The Writers’ Rooms (I.O.W.A.) Virtual Author Event is a multi-genre, multi-author book signing event typically held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. I.O.W.A. was originally the brainchild of local Cedar Rapids authors Aaron Bunce and Jed Quinn as well as two bookworms, Dana Beatty and Terri M. LeBlanc. Starting in 2018, it was acquired by The Writers’ Rooms! Our multitude of wonderful volunteers are currently working together to bring you a two-day, event-filled local author festival at CRPL.
I.O.W.A. 2020 will be held on the full days of November 7th and 8th from 10am-5pm on both days. Due to Covid-19, this will be a virtual author event on Facebook that will promote live author readings, panels, and additional programming with authors and the library. The event is free for attendees.
Our name shares our vision with connecting readers and authors as well as our location. Our logo was designed in late 2017 by Helio and Viktoria (see their portfolio). It was updated in 2018 by Alex Penland.
I.O.W.A. is registered with the State of Iowa as a 501(c)(7) not-for-profit organization. The Writers’ Rooms is registered with the State of Iowa as a Nonprofit Corporation and is currently seeking 501(c)(3) status. You can contact I.O.W.A. or The Writers’ Rooms by sending an email to welcome@thewritersrooms.org.
Information for Authors and Vendors
Important Information Before You Fill Out The Form:
COVID-19: The Writers' Rooms I.O.W.A. is typically a large in-person book signing event. However, due to the concerns of Covid-19, The Writers' Rooms and The Cedar Rapids Public Library have decided to host the event virtually for 2020 through Facebook. You can learn more about our decision in the Q&A section at the end of the form.
IOWA 2020 will be held the FULL WEEKEND of November 7th and 8th, with potential pre-events at local bookstores or libraries (Covid-19 restrictions depending).
The hours will be: Saturday: 10am-5pm and Sunday: 10am-5pm (hours might be slightly adjusted depending on participation. More information to come).
Authors will be given a 15 minute slot to showcase themselves and their work on the Facebook group where we are hosting the event. You will either use Facebook Live or provide a pre-recorded video for us to post on Facebook. The Cedar Rapids Public Library is offering space to do recordings if you do not have capabilities at home. Things to consider for your recording: Introducing yourself and your work, reading from your work, offer giveaways to engage readers, showcase your social media, etc. We also suggest that you post questions to the readers during your event to also keep them engaged. More information will be provided as needed.
The cost is $10 for the FULL WEEKEND. The fee is non-refundable, as the fee goes towards promotions and other event expenses.
All authors are required to promote the event, and promote other attending authors.
We would like to invite local bookstores and libraries to participate in I.O.W.A. to help promote your organization and bring more literature and events to the community.
Vendors will be given access to the I.O.W.A. page in order to post information about their business (bookstore or library) and social media. The week before I.O.W.A. vendors can also provide a short video clip (15-20 minutes) showing a virtual tour of their location, talking about their programming, do a reading, etc, anything that can help support their organization. Ideally, vendors will create a video and send it to The Writers' Rooms to post on the site. Otherwise, vendors are welcome to schedule a live recording time during that week (November 2nd-6th). Videos can be posted either throughout the day or in the evening depending on what works best for you. We will have a set schedule once all Vendors are chosen.
Vendors will not be charged for promoting their business, however, they will be expected to share information about I.O.W.A. on their social media platforms in order to create a larger viewing audience. Minimum: Event is posted to the vendor's calendar and included in any event programming (by email or paper).
Vendors are also welcome to provide giveaways (books, swag, etc) to attendees, which vendors will be responsible for choosing and shipping.
If you would like to donate to The Writers' Rooms to help support the event, you can send payment welcome@thewritersrooms.org on paypal.
Applications close August 31st.
Filling out this form does NOT constitute acceptance into IOWA. Invitations will be sent out soon! If you have any questions, please email us at welcome@thewritersrooms.org.
We look forward to hearing from you!
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to e-mail us at welcome@thewritersrooms.org.