All authors should take the time to create their own Platform Speaking event where your audience comes to hear you speak or you are a part of a larger group event.
The challenge is how to keep track of the number of attendees so you will be prepared for the event. When an event has no charge, I have seen speakers use a service such as Evite.com. It will work, but it doesn’t look very professional as it is designed for more personal events like a birthday party.
I have found several services that are effective and will event take information while you provide them your account information and won’t have to wait until the event to receive your fees. They will charge a small fee for the processing which is passed on to the attendee.
Vertical Response includes an Event Marketing program with their service and will add Email Marketing for a pay as you go fee. Their monthly fee is $8.50 and 2.5% of the ticket price plus $ .99 per transaction. They also provide a Survey Response service for an additional $11.48/month and postcards for 75 cents a piece. free online
EventBrite has the same basic fee structure with a maximum charge of $9.95
GuestListApp also can be used for online events. However, there is no fee for free events as well as non profit events. Their regular fee is 2%.
One of my friends uses Glitzcity for all of her events and has been pretty happy with the results. The challenge is you have to open an account before you can get any further information.