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...

  • (74)
Adam Braun

Adam Braun is a distinguished figure renowned for his multifaceted expertise in professional upskilling, the future of work, and sustainability. As a New York Times bestselling author and prominent leader, he navigates the realms of entrepreneurship and philanthropy with unparalleled vision and impact. Currently serving as the CEO of Climate Club, Braun spearheads initiatives that […]

  • Travels from: Westport, CT
  • Inspirational Speakers
  • (24)
Dale Wilsher

Dale Wilsher is a seasoned professional development expert, executive leadership coach, Certified Professional Life Coach (CPLC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Certified Clinical Substance Abuse Professional (CCSP), motivational speaker, and DISC personality trainer. With a profound belief in the transformative power of mastering one’s meaning, Dale advocates for the pivotal role of authentic self-discovery and purpose […]

  • Travels from: Denver, CO
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (17)

Jacob Morgan is a three time best-selling author, keynote speaker and futurist who explores the future of work and employee experience. His books include The Employee Experience Advantage (2017), The Future of Work (2014), The Collaborative Organization (2012), and his forthcoming book on the future of leadership which will be released towards the end of […]

  • Travels from: Calabasas, CA
  • Futurists Speakers
  • (15)
Emily Jaenson 3

Emily Jaenson is a trailblazer in sports leadership and a nationally recognized expert on confidence building and authentic leadership. As the first female General Manager of a Triple-A Minor League Baseball team in nearly 20 years, Emily shattered long-standing industry barriers and became a voice for change in the world of sports and business. With […]

  • Travels from: Reno, NV
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (34)
Dima Ghawi Headshot

Dima Ghawi is a Jordanian American award-winning author, leadership keynote speaker, and executive coach. She is the founder of a global talent development company dedicated to advancing individuals in leadership. Through her compelling storytelling and insightful presentations, Dima empowers professionals worldwide to shatter limitations and embrace their full potential. Born in Ankara, Turkey, and raised […]

  • Travels from: Baton Rouge, LA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (58)
Arjun Chakravarti

Arjun is Managing Partner of Cogknition Analytics, a strategy and analytics firm with offices in Chicago, Seattle, and Washington DC. Prior to Cogknition he was a senior executive at GES, serving as Senior Vice President of Analytics and Insights. He was also an award-winning Professor at the Illinois Tech Stuart School of Business, having played a […]

  • Travels from: Chicago, IL
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (49)
Molly Fletcher

Hailed as the “female Jerry Maguire” by CNN, Molly Fletcher made a name for herself as one of the first female sports agents. During her almost two-decade career as President of CSE, Molly negotiated over $500 million in contracts and represented over 300 of sports’ biggest names, including Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, PGA […]

  • Travels from: Atlanta, GA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (14)
Linda Edgecombe

Linda Edgecombe is a change and leadership expert, Hall of Fame speaker, award-winning celebrity humorist, award-winning philanthropist, and bestselling author. With 30+ years of experience, Linda’s mission is to get people fired up and ready to shift! She passionately promises to deliver programs that create powerful shifts for inspired, energized and accountable professionals who show up everyday […]

  • Travels from: Kelowna, BC
  • 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 2026.  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.