Presentation Secrets for Every Author with Vicki DeArmon

This webinar is for any author—whether you’re a nervous debut writer or a seasoned veteran—looking to trade pre-event jitters for a boost of confidence and the simple, proven tools needed to truly connect with your readers.


WORKSHOP • Friday, April 24, 2026 • 9am-10:15am PST 


As an author, you are the star of your own events—and your audience wants you to shine. Join us to learn how to develop your "book patter," organize your talk for maximum impact (and sales), and engage your audience so every venue is thrilled they booked you.

By mastering event protocol and developing your author persona, you can move past the nerves and actually enjoy the spotlight. This fast-paced webinar is designed to be fun (laughing is required!) and will immediately relieve your stress while providing essential tools.

Whether you are a debut author or a veteran looking to up your game, Vicki DeArmon, publisher of Sibylline Press and former marketing director for Copperfield’s Books, is handing you the "keys to the castle" built from 40 years of event production.


Sibyl Writing Craft webinars are held via zoom, allowing you to participate from anywhere.

  • You will receive your Zoom link via email the day before the workshop.
  • We will email any essential course materials, handouts, and recommended resources prior to the start of the webinar.
  • Can't make the live session? No worries! We will send you a link to the full video 24-48 hours after the workshop date.


This class is designed for

  • Debut authors needing to learn the ropes of bookstore and venue etiquette.

  • Veteran authors who want to refresh their presentation style.

  • Nervous speakers looking to build confidence and "patter."

  • Proactive authors who want to ensure readers leave with a book in hand.

Ready to turn those pre-event jitters into genuine confidence?

What we'll cover

  • The Pro Protocol: What is expected of you in bookstores vs. other venues.

  • The Anatomy of a Talk: Timing, readings, Q&As, and signing lines.

  • Organizing for Sales: How to structure your talk to drive book purchases.

  • Winning Over the Venue: How to impress booksellers (your most important allies).

  • Crowd Control: Mastering both the "empty room" and the "standing room only" scenarios.

  • The After-Effect: Maximizing your event's reach before, during, and after the talk.

You’ll walk away with

  • A Clear Roadmap: A step-by-step guide to executing a professional author talk.

  • The Sales Handout: A practical tool to help you structure your talk for maximum effect.

  • Professional Confidence: The ability to handle tricky questions and avoid common rookie mistakes.

  • Author Ownership: A newfound ability to connect with your audience and represent your work with pride.

Meet Your Instructor

Publisher at Sibylline Press Vicki DeArmon

Publisher of Sibylline Press, Vicki DeArmon, shares the wisdom of her 40 years in the book industry. She started San Francisco’s Foghorn Press at age 25, selling it selling it 13 years later. She served as the marketing and events director at Copperfield’s Books (with eight stores) in the San Francisco North Bay, developing a nationally recognized program of 300 plus events a year. She later produced the annual holiday catalog and promotion for the California Independent Booksellers Alliance’s 100 plus indie booksellers. In 2022, Vicki launched Sibylline Press with three other book industry women to publish the brilliant work of women authors over 50.

Spots are limited

Come grab the "keys to the castle" from a 40-year event pro and start truly enjoying your book talks.