Before submitting your application to participate in our trade show, please note that application fee of $350 are final and must be paid in full. Thank you for your interest.
What to expect.
Black Writers Weekend Marketplace for Authors: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are festival tickets included with my booth rental?
A: No, festival tickets are not included with your booth rental. Booth rental is for the marketplace space only. You must purchase festival tickets separately if you wish to attend the full event.
Q: Can I leave my booth unattended?
A: We do not provide booth attendants. You must bring a helper with you to manage your table. Please ensure you have someone to assist you throughout the event.
Q: What is the focus of the marketplace?
A: The marketplace is designed primarily for marketing, not direct sales. This is an excellent opportunity to promote your books to booksellers, acquisition editors, and producers who are attending the event. While you are welcome to engage with attendees, the goal is to showcase your work and network rather than focus on on-site sales.
Q: Are there specific times for browsing the marketplace?
A: Yes, the marketplace will have dedicated hours for attendees to roam and visit vendor booths. This ensures that visitors have ample time to explore and connect with authors, publishers, and other creatives.
Q: What is included with my booth rental?
A: Your booth rental includes a designated table and two chairs. You are responsible for bringing your own display materials, such as banners, signage, and promotional materials. Electricity may be available for an additional fee, which must be arranged in advance.
Q: Can I sell books at my booth?
A: While the marketplace is primarily for marketing purposes, you are welcome to sell books. However, please note that sales should not be the main focus of your participation. The event is intended to connect authors with industry professionals like booksellers, editors, and producers.
Q: Can I share my booth with another author?
A: No, table sharing is not allowed.
Q: Is there a limit to how many books or products I can bring?
A: There is no specific limit, but you should consider the size of your table and the space available. We recommend bringing enough inventory to showcase your work without overcrowding the table. Remember, the focus is on marketing and networking, so the quantity of books should support that goal. We also offer the opportunity to ship your books in to our warehouse this must be arranged prior to the festival.
Q: Will there be opportunities for networking or pitching my work?
A: Yes! The marketplace is an excellent networking opportunity. In addition to the time dedicated to browsing, there will be moments for networking with booksellers, acquisition editors, literary agents, and producers. We encourage you to come prepared with your elevator pitch and promotional materials, such as business cards and one-pagers.
Q: What if I need to cancel my registration?
A: Table registrations are non refundable and we recommend contacting us to receive a credit for next years festival.