How to show up, stand out, and connect in real life.

There’s a moment every writer has, usually while sitting in a stiff conference chair, clutching a lukewarm latte, when you look up at the panelists on stage and think: “I coulddo that.”  Not in a delusional way. Not in a “main character syndrome” way. But in a real way. Because you’re listening to someone ramble about their “process,” and you’re thinking,

My process is chaotic but at least it’s interesting. Or someone is giving advice so vague it could be printed on a mug, and you’re thinking, I could give actual, helpful insight. Or someone is talking about a genre you write, but they’re missing the nuance you live and breathe. And suddenly, you’re not just imagining yourself in the audience. You’re imagining yourself on the stage.

Welcome to part 2 of our Killer Heels Series: Panels, Talks & Live Programming – How to get on stage instead of just watching from the crowd. This is where your author career shifts from “I write books” to “I speak, teach, and represent my genre.” This is where credibility gets built. This is where connections multiply. This is where you stop being invisible. Let’s get into it.

Why Panels Matter More Than You Think

Panels are the high leverage visibility tool of the writing world. They’re the difference between being “an author at the event” and “an author featured at the event.”

Panels give you instant authority

When you’re on stage, readers assume you know things. Organizers assume you’re worth listening to. Other authors assume you’re someone to connect with. It’s not ego, it’s optics. Panels are curated. Panels are selective. Panels are signal.

Panels create deeper connection than signings

A signing line is transactional. A panel is relational. Readers hear your voice, your humor, your perspective, your chaos, your craft. They get to know you. And people buy books from authors they feel connected to.

Panels are networking cheat codes

You’re not just meeting readers, you’re meeting:

• Moderators
• Festival directors
• Booksellers
• Librarians
• Other authors

These are the people who invite you to future events, recommend you, and open doors you didn’t even know existed.

How to Get Your Book Seen by Panels (Even Before You’re On One)

You don’t have to be a panelist to get your book into the panel ecosystem.

Submit Your Book To Festival Reading Lists

Many festivals have:

• Recommended reading lists
• Partner bookstores
• Featured author tables

Email the programming team or the festival’s bookstore partner and ask: “How can I submit my book for consideration for your reading list or festival display?”

Work With Local Bookstores & Libraries

Offer to do:

• A small workshop
• A themed talk
• A reading tied to your genre

If your event aligns with the festival’s vibe, your book may get displayed alongside festival materials.

Send ARCs Or Review Copies To Moderators

Moderators often choose which books they highlight. Give them a reason to choose yours.

Include:

• A one page sheet with your hook
• Themes
• Talking points
• Your bio
• Your contact info

Make it easy for them to talk about you.

How To Get On Panels (Step‑By‑Step)

This is the part where you stop waiting to be discovered and start pitching yourself like the main character you are.

Step 1: Target the right festivals and conferences

Start with:

• Local festivals
• Regional conferences
• Library‑run events
• Genre‑specific gatherings

These are more open to indie and debut authors.

Look for:

• “Call for speakers”
• “Call for proposals”
• “Programming submissions”

These usually open 6–9 months before the event.

Step 2: Pitch a topic, not your book

Bad pitch: “I’d like to talk about my novel.”

Good pitch: “I’d love to be part of a panel on writing morally gray heroines in small town mysteries.”

Or:

“I can speak on building tension in YA apocalyptic fiction.”

Or:

“I’d be a great fit for a panel on fashion as character identity in contemporary fiction.”

Panels are about themes, craft, genre, representation, not book promos.

Step 3: Show you can hold a room

Include:

• Podcast interviews
• YouTube readings
• Recorded talks
• Teaching experience
• Workshops you’ve led
• Any public speaking clips

Organizers want proof you won’t freeze like a deer in headlights.

Step 4: Make it easy for organizers

Send:

• A short bio
• A high‑res headshot
• A 2–3 sentence topic description
• Your availability
• Your travel radius
• Whether you need a stipend
• Optional: suggested co‑panelists

You’re not just pitching yourself, you’re pitching a solution.

How to Behave  On Panels So They Actually Help You

Panels are performance. Panels are strategy. Panels are brand. Let’s break it down.

Before The Panel

• Read the brief
• Know the topic
• Prepare 3–5 key points
• Coordinate with the moderator
• Bring water (trust me)
• Wear something that feels like your author persona

During the panel

• Be generous, not salesy – Offer insight. Mention your book naturally, not constantly.
• Tell stories – Readers remember anecdotes more than advice.
• Respect time – Don’t hog the mic. Don’t interrupt. Don’t monologue.
• Be quotable – Say one or two lines that people will write down or tweet.

After the panel

• Go to the signing table
• Answer questions
• Collect emails
• Take photos with readers
• Thank the organizers
• Connect with your co‑panelists

This is where the real networking happens.

Pros & Cons Of Panels (Especially for First Time Authors)

Let’s be honest about the trade‑offs.

The Good

• High‑impact visibility – One panel can reach dozens or hundreds of engaged readers.
• Authority boost – “Featured speaker at X Festival” looks amazing on your website and media kit.
• Networking – You meet people who can change your career trajectory.
• Long‑tail impact – Readers remember panelists. They follow you. They buy later.

The Bad

• Gatekeeping at big festivals – Marquee events often favor traditionally published or well‑known authors.
• Performance anxiety – Speaking in public can be stressful.
• Limited direct sales – Panels are brand building, not cash building.

For Debut Authors Specifically

• Start small – Local events are more accessible and more welcoming.
• Use panels as proof – Once you’ve done a few, you can pitch bigger festivals with confidence.
• Lean into your freshness – Debut authors have unique perspectives, use that.

So… How Do Panels Help Or Hinder You?

Panels help you when:

• You pitch strategically
• You choose topics that highlight your strengths
• You treat them as visibility engines
• You follow up with organizers and co‑panelists
• You use them to build long‑term credibility

Panels hinder you when:

• You chase prestige instead of fit
• You expect instant sales
• You overbook yourself
• You treat them like a one time miracle cure

Panels are not magic. Panels are momentum.

Killer Heels Takeaway

Here’s the homework I would do if I was looking into bookfairs etc.:

1. Make a list of 5 festivals or conferences you’d love to speak at.
2. Identify 3 panel topics you could confidently speak on.
3. Build a speaker kit: bio, headshot, topic list, links.
4. Pitch one event this month.
5. Practice your micro story: a 20‑second anecdote that shows who you are as a writer.

In Part 3, we’re stepping into the intimate world of Book Clubs, the cozy, chaotic rooms where readers become evangelists and your book becomes a personality trait. But for now? Picture yourself on that stage, mic in hand, heels crossed at the ankle, delivering a line so good the audience laughs, nods, or scribbles it down. That’s not a fantasy. That’s a future you’re building….one panel at a time.

XOXO,

Savi Monroe