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...

  • (64)
Alden Mills

Alden Mills is on a mission to help 100 million people Be Unstoppable. With more than 40 years of experience failing and succeeding in a vast array of different environments from sports, military, and business to nonprofits and community action groups, he learned success is driven by one vital factor – leadership – of oneself […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (37)

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
  • (70)
  • (3)
Chris Barton

In a world where technology has become an integral part of our lives, Chris Barton stands out as a visionary who has not only revolutionized the way we interact with it but has also epitomized the spirit of innovation and perseverance. As the creator of the iconic app Shazam, Barton’s journey from ideation to acquisition […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (17)
  • (4)
Reed Barrett - Image 04 (January 29, 2026)

Reed Barrett stands out as a multi-faceted powerhouse in the world of keynote speaking. An award-winning magician, seasoned Air Force fighter pilot, and psychology graduate, Reed brings a unique blend of talents to the stage. His career, which seamlessly combines the art of magic with the precision of military training, has positioned him as a […]

  • Travels from: Alexandria, VA
  • Aviation Speakers
  • (24)
  • (4)
JP Pawliw-Fry - Image 06 (January 26, 2026)

JP Pawliw-Fry is an internationally renowned speaker, thought leader, and co-author of the global bestseller Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters Most. With a career dedicated to enhancing leadership performance, emotional intelligence, and resilience, JP has captivated audiences around the world, delivering actionable insights that empower individuals and organizations […]

  • Travels from: Toronto, ON
  • Peak Performance
  • (46)
Scott Greenberg

Scott Greenberg is a dynamic and established motivational business speaker hailing from Los Angeles, California. With a passion for transforming ordinary teams into high-performance powerhouses, Scott’s journey is a testament to the power of leadership and resilience. His unique approach, honed through years of hands-on experience, has made him a sought-after figure in the world […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Business Speakers
  • (19)
Peter Sheahan

Peter Sheahan is a globally recognized thought leader, keynote speaker, and best-selling author specializing in business transformation, innovative leadership, and growth in the face of disruption. As the founder and CEO of Karrikins Group, Peter has worked with some of the world’s most prominent brands, including Apple, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft, helping them navigate change, […]

  • Travels from: Denver, CO
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (14)
  • (4)
Tom Kolditz-cover

Tom Kolditz is a distinguished leadership expert and keynote speaker renowned for his unparalleled insights into crisis leadership, resilience, and leading under pressure. With decades of experience in both military and academic spheres, Tom brings a unique, evidence-based perspective to the art and science of leadership. His dynamic presentations inspire individuals and organizations to thrive […]

  • Travels from:
  • Crisis Management
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.