The Steven Barclay Agency represents some of our culture's most distinguished and thought-provoking voices — for lectures, readings, conferences, and other special events. Established in 1996, our Agency offers a roster of literary figures and public radio journalists for their speaking engagements at colleges, universities, schools, performing arts centers, corporations, associations, and for private events.

You may already be familiar with some of our clients: Terry Gross, the host of public radio's Fresh Air; poets Adrienne Rich and Billy Collins; David Sedaris, NPR commentator and best-selling author; and novelists Amy Tan and Michael Chabon. Many of the speakers represented exclusively by our Agency have been awarded notable distinctions: Pulitzer Prizes, Nobel Prizes, National Book Awards, Peabody Awards, Tony Awards, among many others.

We have designed this web site to give you as much information about each speaker as possible in order to help you make informed decisions. Each speaker has a separate page with a biography, photo, and related links.

If you wish to make arrangements for an appearance, or to receive further information, simply e-mail, phone, or write us. Whether you are a professor or instructor, a student programmer, a community arts presenter, a director of student activities, or in charge of speakers for your association, meeting or conference, we are available to help you with your programming needs.

If you are searching for a speaker you do not see listed, please contact us. Simply provide us with the speaker or type of speaker you are looking for, the size, date and budget of the event and contact information and we will happily e-mail or telephone you back. With 25 years experience in the lecture field, we can easily work to locate the person you are trying to find. In addition, our Agency can negotiate or broker this engagement for you.

We look forward to working with you to create an insightful and inspiring event.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I obtain information on honorarium costs and fees for certain speakers?

You can call or email us and we would be happy to discuss fees with you.

Can the Steven Barclay Agency help me find other speakers not on your exclusive list?

Yes. Our agency has over 25 years of experience in producing and presenting lecture events. Even if we do not represent the person you are looking for, chances are we have a very good idea of how to find them for you. We can provide the service to you of acting as the agent on their behalf and bring these important speakers to you at no additional cost to you.

How can I find out where one of your speakers will be lecturing in my area?

We do list a few of our clients' tour schedules on our website. But we do not list all the schedules. The best way to find out if one of our clients will be speaking in your area, is to give us a phone call (please do not email us about this). Tell us where you are located, who you are interested in, and we will do our best to quickly look at their schedule and give you that information, whenever possible.

How can I get a personal letter to one of your clients?

We are happy to forward letters via regular mail to our clients. We forward mail once a week. We do not forward emails, books, manuscripts, proposals, or packages. Please address your letter to the author in care of Steven Barclay Agency at 12 Western Avenue, Petaluma, CA 94952.

Please note we are unable to follow up with any of our clients regarding this mail we have forwarded.

I would like to get a book autographed.  Is this possible?

No. The best way to get a book signed is by attending a lecture or reading by the writer and having your book autographed at the book signing. Feel free to call us for information on future appearances in your area by the author you are interested in. Please do not send any books to our office as they will not be forwarded.

May I send my book/work to an author for a recommendation for the jacket?

Most of the authors that we represent are very busy with their own writing and unable to offer this service. You may send a request in a letter to the author care of our office and we will forward it (please see the FAQ re: sending a personal letter). Please do not send unsolicited manuscripts, proof pages, or bound galleys as they will not be forwarded, nor will we be able to return the material to you.