NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARDS
®
CELEBRATING SELF & INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING EXCELLENCE
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SPEAKERS BUREAU
Many of our Award-Winning authors are available for speaking engagements, interviews, podcasts, and the like. Their talents and accomplishments range widely across many genres, please see the lists below to find highly engaging experts in their field today.
Featured Award-Winning Author Speakers
(Contact Authors Directly for Your Booking)
Leadership, Creativity, and Marketing Leader
Aaron Templer
Author, agency owner, professional trainer/professor, musician, and creative mind, Aaron Templer bridges marketing, leadership, and creativity creases with 20+ years of perspective and bias-breaking.
Author
Andy Becker
Andy Becker is an award winning author whose elegant gift books inspire gardening and environmentalism.
Author, Performance Consultant , Speaker
Bill Blokker, Ed.D.
Bill Blokker, Ed.D. is a passionate and informative speaker. He has an unwavering belief that the impossible is possible! He will share insights about how people overcame crushing circumstances to achieve extraordinary results.
Author/Entertainer
CJ Morgan
Professional celebrity impersonators portray Jack Nicholson and Dolly Parton
HARVEST YOUR HAPPY: A Farm Girl's Guide to Leading, Succeeding and Living Your Best Life
Camilla Gray-Nelson
I share 4-legged wisdom with my 2-legged audience. How to lead, love and achieve, "animal style!"
Award-winning author of climate-focused books for kids
Carolyn Armstrong
Award-winning author of Earth-friendly, climate-focused, middle grade fiction
Authors and Animal Advocates
Christine A. Dorchak and Carey M. Theil
The authors have been working together to save greyhounds for over twenty years. Christine is a “Jersey Girl” turned lawyer and Carey is a West Coast poet and chess master.
Award-winning author
Cindie Schooner-Ball
Cindie is an award-winning author and retired fire service captain.
International economist; history author; thought leader; relationship developer; and skilled media strategist.
Corey Geiger
International economist; author; thought leader; relationship developer; skilled media strategist, and public speaker.
Author, Speaker, Seminar Leader, Consutlant
Curt P. Martin
Curt Martin is a Christian author, speaker, seminar leader, and organization consultant, whose mission is to help individuals and organizations thrive as the unique masterpieces God designed.
Author
Danny R. Smith
Retired L.A. Sheriff's homicide detective, author of detective novels and true crime.
Memoirist, Poet, Fiction Writer, Literature and Writing Professor
Deirdre Fagan
Widow, Wife, Mother of Two, Memoirist, Poet, Fiction Writer, and Professor
Author / Former TV Anchor
Diana Dempsey
Diana Dempsey traded in a career in local and national television news to write fiction. An Emmy winner for her television work and a prize-winner for her fiction, Diana is a graduate of Harvard University and resides in California.
ChIC - Chief Improvement Catalyzer
Diane Helbig
As a business advisor and trainer I serve business owners and professionals who wish to improve their outcomes and realize greater happiness. I am also an award-winning speaker and author, and podcast host.
Author
Donna Huston Murray
Donna Huston Murray’s cozy mystery series features an amateur sleuth much like herself, a DIY headmaster's wife with a troubling interest in crime. The latest Gin Barnes’ FOR BETTER OR WORSE was a Finalist for the National Indie Excellence Award for mysteries, and the first two novels in the Lauren Beck mystery/crime series won Honorable Mention in genre fiction from Writer’s Digest.
In 2022, Donna became the tenth inductee into her high school’s Lifetime Achievement Award Hall of Fame. To hint that she’s still writing, the plaque reads, “…and more,” below her listed books.
When she isn’t plotting mayhem, Donna assumes she can fix anything until proven wrong, calls trash-picking recycling, and, although she should probably know better by now, adores Irish setters.
Donna and husband, Hench, live in the greater Philadelphia, PA, USA, area.
Best-selling Author, Keynote Speaker, City Mayor, and Business Professor
Ed Eng
From Corporate Success to Civic Leadership: Dr. Ed Eng, Former Fortune 500 Executive Turned Mayor, Inspires in His Debut Book “The Accidental Mayor.”
award-winning novelist and nonfiction author
Fran Hawthorne
After decades as a journalist covering healthcare and business ethics, Fran Hawthorne returned to her childhood passion: fiction. Her second novel, I Meant to Tell You, has won or is a finalist for seven awards.
Author of A Common Thirst and other resources
Gary Boelhower
I am an author of children's stories, poetry, and resources to help make wise decisions. I am professor emeritus at The College of St. Scholastica and have spent a career helping others access their own inner wisdom and act for the common good.
Inspirational Speaker/Author/Founder of Pajama Program
Genevieve Piturro
thor, INspirational Speaker
Award-winning author and veteran
George Hayward
Air Force veteran and award-winning author George Hayward tells a little-known, morally conflicted story of heroism, duty, honor and obligation.
Author and Theater Artist
Gin Hammond
He has traveled the world and lived in Asia, Africa, and Russian during his long
Death by Design
JOHN HARRISON GRAVES
John has received three national book awards for his works of fiction and non-fiction.
"Cherokee Reel," James A. Humphrey, Historical Fiction
James A Humphrey
With Sequoyah in his family, this Cherokee citizen/author spins his authentic saga from 1779 through post-Civil War Reconstruction on a turbulent historical stage.
Author & Historian
Janelle Molony
AKA the "Hottie Historian," Molony invites reader-audiences to go back in time and feel what it was like to be in someone else's shoes.
Author
Jeane Slone
career as a film and media maker and his memoirs are full of entertaining and
Incurable Optimist: Living with Illness and Chronic Hope
Jennifer Cramer-Miller
Jennifer Cramer-Miller is an author and speaker, focusing on stories of hope. Jennifer’s multiple-award winning memoir, Incurable Optimist: Living with Illness and Chronic Hope and her speaking topics help others move forward with resilience to find joy.
Author
Jennifer Gasner
Jennifer grew up in Wisconsin and moved to California in 2001. Two years prior, she started using a wheelchair and is an advocate for people with disabilities.
Author, Podcaster
Joanne Greene
Joanne Greene, author of By Accident: A Memoir of Letting Go, has used her voice on San Francisco radio and television, webinars, and podcasts, to explore the issues of our time with playful irreverence, candor, and compassion. In her podcast, In This Story…with Joanne Greene, she shares observations from her animated life.
Transformative Speaker / Author / Former Attorney and Food Scientist
Judie Dziezak
Judie Dziezak empowers professional women to amplify their presence, especially in male-dominated fields, so they can be recognized as the powerhouse they truly are. She shares thought-provoking insights for unlocking the door to one's inner power.
Storyteller
Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith is a Wisconsin novelist, podcaster, blogger, and editor. Her debut novel, published in March 2022, won the 16th Annual Juror’s Choice Award from NIEA, the 2022 PenCraft First Place Award for Women’s Fiction, and is one of the Women’s National Book Association’s 2022 Great Group Reads
Happiness Explorer, Award-winning Author, Emmy-winning TV Producer, and Inspirational Speaker
Maria Baltazzi
Maria Baltazzi empowers individuals to explore what truly makes them happier through her eight critically acclaimed Happiness Essentials. Her practical advice and unique approach combine camera phone photography and journaling prompts to inspire audiences and readers with invaluable guidance.
Fearless Female Tech Leader/ Future of Work
Marva Bailer
Marva infuses positive energy with her current, real-world perspective gained through her career as a sales, leadership, executive and employee engagement, and marketing leader, from startups to blue chip brands, including IBM, Amazon, Splunk, and Twilio
My Dog Is My Relationship Coach/Maureen Scanlon/Certified Lifecoach, Relationship Expert, Speaker, Podcast Host
Maureen Scanlon
I am passionate about helping people find the best versions of themselves!
Author
Melva Haggar Dye
I began my writing career mid-life following years of travel, observation and experiences. I'm a people person, and that has translated into what I do best: characterization!
Author
Michele Kwasniewski
Michele's colorful experiences from her fifteen+ year career in the entertainment industry inspired her to write THE RISE AND FALL OF DANI TRUEHART trilogy.
Christian Author
Michelle Layer Rahal
Michelle Layer Rahal is an Indie award-winning author, writing coach, and inspirational speaker. She is passionate about spiritual formation and leads women, students, and the homeless in weekly Bible studies and annual retreats. Michelle lives in the Washington, DC area with her fun-loving husband, Greg.
Author, Film and Media Maker
Neill McKee
Neill McKee is an award-winning creative writer based in Albuquerque New Mexico. He has traveled the world and lived in Asia, Africa, and Russian during his long career as a film and media maker and his memoirs are full of entertaining and educational stories.
Author
Nick Holmberg
Nick Holmberg won NIEA's 2021 Best New Fiction category for his novel The Emergent. He uses elements of several genres and storytelling modes to engage and challenge the reader on perspective and social issues.
Zen Rohatsu
Nora D'Ecclesis
Nora D'Ecclesis presents seminars on the topic of "The Paths To Spirituality" from the zen perspective. Her experience includes small companies, non-profits, and retreat seminars on zoom or in person in the USA and UK.
Award Winning Author, Producer, Public Relations Consultant
Pamela Hamilton
Pamela Hamilton is a producer, public relations consultant, and author of the multi-award-winning historical novel, Lady Be Good. Her career has encompassed the fields of broadcast journalism, filmmaking, and publishing.
Author
Patrick Dylan
Advocate for ending the stigma surrounding mental illness after supporting my wife through several years of acute psychosis.
Author (Memoir)
Patrick Riccards
From 2017 through 2020, Patrick Riccards served on the coaching staff for the West Windsor-Plainsboro (NJ) Wildcats Cheer team, working with WWP’s Junior Pee Wee, Pee Wee, and Junior Varsity squads. His PW squad took second place at YCADA Globals and his JV squad earned a top 10 finish at Pop Warner Natio
Former Congressman/Keynote Speaker/Author
Ric Keller
Ric Keller served eight years in the U.S. House of Representatives. Today, Congressman Keller is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and attorney. He speaks on the topics of civility in the workplace, leading with humor, networking for introverts, and how to build a happy life.
Better Dirty Than Done
Rick Czaplewski
I work with organizations who want to improve their performance and team dynamics. I am also an award-winning speaker and expert negotiations trainer.
Award Winning novelist and nonfiction author
Sharon Mabry
Professional singer turned novelist. Her debut novel, The Postmaster's Daughter,set in East Tennessee, is a literary fiction performance that shows Mabry’s ear for character details and her ability to weave a murder plot that keeps the reader’s interest to the very last page.
Author
Susan Simone
Oral Historian, Writing Workshops in Prisons, Documentary Photographer
Theo Boyd/Nonfiction/Author
Theo Boyd
I am a writer and public speaker, helping lost and confused women navigate their grief for the first time. My debut memoir is a look at the rawness of grief and my second book focuses on the commitment to healing.
Groovy Girl
casey cui (a.k.a., Maritza Roño Refuerzo)
Ms. Cui's debut novel, Groovy Girl, is about a young, feisty Filipino-American girl whose world turns topsy-turvy when her 19-year-old wunderkind sister is diagnosed with colon cancer, amid the chaos of an animated, dramatic extended family. Groovy Girl is the 2022 winner of the National Indie Excellence Award for Asian American Pacific Islander Fiction, a 2022 finalist at the American Fiction Awards for Multicultural Fiction, and was short-listed for the 2022 Hawthorne Prize, sponsored by the American Writing Awards..
More Award-Winning Author Speakers
Planning for Success: A Practical Guide to Setting and Achieving your Social Media Marketing Goals
Luan Wise
Website/URL:
Author/Editor/Teacher/Caregiver/Speaker
Christina Consolino
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Author/Teacher/Speaker
Becky Ellis
Website/URL:
beckyellis.net
International economist; history author; relationship developer; and skilled media strategist
Corey Geiger
Website/URL:
Author | CEO | Civil Engineer | Entrepreneur
Jason Luke Bennecke PE, MBA, PMP
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Spark Generator & Author
Glenn Somodi
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The Story of Rice
Xiaorong Zhang
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Author|Speaker|Executive Coach|Yoga Therapist|Facilitator
Daniel J Blackburn
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Author, Forensic Pathologist, Creative Nonfiction
Mary Jumbelic, M.D.
Website/URL:
maryjumbelic.com
Author, Cold War Expert and Former U.S. Intelligence Officer
Brian J. Morra
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Author and speaker (regional non-fiction, midwest)
Cindy Wilson
Website/URL:
cindywilson-author.com
Trust Yourself to Be All In: Safe to Love and Let Go
Amanda McKoy Flanagan
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Psychologist/Springsteen scholar/loss&grief/meaning-in-life
Lorraine Mangione, Ph.D.
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Author
Cindy Wilson
Website/URL:
CindyWilson-author.com
Author
Deanna Kassenoff
Website/URL:
deannakassenoff.com
Author, Award-winning Speaker, Professor of Media Literacy
Jude Atwood
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author, horse lover, retired teacher, horsehair jewelry braider
Janet Wolanin Alexander
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CEO of Attention Grabbing Media Marketing, Author, & Pres. of NaturalSlim
Manuel Suarez
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Author of EXODAI - The NIEA Gold Medal Winner for Sexuality
Elizabeth Hendrick
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Award-Winning Author/Speaker on Reinventing Yourself in Retirement/Retired Climate Scientist/English Teacher
Dian Seidel
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Author
Maggie Montague
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Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History
Robin Bartlett, author, Vietnam War Lecturer
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The practical use of poetry, meditation, and dreams to guide your creative ambitions
John Blossom
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author
Alfredo Botello
Website/URL:
alfredobotello.com
Author, Book & Publishing Consultant
Michelle Hill
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Technology Consultant Guiding Human-AI Transformation | Futurist | Keynote Speaker | Award-Winning Author
David Espindola
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Revelation: Book Three of The Devolution Trilogy (John Casey/Political Thriller/Author)
John Casey
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Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy: Defending America's Most Evil Serial Killer on Death Row
Karen Conti
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Award-winning author, speaker, and inclusive leadership consultant
Minette Norman
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Author/ Life & Career Coach/ NLP Practitioner
Kateryna Armenta
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The Oathbreaker's Daughter (Martin V. Parece II / Fantasy)
Martin V. Parece II
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Author and Editor, The Ones who Remember: Second Generation Voices of the Holocaust
Rita Benn
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Multi-Award-Winning Author and Screenwriter - The First Harm: A Medical Thriller
Steven Piskula
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Author of a Christian memoir about my daughter's diagnosis with a rare genetic disorder and our subsequent journey through a clinical trial.
Tammy Coulter
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Best-selling Author, Keynote Speaker & Business Leader helping women build confidence & resilience, foster self-love habits and rise into leadership positions, without the burnout.
Jenna Banks
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Author/nonfiction and novelist/distinguished professor
Laura Katz Olson
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Author, All the Monsters Are Here: Thirteen Spooky Tales
Aaron Ray Ballard
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