The Writers’ Rooms I.O.W.A. (Imagine Other Worlds with Authors) Author Event

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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. 2021 will be held on the full days of November6th and 7th from 10am-5pm on both days. Due to Covid-19, this will be a virtual author event on Facebook that will promote author readings and postings, panels, workshops, 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.

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 2021 through Facebook. Check out the link to see what we did last year. You can learn more about our decision in the Q&A section at the end of the form.

  • IOWA 2021 will be held the FULL WEEKEND of November 6th and 7th, 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).

  • Each author will be given a 15 minute slot to showcase themselves and their work on the Facebook group where we are hosting the event. There are two major options to showcase yourself.

    • Facebook Live/Video: You will either use Facebook Live (or another streaming feature) 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.

    • Posting Ads/Games/Graphics: On the day of the event, you will post anything you'd like about yourself and your books. This can include Ads, Giveaways, Graphics, Games to get the readers involved, Soundbits of you reading, whatever you feel will create the most engagement. You can ONLY post during your 15 minute timeframe. If you would like to shedule your posts, please let us know below.

    • EVERY POST MUST BE PG-13 RATING AT MOST. THIS IS A FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT.

  • The Event Will Consist of 3 Major Things: 15-Minute Author slots, Panels, and a Workshop each day. None of these events will overlap each other, so everyone can attend everything. Everything will be hosted here: https://www.facebook.com/iaotherworlds

  • The cost is $15 for the FULL WEEKEND. The fee is non-refundable, as the fee goes towards promotions and other event expenses. If you cannot attend closer to the date, you can find someone else to take your place and receive payment from them.

  • All authors are required to promote the event, and promote other attending authors. More on this below.

  • Applications close July 31st.

Filling out this form does NOT constitute acceptance into IOWA, nor will it cost you any money. Invitations (and payment deadlines for acceptance) will be sent out soon! If you have any questions, please email us at welcome@thewritersrooms.org.

Social Media

 
 

New schedule, authors, and information will be updated in the coming months!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS | AUTHOR REGISTRATION | INFORMATION FOR ATTENDEES

Schedule (Coming Soon)!

 
 

Meet the Authors and the Bookstores (Coming Soon)!

 

We’re in the News!

Frequently Asked Questions for Authors and Vendors

Q: Why have you decided to go virtual?

A: This was not an easy decision. Our main goal was to keep our authors and readers safe. In these uncertain times, we focused on several things: 1. First and foremost, we want to keep everyone safe, and since it's unclear if COVID-19 will be held at bay by November, we wanted to make the best decision for our people, 2. Potential low in-person attendance of authors and readers due to COVID-19, 3. Financially, we know that people are struggling, so we wanted to eliminate some of the costs, and online allows us to decrease the sign-up fee. This also makes it easier for authors to sell e-books, which readers may be able to afford.

Q: Is there a chance that I.O.W.A. will still be an in-person signing in 2021?

A: No. The decision for 2021 is final. However, we may be able to hold social-distance panels at the library on the day of the event. We expect I.O.W.A. to resume in person in 2022.

Q: How many authors are you inviting?

A: We're hoping to get about 40! The more the merrier.

Q: How do I use Facebook Live?

A: Every author will be given Admin access to the facebook group where the event is being held. When it's your turn to go live, you will click the Go Live or Live Video icon near the top of the page where you would normally type in a status. The screen will prompt you when you're live, and then you can speak to the readers. You MUST have a microphone and speakers in order to go live. People will type questions in the comments, which you'll be able to see and answer live on the video. A moderator will let you know when your time is finished.

Q: What do I do if I want to record my piece ahead of time?

A: That's completely fine! You can record your 15-minute session early through your program then send it to us so we can post it. If you're in Iowa, the CR Public Library has also offered to do an in-person recording, so you won't need any recording devices. Once we get the clip, we'll post it.

Q: I don't work with social media or live social media events very often. Am I still eligible for I.O.W.A.?

A: Absolutely! Once we finalize the authors, we will be having a meeting/call for some sessions to discuss social media and Facebook Live. We'll provide tips on how to use the medium. This is your opportunity to ask any questions! We're here to help.

Q: Do I have to show my face when recording?

A: Ideally, we would like to see who's speaking to us, but we also understand that not everyone is comfortable in front of the camera. If you don't want to be visible, then you can point the camera at something eye-pleasing (perhaps your books, a book case, or something else promotional).

Q: Is there a way I can offer support to The Writers' Rooms and I.O.W.A.?

A: Yes! You can share information about our event around on social media. If you would like to donate to the organization or the event, send funds to welcome@thewritersrooms.org through paypal. Or join our patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/TheWritersRooms. Funds come out monthly. Every dollar helps!