How to Join Printers Row Lit Fest

The Printers Row Lit Fest is one of the largest free literary festivals in the Midwest, drawing tens of thousands of readers, authors, publishers, and book lovers to the historic Printers Row neighborhood in Chicago each June. Founded in 1985, the festival has grown from a small local event into a nationally recognized celebration of literature, storytelling, and community. For authors, independent publishers, booksellers, and literary organizations, participating in the Printers Row Lit Fest is a powerful opportunity to connect directly with an engaged, passionate audience. But joining the festival is not as simple as showing up—it requires planning, preparation, and adherence to a structured application and selection process. This guide walks you through every step of how to join Printers Row Lit Fest, from initial eligibility to post-event follow-up, with actionable advice, insider tips, and real-world examples to help you succeed.

Step-by-Step Guide

Understand the Festival’s Structure and Goals

Before applying, it’s essential to understand how the Printers Row Lit Fest operates. The event is organized by the Chicago Literary Club and hosted in partnership with the City of Chicago and local cultural institutions. It features over 200 authors, panel discussions, poetry readings, children’s programming, and vendor booths spread across multiple blocks of South Dearborn Street. Participation is open to a wide range of literary entities: individual authors, small presses, literary nonprofits, bookstores, and educational institutions.

The festival prioritizes diversity in voice, genre, and format. It seeks to represent emerging writers alongside established names, indie publishers alongside major houses, and underrepresented communities across all literary disciplines. Understanding this mission will help you tailor your application to align with the festival’s values.

Determine Your Eligibility

Not everyone can simply register to participate. The Printers Row Lit Fest has specific categories of participation, each with its own criteria:

• Authors: Must have a recently published book (within the past 18 months) in any genre—fiction, nonfiction, poetry, memoir, young adult, etc. Self-published authors are welcome, provided the work is professionally edited and available through major retail channels.
• Independent Publishers: Must be a small or mid-sized press with at least three published titles in the last two years. Publishers must demonstrate active distribution and marketing efforts.
• Bookstores and Literary Retailers: Must be a brick-and-mortar or established online bookseller with a clear focus on literary titles. Pop-up vendors require prior approval.
• Literary Organizations: Nonprofits, writing centers, MFA programs, and literary journals may apply for table space or panel participation.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, review the official eligibility guidelines on the Printers Row Lit Fest website. Applications from ineligible participants are typically rejected without review.

Register for the Application Portal

The festival uses a dedicated online application system managed by the Chicago Literary Club. Applications open in early January each year and close in late February. There is no fee to apply, but participation is competitive and not guaranteed.

To register:

1. Visit printersrowlitfest.org and navigate to the “Participate” or “Apply” section.
2. Click “Create Account” and provide your name, email, organization (if applicable), and a secure password.
3. Verify your email address by clicking the link sent to your inbox.
4. Log in to access the application dashboard.

Bookmark this portal and set calendar reminders. Missing the deadline means waiting another year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis within each category, so submitting early improves your chances of securing preferred placement.

Complete the Application Form

The application form is comprehensive and requires careful attention to detail. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:

Personal or Organizational Information

Provide your full legal name, contact details, website, social media handles, and a brief bio (150 words max). If applying as an organization, include your EIN or nonprofit status, founding date, and mission statement.

Publication or Product Details

If you’re an author, list your most recent book with ISBN, publisher, publication date, and a one-sentence description. Include links to where the book is sold (Amazon, Bookshop.org, your website, etc.). For publishers, list your three most recent titles with brief synopses and sales data if available.

Participation Request

Choose your desired participation type:

• Author Panel: You’ll be grouped with other authors on a thematic panel (e.g., “Midwestern Memoirs,” “Climate Fiction Today”). You cannot request a solo reading unless you’re a nationally recognized author.
• Book Booth: A 6-foot table with a chair and basic signage. You provide your own display materials, books, and payment processing tools.
• Special Programming: For workshops, writing labs, or interactive events. Requires a detailed proposal.

Be specific. Vague requests like “I’d like to be involved” are rejected. Instead, write: “I would like to participate in a panel titled ‘Writing the Immigrant Experience in Contemporary Poetry’ alongside two other poets from Chicago’s South Side.”

Accessibility and Accommodations

Indicate any accessibility needs—e.g., wheelchair access, sign language interpretation, or materials in large print. The festival is committed to inclusivity and will accommodate requests when feasible.

Marketing and Promotion

Describe how you plan to promote your participation. Will you email your mailing list? Post on Instagram? Partner with a local book club? The festival encourages participants to build buzz before the event and rewards proactive promotion with better booth placement.

Submit Supporting Materials

Depending on your category, you may be asked to upload:

• A high-resolution headshot (300 dpi, JPEG or PNG)
• A PDF of your book’s cover and first chapter (for authors)
• A copy of your most recent catalog or press release (for publishers)
• Proof of nonprofit status (for organizations)

Do not submit unsolicited manuscripts, DVDs, or physical materials. Everything must be digital and under 10MB per file. Poor-quality images or incomplete files will delay your review.

Wait for Selection Notification

Applications are reviewed by a volunteer committee of librarians, booksellers, and past participants. The review process typically takes 4–6 weeks after the deadline. You will receive an email notification by mid-April.

There are three possible outcomes:

• Accepted: You’ll receive a confirmation email with your assigned time slot, booth number, or panel schedule. You’ll also be invited to an orientation webinar.
• Waitlisted: You may be moved into a slot if another participant cancels. Monitor your email closely through May.
• Declined: You’ll receive a brief, respectful message. Do not take this personally—space is limited. You’re encouraged to reapply next year.

Accept Your Spot and Complete Logistics

If accepted, you have seven days to confirm your participation. Failure to respond will result in your slot being offered to someone on the waitlist.

Once confirmed, you’ll receive:

• A participation packet with maps, setup instructions, and vendor rules
• Access to the festival’s digital press kit (including logos, hashtags, and sample social posts)
• Instructions for parking, loading/unloading, and security procedures

You must also complete a vendor agreement form, acknowledging your responsibility to comply with festival policies, including no unsolicited sales tactics, no solicitation of donations, and adherence to all city health and safety codes.

Prepare for the Event

Two weeks before the festival, begin preparing your materials:

• Print enough copies of your book for sale (aim for 50–100 units, depending on your audience size)
• Bring a portable payment system (Square, PayPal Zettle, or Venmo QR code). Cash is accepted, but card payments are preferred.
• Design a simple, eye-catching table display. Use banners, book stands, and signage with your name, book title, and website.
• Prepare a short 2–3 minute pitch about your work. Practice it aloud.
• Bring business cards, bookmarks, or postcards with your contact info.
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress professionally but approachably. You’ll be standing for hours.

Attend the mandatory virtual orientation. It covers everything from crowd management to handling difficult questions. Many first-time participants overlook this step and end up unprepared for the volume of visitors.

Best Practices

Start Early and Build Momentum

The most successful participants begin preparing months in advance. Don’t wait until your application is accepted to think about promotion. Start building anticipation on social media. Share behind-the-scenes photos of your book’s journey, post short video clips of you writing or reading, and tag the festival’s official accounts. Use the hashtag

PrintersRowLitFest consistently.

Know Your Audience

The Printers Row crowd is diverse: college students, retirees, teachers, librarians, writers, and tourists. Tailor your message accordingly. For example, if you’re a poet, don’t just hand out flyers—ask passersby, “What’s the last poem that moved you?” This opens dialogue and makes your presence memorable.

Engage, Don’t Sell

People come to the festival to discover, not to be pitched to. Avoid aggressive sales tactics. Instead, offer a free sample chapter, a signed bookmark, or a chance to enter a raffle for a signed copy. The goal is to build relationships, not just move inventory.

Collaborate with Other Participants

Reach out to fellow authors or publishers in your genre. Coordinate a joint reading, cross-promote each other’s books, or create a group photo for social media. Community-building increases visibility for everyone.

Bring a Helper

One person cannot manage a booth, answer questions, take payments, and engage with crowds simultaneously. Bring a friend, family member, or volunteer to assist. Even a part-time helper can make a huge difference in your experience.

Follow Up After the Event

The festival is not the end—it’s the beginning. Within 48 hours, send personalized thank-you emails to everyone who stopped by your booth or attended your panel. Include a link to your website and an invitation to join your newsletter. Use the festival’s official photos (available on their Flickr page) in your follow-up posts.

Track Your Results

Keep a simple log: How many books did you sell? How many new email subscribers did you gain? Which social media post got the most engagement? This data helps you refine your strategy for next year.

Tools and Resources

Official Resources

• Printers Row Lit Fest Website: printersrowlitfest.org — The central hub for applications, schedules, maps, and updates.
• Festival App: Download the official Printers Row Lit Fest app (available on iOS and Android) to view the full schedule, map out your route, and receive push notifications about last-minute changes.
• Chicago Literary Club Newsletter: Subscribe to stay informed about future events, grant opportunities, and networking mixers.

Marketing and Sales Tools

• BookBub: Create a free author profile and promote your book to readers who follow your genre.
• Canva: Design professional-looking bookmarks, posters, and social media graphics for free.
• Square or PayPal Zettle: Reliable, low-cost mobile payment systems that work offline.
• Mailchimp or Substack: Build your email list with a simple sign-up form on your website or printed QR code at your booth.
• Linktree: Consolidate all your links (website, book, social media, newsletter) into one easy-to-share URL.

Community and Support Networks

• Chicago Writers Association: Offers workshops, mentorship, and connections to other local authors.
• Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA): Resources for small presses, including marketing templates and legal guidance.
• Book Riot and Literary Hub: Online communities where you can share your participation and get advice from veteran festival-goers.

Accessibility and Inclusion Tools

• Be My Eyes: Free app that connects visually impaired users with sighted volunteers for real-time assistance.
• Google Translate: Useful for communicating with non-English-speaking attendees. Download offline language packs.
• Text-to-Speech Apps: Use built-in accessibility features on smartphones to read your materials aloud for attendees with visual impairments.

Real Examples

Example 1: Independent Publisher – “Prairie Ink Press”

Prairie Ink Press, a small Chicago-based press specializing in regional nonfiction, applied to the Printers Row Lit Fest for the first time in 2022. They submitted three titles focused on Midwestern history and culture. Their application included a compelling mission statement: “To amplify voices from communities often left out of mainstream historical narratives.”

They were accepted for a booth and used Canva to design a display with large, colorful maps of Chicago neighborhoods and pull quotes from their authors. They offered a free postcard with each purchase, featuring a historic photo and a QR code linking to a podcast interview with the author. Within two days, they sold 87 books and gained 210 new email subscribers. They followed up with a thank-you email campaign and were invited back as a featured publisher in 2023.

Example 2: First-Time Author – Maria Chen

Maria Chen, a debut novelist from Evanston, published her literary fiction novel The River Remembers in late 2022. She applied for a panel on “Immigrant Stories in Contemporary Fiction” and was accepted. Instead of reading from her book, she led a 20-minute discussion asking attendees to share their own family migration stories. She recorded snippets (with permission) and later turned them into a short audio piece posted on her website.

She brought 60 copies of her book and sold 48. More importantly, she connected with three literary agents who requested her manuscript. Her panel was one of the most talked-about events of the weekend. She credited her success to authenticity and vulnerability.

Example 3: Literary Nonprofit – Chicago Poetry Project

This nonprofit, which runs free poetry workshops in underserved neighborhoods, applied for a “Literary Outreach Booth.” They didn’t sell books—they offered free chapbooks written by their students, along with sign-up sheets for upcoming workshops. They partnered with two local poets who gave 10-minute live readings every hour.

They attracted over 300 visitors and collected 120 workshop sign-ups. Their booth became a destination for families and educators. The festival organizers later featured them in a case study on community engagement.

FAQs

Can I apply if I’m self-published?

Yes. Self-published authors are welcome, provided your book is professionally edited, has an ISBN, and is available for purchase through major retailers like Amazon, Bookshop.org, or Barnes & Noble. Avoid vanity presses that don’t offer distribution.

Do I have to pay to participate?

No. There is no application or participation fee. However, you are responsible for your own travel, accommodation, printing, and sales equipment. The festival does not provide tables, chairs, or electricity—though you can rent them from the vendor services team for a small fee.

Can I sell other people’s books at my booth?

No. You may only sell books you have authored, co-authored, or published. Selling third-party books without authorization violates festival policy and can result in removal from the event.

How many people attend the Printers Row Lit Fest?

Approximately 50,000 to 70,000 visitors attend over the two-day weekend. The majority come between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday.

What if I can’t attend in person?

The festival does not offer virtual participation for authors or vendors. All participation is in-person. However, if you have a disability that prevents you from attending, contact the accessibility team as soon as possible—they may be able to arrange alternative accommodations.

Can I bring my children or pets?

Children are welcome, but they must be supervised at all times. Pets are not allowed except for certified service animals.

Will the festival promote my book?

The festival promotes the event as a whole through press releases, social media, and local media partnerships. Individual promotion is the responsibility of each participant. Use the festival’s official hashtags and share their posts to amplify your reach.

What happens if I’m waitlisted?

Waitlisted applicants are contacted on a rolling basis through May as slots open due to cancellations. If you’re still waitlisted by May 20, you may contact the festival via email to inquire about your status—but do not expect a response unless a spot becomes available.

Can I apply for multiple roles?

Yes. You can apply as both an author and a vendor. However, you must submit separate applications for each role. If accepted for both, you’ll be assigned a panel time and a booth location. Coordinate carefully to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Is there a youth or student discount?

There is no discount for students or youth, but high school and college students are encouraged to apply as volunteers. Volunteers receive free admission and a festival t-shirt. Apply through the “Volunteer” section of the website.

Conclusion

Joining the Printers Row Lit Fest is more than a chance to sell books—it’s an opportunity to become part of a vibrant, enduring literary community. The festival doesn’t just celebrate books; it connects readers with the human stories behind them. Whether you’re a debut author, a passionate indie publisher, or a literary nonprofit, your voice matters here.

The process of applying and participating requires patience, preparation, and authenticity. Don’t treat it like a transaction. Treat it like a conversation. Bring your curiosity, your humility, and your love of stories. The right audience is waiting—not just to buy your book, but to hear your story.

Start early. Apply with intention. Engage with heart. And remember: every great author once stood where you are now—just beginning, just hoping, just ready to share what they’ve written.

The Printers Row Lit Fest isn’t just an event. It’s a doorway. Step through it.