Where are you?
Read The Rainbow is based in Los Angeles, California. We host pop-ups throughout Southern California, and on occasion will travel to larger events out of state.
what is a pop-up bookstore?
Instead of a brick-and-mortar space, Read The Rainbow pops up at community events, conventions, fairs and more. As a bookstore, we will coordinate with you to stock and sell your books at events.
does it cost anything?
Joining the author list is free, however certain events will have a vendor fee to cover administrative and event costs. Read The Rainbow aims to keep author vendor fees low so emerging authors can afford to attend and sell at these events. A convention or festival may charge upwards of several hundred dollars for a table or booth space, but our mission is to make this affordable. A typical author vendor fee is between $20-$50, and when we can afford it, free to authors.
What do i need to bring?
Read The Rainbow provides the main bookstore setup; tents, tables, hardware, display material, decorations, furniture, lights. You just need to bring yourself, your books, your swag, and general marketing materials. Depending on the number of featured authors at the event, you may bring a large or small retractable banner. The event specifics will be in the application information.
How does tax and money stuff work?
Read The Rainbow will host all sales and pay taxes to the city or state where the pop-up is located. After the event, within 5-7 business days, you will receive your sales either by check, Venmo or PayPal. Read The Rainbow does not charge a consignment fee for in-person authors and only deducts any credit card processing fees.
I’m interested in sending you my books to sell at an event, but I can’t go (or am unavailable to go).
You are welcome to send stock for us to sell via consignment, however please note books sell better when the author is present.
what would i do at an event?
Meet readers, pitch your book, and sign them for people who buy them! The size of the event will determine how many authors will be featured. Time at the bookstore will be shared between authors present, and books will be displayed prominently.
do i have to talk to people?
Many authors are introverts or find crowds difficult to navigate. However pitching your book is a vital part of this journey. We’re here to help you and support you! Practice and exposure is a key part of learning how to do this and getting your books out there. Just do your best.
this is cool! I’m not an author but i want to support you and go to these events.
Yay, thank you! You’re welcome to follow us on Instagram or join our newsletter to learn more about upcoming events. You can also purchase books via Bookshop.org to support us as well, or check out our recommendations on the blog!
