Hosting an Event at Volumes

Thank you for your interest in presenting an event at Volumes BookCafe. We have had success hosting a wide variety of events and look to book as diverse (in style and content) an event series as possible. Below you will find information on the store’s space restrictions, off-site possibilities, and what is required for us to consider event queries. Looking to host a non-author event at our store? You can fill out our form HERE

 

The store itself:

  • Our cafe/bookstore space can be adapted to events ranging from an intimate book group conversation to a 90+ person reading/conversation. We can accommodate up to 100 people total, though this is typically reserved for parties/launches and will utilize the whole bookstore space.

  • Tech: a small PA system with microphones is available. For parties/events requiring music, a sound system is in place throughout the store.

  • Food/drink:

    • We have a full coffee bar with dedicated barista staff. along with non-alcoholic drinks.

    • Baked goods are also available for sale. Catering can be discussed based on particular event needs. As well as BYOB

  • Ticketed events: any event that requires the full use of the store space will be ticketed and require the store to close to the public. Any author- ticketed event will include the purchase of the event’s book. Any extras in addition to the book covered by the cost of the ticket (drink/food tickets, etc.) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • Non-book ticketed events require an hourly rental fee. The cost per event ranges based on time of year, and day of the week. Contact us for more details at events@volumesbooks.com

 

Off-site events (for events that will draw in excess of 100 and/or have specific requirements the store itself cannot fulfill):

  • We are able to work with a number of partners providing spaces that can seat anywhere from 150-500 audience members.

  • The store will determine which space best suits the event needs and will negotiate the cost of rental.

  • The store will function as the primary contact with the space, ensuring all event needs are fulfilled.

  • The store will provide book sales and staffing at the off-site venue.

  • Any ticketing for off-site or in-store events will include the purchase of the author’s book.

  • We are fully capable of transporting books to and providing book sales at corporate retreats/seminars/etc.

 

Every week we receive dozens of event queries. In order to ensure the best fit for both Volumes and the presenter please submit a formal proposal. Note that we book events 8-12 weeks in advance (usually more). We DO NOT take self-published author event requests here. Please see our FAQ page. In your proposal please provide the following info - or fill out this Published Author Event Request Form:

  • Include the following contact info:  name, telephone number, e-mail address and mailing address.

  • Biographical info should include: qualifications, references and links to past publications.

  • Bibliographical info should include: ISBN number, binding type, retail price, the date it will be published, the publisher and the publisher's distributors.

  • If the book has been praised by other authors, please send those quotes as well as any links to reviews or mentions of the book.

  • Indicate what type of event you are interested in, be it reading and Q&A, conversation, etc.

 

Proposals should be sent to events@volumesbooks.com. We reply to all proposals, whether to set up an event or to decline. However, please allow us time to review and discuss your proposal. We aim to answer all queries within one week, but it sometimes takes longer. Feel free to follow-up after two weeks if you have not heard from us. Again, the form is the best way. You can find that HERE

 

If you are chosen to present an event, we ask that you assist in marketing your event. Our event promotion includes:

  • A listing on the store website and events calendar

  • Inclusion in our social media campaigns across multiple platforms

  • Press releases to local media when appropriate

  • Listings in local newspaper events calendars when appropriate

  • Inclusion in our email newsletter

  • In-store promotion via displays, flyers, etc.

 

We host close anywhere from 250-300 events in a given year. Giving enough promo attention to any one event can be difficult. If you want a successful event, please be mindful that we are not in your network. We cannot access your network. You need to promote your event.

 

We ask presenters to:

  • Promote event to email contacts

  • Promote across all social media accounts the presenter uses

  • Refer all email/social media mentions back to the bookstore website’s event page

  • When using Twitter or Instagram, our handle is @volumesbooks

  • When using Facebook, tag our Facebook account

  • Please submit any promotional materials to the store before disseminating

 

If you are a poet with a new book or chapbook and would like to be considered as a featured reader for our monthly Open Mic reading series, please email events@volumesbooks.com and include a sample of your work. We may ask you to drop off or send a copy of your new collection. If we do so, please mark the package "OPEN MIC SUBMISSION."

 

If you are a self-published or print-on-demand author please go to the FAQ page on our website and fill out the consignment form for an overview of our program and to submit your book for consideration. We typically will not consider self-published authors for an event until some sales history has been established.