About
Booked Out is an agency representing Australia’s most engaging authors, illustrators and creative thinkers.
We connect inspiring speakers with schools, universities, libraries, festivals and organisations nationwide, including online visits connecting with audiences around our vast country and the world. From intimate workshops to large-scale events, we arrange meaningful encounters to inspire audiences of all ages.
Our sister agency Speaking Out caters to our corporate clients, with many of our excellent speakers working across both agencies to suit difference audiences.
Booked Out began with a love of books and a belief in the power of stories. Founded by a former English teacher and lifelong reader, the agency started with a simple aim: to bring children’s authors and illustrators into schools and connect young readers with the people behind the stories.
In the early days, Booked Out operated from a home office with a small group of emerging writers, plenty of phone calls and a belief that ideas grow when they’re shared. As those authors’ careers flourished, so did the agency. What began with school visits quickly expanded to libraries, councils, conferences and festivals, and to a wider range of creative speakers.
Today, Booked Out works closely with major and independent publishers and remains deeply connected to the world of books. Our team are passionate readers, proud to support writers, illustrators and bookshops by helping stories find their audience – especially with the next generation of readers and creatives.
Tens of thousands of bookings later, we continue to connect inspiring voices with communities across Australia, making it easier for clients to find the right speaker for their audience.
Booked Out acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, on whose land we work and live. We extend this acknowledgement to the First Nations people across the continent where our speakers write and share stories. We recognise and pay respect to the continuing connection to land, waters and community and pay our respect to elders past and present. Always was, always will be.
A speaker can bring new perspectives and expertise to the below nationally recognised days:
International Women's Day
Motivational talks for commencing students or cohorts facing a tough time
Wellbeing talks to support student welfare initiatives
Harmony Week
Earth Day
Environment Day
Reconciliation Week
NAIDOC Week
Science Week
Wear It Purple Day
International Day of People with Disability
Holding a specific event at your school or library? Our speakers can attend a wide range of events, not just author talks.
Student welcome days
Parent nights
Family breakfasts
Book clubs
Teacher/staff development days
Mother's Day, Father's Day
Motivation boosts before exams
Graduation
Commencing student days
Awards nights
Writing competition judging
and much more!