Since its launch in 2009, the CWA Speakers Bureau has provided CWA members with a valuable opportunity to book events, build their individual platforms, and sell books, while simultaneously offering event programmers a trusted resource to guide their programming efforts.
Speakers Bureau: https://www.chicagowrites.org/speakers-bureau
For CWA members interested in joining, here are the details:
- The CWA Speakers Bureau is open to current CWA members only.
- One program listing costs $85. Two program listings cost $135. Three program listings, the maximum number allowed, cost $175. Pricing is subject to change each cycle.
- Pay online through the registration form.
- Payment is due November 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
- Listings are active for one calendar year and will expire at the end of 2027.
- You must submit your program profile/menu listing electronically in the text of an email (not as an attachment) to smithwriting@gmail.com by 11:59 p.m. CST on November 29, 2026. This is a firm deadline with no exceptions.
- Right down to punctuation and capitalization, each menu listing should follow the Speakers Bureau’s standard format, which is:
“Title of the Program” by Presenter’s Name
Program description of no more than 75 words. Note whether the presentation includes handouts, booklets, a Q&A, or other materials. (Include intended audience; presentation length in minutes; fee and special requests, including travel reimbursement or permission to sell books, along with presentation format, in-person, virtual, or both.)
References: Up to two professional references, ideally, should be able to comment on the program being offered, along with names and contact information.
Website: If available, list your website or blog address. Do not include social media profiles.
Contact Info: Provide your email address and phone number(s)
Here is a specific example to follow:
“Chicago Genealogy 101” by Grace DuMelle
Learn the challenges of searching for your Windy City relations from Grace DuMelle, author of Finding Your Chicago Ancestors and head of Heartland Historical Research. Discover lesser-known sources for family historians – fire insurance maps, probate cases,inquest records, and more – that can open a window into your ancestors’ world. Includes handouts, Q&A. (Adults; 60 min; In-person $150 with permission to sell books; $50 virtual)
References: John Smith, Evanston Public Library, (847) 555-1212, jsmith@library.com; Mary Jones, Oak Lawn Public Library, (708) 555-1212, mary@library.org
Website: www.websiteURL.com
Contact: example@ameritech.net, (312) 555-1212
For additional reference, view the most recent CWA Speakers Bureau menu: https://www.chicagowrites.org/speakers-bureau
Important notes:
- All presentations are subject to CWA approval and listings will be edited as necessary to meet style, space, and tone requirements.
- If an event programmer wishes to schedule a program, he/she will contact the member directly. It is each member’s responsibility to handle such queries in a professional manner. The CWA does not function as an intermediary or actively schedule programs for Speakers Bureau members.
- There is no guarantee Speakers Bureau members will get booked for an event.
- In the opening week of January 2027, the CWA will finalize and post its 2027 CWA Speakers Bureau Menu to the CWA website and distribute a hard copy of the menu to some 200 Chicago area libraries and venues.
Please contact CWA Speakers Bureau director Daniel Smith at 708.717.6126 or smithwriting@gmail.com with any questions.
