Sam Quinones: Investigative Journalist

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
Formats:

Audiences:

Outcomes:
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

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!

Talent Resources

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

You may be interested in...

  • (135)
Roger Haskett Emcee

Roger Haskett is an award-winning international keynote speaker and President of Engagement Unlimited. With his innovative keynotes and programs, he ignites positive transformational change in teams and individuals across North America and beyond. Roger’s experience, knowledge and highly contagious positive energy have garnered him countless 10/10 audience rankings “best of conference” survey results and hundreds […]

  • Travels from: Vancouver, BC
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (33)
  • (9)
Lorne Sulcas 6

Lorne Sulcas, widely recognized as “The Big Cat Guy,” is a leading figure in motivational and wildlife speaking. His compelling presentations captivate audiences around the globe, blending his profound knowledge of big cats with inspiring messages about leadership, resilience, and conservation. Lorne’s ability to communicate complex ideas through engaging storytelling makes him a highly sought-after […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (16)
  • (3)

Commander Rorke Denver is a distinguished figure in the realm of military leadership, renowned for his extensive experience and remarkable achievements in the U.S. Navy SEALs. With a career spanning numerous continents and high-stakes missions, he embodies the epitome of courage, resilience, and strategic prowess. As a speaker, Commander Denver brings forth a wealth of […]

  • Travels from: Denver, CO
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (34)
Julia Collins

Julia Collins is a trailblazing figure in the world of technology and entrepreneurship, making history as the first Black woman to achieve “unicorn” status with her tech company. As the Founder and CEO of Planet Forward, she has garnered international acclaim for her innovative approach to addressing climate change through technology. With a unique blend […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • STEM Speakers
  • (22)
Aaron Bare

Aaron Bare is not your ordinary speaker; he’s a force of change, a beacon of inspiration, and a catalyst for growth. As a Change Agent, Human Profit Center, and Strategic Facilitator, Aaron brings a unique blend of expertise to every stage he graces. His insights have garnered attention from prestigious publications such as the Wall […]

  • Travels from: Scottsdale, AZ
  • Digital Speakers
  • (6)

Lilah Jones was part of the founding sales team that helped build Google Cloud from startup to $106B. She spent nearly a decade introducing Fortune 500 companies to cloud transformation while mastering the art of leading teams through change. After 9 years at Google plus previous experience at Microsoft and Oracle, Lilah left to focus […]

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (14)
Bjørn Heyerdahl

Bjørn Heyerdahl is more than just an explorer or environmentalist. He embodies the legacy of his lineage, stretching back to the iconic Viking era, and channels it into a modern narrative of sustainability, adventure, and humanitarianism. As an internationally recognized speaker and consultant, Bjørn Heyerdahl brings a unique blend of ancestral wisdom, personal grit, and […]

  • Travels from: Toronto, ON
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (43)
Henry Evans

Henry Evans is the Founder and Managing Partner for Dynamic Results, LLC. In his career, Henry Evans has delivered more than 10,000 hours of Executive Coaching and also, more than 2000 hours of Change Management and Strategic Implementation services to clients. He applies the knowledge and experience gleaned from numerous successes and a failure in […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Leadership 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 2025.  Designed using Voxel

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.