Literary Agent, Author & Film Producer; CEO at Idea Architects; Co-Author of "The Book of Joy"; Executive Producer of "Mission: Joy"

Santa Cruz, CA, USA
Live Event: $30,000 - $50,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info

Douglas Abrams Biography

Douglas Abrams is a New York Times bestselling author, editor, literary agent, and film producer whose work focuses on the intersection of wisdom, storytelling, and social change. Before founding his own literary agency, Abrams served as a senior editor at HarperCollins and spent nine years as the religion editor at University of California Press. As a literary agent and editor, he has contributed to the creation of 18 New York Times bestsellers and has collaborated with thought leaders, scientists, and humanitarians, including Nobel Laureates Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, Jody Williams, and Elizabeth Blackburn. Abrams worked closely with Desmond Tutu as coauthor, editor, and literary agent for nearly two decades.

Abrams is recognized as the co-author of "The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World," a collaboration between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama. The book explores the Eight Pillars of Joy and offers insights into cultivating a more joyful and hopeful life, drawing from conversations with Nobel Prize winners and spiritual leaders. "The Book of Joy" inspired the documentary film "MISSION: JOY" on Netflix, where Abrams served as interviewer and executive producer.

Continuing his Global Icons Series, Abrams co-authored "The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times" with Jane Goodall. The series features in-depth conversations with influential global figures. In addition to his nonfiction work, Abrams has written two novels, "The Lost Diary of Don Juan" and "Eye of the Whale," which have been translated into more than 30 languages. He also collaborated with Stephen Hawking on his final book.

Abrams' contributions extend beyond publishing. Books and films he has developed have been credited with influencing policy decisions, such as efforts to stop the genocide in Kosovo, launching the modern anti-slavery movement, and supporting mass incarceration reform. He is co-founder of HumanJourney.com, a public benefit company focused on sharing transformative ideas, and was part of the founding team of JustGive.org, a philanthropy website that has directed more than $300 million to charity.

Abrams is the founder and CEO of Idea Architects, an international literary agency dedicated to promoting a wiser, healthier, and more just world. Clients of Idea Architects include Nobel Prize winners and global thought leaders. Abrams is also involved in innovative projects such as "The Adventure of Life," a podcast and book series centered on wisdom. Dialogue and collaboration are central to Abrams' approach, with a focus on fostering cultural conversations through books and media.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 09/22/2026.

Douglas Abrams Videos

Meet Douglas Abrams, Building Owner Partner at Highbridge Equity

Meet Douglas Abrams, Building Owner Partner at Highbridge Equity

Our partners say it best - Meet Douglas Abrams Building Owner Partner at Highbridge Equity Partners.

One Book One Boulder Author Talk “The Book of Joy” with Douglas Abrams

One Book One Boulder Author Talk “The Book of Joy” with Douglas Abrams

Presented Thursday April 27 2023 7 p.m. Canyon Theater Main Library Douglas Abrams co-author of “The Book of Joy."

4 Reasons for Hope in a Changing World - with Douglas Abrams

4 Reasons for Hope in a Changing World - with Douglas Abrams

Douglas Abrams is the New York Times bestselling co-author of The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World with the Dalai Lama.

  • How do I book Douglas Abrams to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Douglas Abrams for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Douglas Abrams, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Douglas Abrams or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Douglas Abrams

    Speaking fees for Douglas Abrams, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Douglas Abrams are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Douglas Abrams, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Douglas Abrams speak about?

  • Where does Douglas Abrams travel from?

    Douglas Abrams generally travels from Santa Cruz, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Douglas Abrams is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Douglas Abrams for your event is $30,000 - $50,000. Douglas Abrams generally travels from Santa Cruz, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Michael Easter, Dr. Rajeev Kurapati, MD, Justin & Alexis Black, Gary Vaynerchuk and Ajiri Aki. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Douglas Abrams for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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