I could explore include:
Crafting compelling petitions
Persuasive writing
Nature-centered journaling
I'm open to discussing other subjects related to my writing and areas of experience.
Workshops can be considered for children, teenagers, or adults, with content and activities appropriate to the group.
Because custom workshops require planning and preparation, they're quoted individually.
If you have an idea, tell me what you'd like participants to learn or experience. We can determine whether it's something I can offer.
What Your Group Can Expect
I want people to feel comfortable participating, asking questions, and bringing their own perspectives to an event.
Depending on the subject and format, a session may include storytelling, discussion, practical activities, or time for questions.
For younger audiences, I consider their age and the subject of the book when planning a reading or related activity.
For adult groups, I enjoy conversations that allow people to examine ideas without feeling pressured to agree with every perspective presented.
For workshops, the activities and materials depend on the agreed subject, audience, and available time.
My goal is to contribute something appropriate and worthwhile for the people attending.
Pricing
Speaking engagements, author visits, and workshops are priced individually.
The fee depends on the scope of the event, including factors such as:
Presentation length and format
Audience and subject
Preparation or custom material required
Travel requirements for in-person events
Any additional activities or agreed deliverables
A straightforward virtual conversation may require less preparation than a custom workshop designed for a particular age group.
I'll discuss the requirements with you before providing a quote so you know what's included.
For planning purposes, a basic talk generally starts around $495 and a workshop usually starts around $650.
Let's Talk About Your Event
I'd love to hear what you're planning.
Whether you're organizing a book reading, looking for a speaker, or considering a custom workshop, send me a message with a few details.
You don't need to have every part of the event figured out before contacting me.
Tell me about your audience, your proposed date, and what you're hoping to offer participants.
We can start there.