Sam Quinones: Investigative Journalist

    Quick Facts:

    • Highlights:
    Reading time: 2 min
    Reviews: (0 reviews)
    • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
    • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

    Talent Services

    Investigative journalist Sam Quinones is the best-selling author of Dreamland, the eye-opening chronicle of the causes underlying the American opioid crisis. Quinones’ work brought national attention to the topic, helping to breaking the silence and stigma surrounding the epidemic.

    Dreamland was honored as one of the best books of the year by Amazon.com, Slate.com, the Daily Beast, Buzzfeed, the Seattle Times, the Boston GlobeEntertainment Weekly, Audible, as well as the Wall Street Journal and .

    Quinones has been a reporter for over 30 years. He spent 10 years living and working as a freelance writer in Mexico, where he specialized on immigration, drug trafficking, and gangs. His first two books – True Tales From Another Mexico: The Lynch Mob, the Popsicle Kings, Chalino and the Bronx and Antonio’s Gun and Delfino’s Dream: True Tales of Mexican Migration – gave a voice to marginalized Mexican populations and are considered cult classics.

    Sam Quinones

    Quinones wrote for the LA Times for 10 years. He is currently back to freelancing and frequently contributes to National GeographicPacific Standard Magazine, the New York Times, and Los Angeles Magazine.

    Sam Quinones is a journalist, storyteller, former LA Times reporter, and author of three acclaimed books of narrative nonfiction.

    His most recent book is Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic by Bloomsbury Press.

    His career as a journalist has spanned almost 30 years. He lived for 10 years as a freelance writer in Mexico, where he wrote his first two books. In 2004, he returned to the United States to work for the L.A. Times, covering immigration, drug trafficking, neighborhood stories, and gangs.

    Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

    Videos

    Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

    Speaker Contact Form

    Enquiry Form

    No reviews available for this post.

    Was this profile helpful?

    Talent FAQ's

    Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

    Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

    The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

    Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

    Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

    • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
    • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
    • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
    • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
    • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
    • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
    • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

    Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

    You may be interested in...

    • (37)
    Erica Dhawan - Image 09 (April 13, 2026)

    Erica Dhawan is a globally recognized authority on 21st-century teamwork, collaboration, and innovation—helping organizations unlock the power of connection in an increasingly digital world. Named among the world’s top 50 management thinkers by Thinkers50, she is a sought-after keynote speaker, advisor, and bestselling author who equips leaders and teams with the tools to communicate, collaborate, […]

    • Travels from: Tampa, FL
    • Communication Speakers
    • (23)

    Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) is a CPAE (Council of Peers Award of Excellence) Hall of Fame speaker and an internationally recognized authority in the areas of inclusion, diversity, and bias. She has been included as one of the 100 Global Thought Leaders on Diversity and Inclusion by The Society of Human Resource Management […]

    • Travels from: Greensboro, NC
    • Diversity Speakers
    • (18)

    Tim Ferriss is a globally recognized thought leader in productivity, personal growth, and lifestyle design. As the author of five #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers including The 4-Hour Workweek, Tools of Titans, and Tribe of Mentors, his books have sold millions of copies and been translated into over 40 languages. Renowned […]

    • Travels from: Austin, TX
    • Leadership Speakers
    • (19)
    Ben Hines

    Ben Hines is the founder of Moving Performance, an innovative initiative that merges his two lifelong passions: people development and music. Drawing upon over 13 years of experience in the financial and legal sectors, Ben has developed a groundbreaking approach to leadership and team development. His ability to intertwine real-world business insights with his artistry […]

    • Travels from: London, UK
    • Leadership Speakers
    • (53)
    Diana Kander

    Diana Kander stands at the forefront of innovation, challenging conventional wisdom and sparking curiosity in the hearts of business leaders worldwide. As a New York Times best-selling author, innovation consultant, and captivating keynote speaker, Diana doesn’t just ask big questions; she ignites the imagination of her audiences, encouraging them to rethink the very essence of […]

    • Travels from: Kansas City, MO
    • Innovation Speakers
    • (37)
    • (2)
    Erik Qualman - Image 07 (March 10, 2026)

    Erik Qualman, also known as “Equalman,” is a renowned keynote speaker, bestselling author, and digital leadership expert who has made a significant impact in the realms of digital transformation and social media. With a unique blend of storytelling, humor, and actionable insights, Erik has captivated audiences worldwide, helping organizations navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. His […]

    • Travels from: Austin, TX
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • (67)
    Aileen Lee

    Aileen Lee is the founder of Cowboy Ventures. She partners at the earliest stages with enterprise and consumer-oriented startup teams to build products customers love, and to help teams build aspirational companies. She has over two decades of experience starting at seed stage and staying involved for many years beyond. Prior to Cowboy, Aileen spent […]

    • Travels from: Palo Alto, CA
    • Innovation Speakers
    • (14)
    Julie Foudy

    Julie Foudy, former captain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, is not only a sports legend but also a highly sought-after keynote speaker. With an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, she has inspired millions through her achievements on the field and her leadership off it. As […]

    • Travels from: San Diego, CA
    • Sporting Speakers
    Disclaimer
    The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

    These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

    Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

    All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

    Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

    Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
    Your subscription has been successful.

    Newsletter

    Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

    We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

    Our Mission:

    We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

    © All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

    AI Assistant
    Speakers Inc Logo 2024
    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.