You have the talk, the coaching program or the book. What you need now is proof that other people want to hear from you, because event planners and podcast hosts look for that proof before they book.
Features, podcast interviews and directory profiles build that proof over time. They also feed the bookings side of the business, which we cover in how to land your first paid speaking gig in 90 days.
This guide lists real places that take applications and pitches from speakers, coaches and authors in 2026. Our editors opened each submission page in October 2026. Prices are only listed where the outlet shows them.
The short version: Speakers, coaches and authors can get featured by listing on speaker directories like eSpeakers and Sessionize, pitching podcasts through PodMatch or PodcastGuests.com, answering journalist requests on Qwoted, and pitching feature outlets like Booked Impact. Authors can add paid editorial reviews from Reedsy Discovery or Kirkus Indie. Pitch with a clear topic, a short bio and proof you have spoken before.
At a glance
- Best free speaker listing: Sessionize, where speaker profiles are free and conferences post open calls for speakers.
- Best paid speaker directory: eSpeakers, with plans from $15 a month as listed in October 2026.
- Best for podcast guest spots: PodMatch, MatchMaker.fm, PodcastGuests.com and Talks.co.
- Best for media quotes: Qwoted and Source of Sources, both with free options.
- Best for authors: Reedsy Discovery and Kirkus Indie, both paid editorial reviews.
- What to send: one clear topic, a short bio, a headshot and a link to a past talk or episode.
- Pitch Booked Impact: use the form on this page.
1. Speaker directories and bureaus: get found by event planners
These are the places planners search when they need a speaker. A complete profile with video does more than any cold email. Once the requests come in, read what speakers should negotiate besides the fee.
- eSpeakers: A long-running speaker marketplace used by meeting planners; paid plans start at $15 a month (Basic) and $119 a month (Pro), as listed in October 2026.
- Sessionize: Conferences run their call for speakers here; your speaker profile is free and you can apply to open events directly.
- National Speakers Bureau: A Canadian bureau that invites both established and up-and-coming speakers to apply to its roster; selective, with no fee shown.
2. Podcast guest platforms: get booked on shows
Podcast interviews give hosts and planners a sample of how you sound. Match on topic, not audience size, and treat every episode as a demo reel.
- PodMatch: AI matching between guests and podcast hosts with in-app messaging and scheduling; guest plans are paid monthly and come with a money-back guarantee.
- MatchMaker.fm: A directory that connects podcast hosts with guests by topic; check its current plans before you sign up.
- PodcastGuests.com: A free twice-weekly newsletter of guest requests, plus a paid expert directory at $15 a month billed annually or $20 monthly, as listed in October 2026.
- Talks.co: A free expert profile that podcast hosts and producers can browse, with paid upgrades available.
3. Features and expert quotes: get your name in print
Written features and quotes in news stories are what show up when a planner searches your name. For a real example of how press and stage time feed each other, see the Garry Lineham playbook.
- That’s us
Booked Impact: Booked Impact publishes Speaker Spotlight and Key Leader Spotlight features on speakers, coaches, authors and event organizers. Pitch your story with the form on this page.
Pitch Booked Impact with the form below ↓ - Qwoted: Journalists post requests for expert sources and you pitch answers; the Basic plan is free with 2 pitches a month and Pro is $149 a month, as listed in October 2026.
- Featured: A PR platform for media requests, speaking opportunities and awards; there is a free plan and paid plans start at $29 a month billed annually, as listed in October 2026.
- Source of Sources: Free daily emails of journalist queries looking for expert sources; strict rules against off-topic pitches.
4. Author reviews: credibility for your book
If you have a book, an independent editorial review gives planners and hosts a third-party quote to use. Both options below are paid.
- Reedsy Discovery: Professional reviews of new books; $299 per review, charged only if your book is selected, as listed in October 2026.
- Kirkus Indie: Paid reviews for self-published authors, starting at $450 for a traditional review as listed in October 2026; you choose whether to publish it on Kirkus.com.
How to pitch so you actually get featured
Editors, hosts and planners all scan pitches fast, so make yours easy to say yes to.
- Lead with one topic. A pitch that says you speak on leadership, wellness and sales reads as no topic at all.
- Show the room you can hold. Name a past event, audience size you can confirm, or a podcast episode we can listen to.
- Keep the bio under 100 words and write it in the third person so editors can paste it as is.
- Send a recent headshot and one link to video of you speaking. Planners decide on video more than on text.
- Tie the pitch to something current: a new book, an upcoming event, or a lesson your audience is asking about this year.
- Follow up once after a week, then move on. Editors keep good pitches for later issues.
Quick gut check
Get featured in Booked Impact
We look for speakers, coaches, authors and event organizers with a clear message and a story our readers can learn from. An editor reads every submission and will reach out if your story fits an upcoming feature; sending the form does not guarantee coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Where can speakers get featured in 2026?
Start with speaker directories like eSpeakers and Sessionize, podcast guest platforms like PodMatch and PodcastGuests.com, and expert-source services like Qwoted. Then pitch feature outlets such as Booked Impact for a written profile.
Is it free to get listed on speaker directories?
Some are. Sessionize speaker profiles are free, while eSpeakers plans start at $15 a month as listed in October 2026. Bureaus like National Speakers Bureau take applications but are selective.
How do I get booked as a podcast guest?
Create a profile on a matching platform such as PodMatch, MatchMaker.fm or Talks.co, and subscribe to the free PodcastGuests.com newsletter for open requests. Pitch shows where your topic fits their audience, and include a link to a past interview.
How do I get featured in Booked Impact?
Use the form on this page. An editor reviews every submission and reaches out if your story fits an upcoming Speaker Spotlight or Key Leader Spotlight feature.
Are paid book reviews worth it for authors who speak?
They can be if you need a credible third-party quote for your speaker page or one-sheet. Reedsy Discovery charges only if your book is selected, and Kirkus Indie lets you keep a review private if you do not like it.
Read us often? Make Booked Impact Live Editorial a preferred source in Google Search and see our reporting more often in Top Stories.
