Sam Quinones: Investigative Journalist

    Sam Quinones

    Quick Facts:

    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...

    Selena Rezvani - Image 07 (January 27, 2026)
        Leadership and self-advocacy keynote speaker Selena Rezvani empowers professionals to speak up with confidence, build influence, and close the leadership gender gap at work.
        • Leadership
        John Winsor - Image 02 (April 23, 2026)

            He helps leaders navigate AI and redesign the future of work.

            • Future of Work
            Jason O Harris - Image 09 (April 2, 2026)
                Leadership keynote speaker Lt. Col. Jason O Harris delivers military-tested strategies to build resilient teams, strengthen leadership, and drive performance in high-pressure environments.
                • Leadership Speaker
                Ginger Hardage
                    Ginger Hardage, former Senior Vice President of Culture and Communications at Southwest Airlines, empowers leaders to build legendary, values-driven workplace cultures through her company, Unstoppable Cultures.
                    • Corporate Culture
                    Stephen Drum - Image 07 (April 2, 2026)
                    • (8 reviews)
                      Navy SEAL Master Chief and peak performance speaker Stephen Drum equips leaders and teams with combat-tested strategies for discipline, resilience, and high-pressure decision-making that drive elite performance.
                      • Navy Seal Performance
                      Erica Dhawan - Image 09 (April 13, 2026)
                          Keynote speaker, collaboration expert, and management thinker Erica Dhawan helps organizations improve teamwork, digital communication, and innovation through connectional intelligence and digital body language strategies.
                          • Collaborate Innovation
                          Mari Carmen Pizarro
                              Mari Carmen Pizarro equips leaders to elevate performance through authentic leadership, emotional intelligence and research-based strategies for navigating change and inspiring high-performing teams.
                              • Emotional Intelligence
                              Lisa Powell Graham - Image 01 (April 24, 2026)

                                  She mobilizes communities and drives meaningful, mission-focused change.

                                  • Motivational Speaker
                                  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.

                                  Speakers Inc.

                                  Connecting you with the perfect speaker.

                                  We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.

                                  Find the Perfect Speaker

                                  Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.

                                  © 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.