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FAQ

What is the mission of the Directory of Independent Bookstores?

The mission of the Directory of Independent Bookstores is to help authors find their people and to learn writing by doing at independent bookstores. It is the belief of this website’s author that learning to become a stronger writer can happen at a traditional institution like a university, and learning can also come in the form of open mics, conversations, and community found at local independent bookstores.

Finding an active community where authors have the opportunity to share their work can be difficult. Many times bookstores don’t have events, only offer sales-focused events like signings, or only offer events for readers. There isn’t a digital source that directs authors to where they might find author events near them: to have a space to learn writing by doing through a local community.

This directory exists to bridge the gap in accessible information on where to find in-person author events (both free and paid), writing education, and community at independent bookstores in the United States to make living as a writer richer.

What bookstores will be included in the directory?

Criteria for bookstores added to the directory are based on events and education outreach. Bookstores must have 1-2 events on their calendar per month or across several months, with education or community-based author events. Events can be interdisciplinary or writing focused, so long as the creation of the written word is involved.

Events may include: open mics, poetry readings, gallery nights, workshops, lectures, talks, writing groups, spoken word readings, etc.