FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Interested in having an event with Shelf Life Books? Please review the following information.
Who should I contact about events at Shelf Life Books?
Write to one of our events coordinators at [email protected] to request an events pre-approval form.
What kind of events does Shelf Life Books host?
Book launches, readings, discussions, open mics, and book clubs! We do not host many children’s events or book signings.
When does Shelf Life Books have events?
Our in-store events are typically on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 7-9pm. We do not host events on Mondays or Fridays. Weekend events are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Are events free?
Events at Shelf Life Books almost always have free admission, although at times seating is limited so some free events may still be ticketed. We do not charge a venue fee unless asked to close the store early. If you would like to charge admission for your event, we share a percentage of these profits, though any events by donation remain your profits in full.
What’s the time window for submitting an event idea?
Our schedule generally fills up 3-6 months in advance and we do not book events with less than two month’s notice, so we plan ahead as early as we can on everything.
What is your selection process?
We prioritize events for authors published with Canadian presses, reoccurring events with store partners, and multi-author events. We are also selective based on a book’s subject, availability, and audience, as well as an event’s expected attendance. Although we do some events with non-literary speakers and self-published authors, we’re unable to fit every event idea into our calendar.
What can I expect when planning an event with Shelf Life Books?
Once an event is approved, we work with you or your PR agent to set a date for the event and source event stock. We are able to create an event poster and other graphics and post the event listing to several places. We have two events coordinators who will work with you to confirm events details and answer questions leading up to the event date.
Do you provide catering?
Nope! But event partners are welcome to provide their own catering. We have wares such as glasses, plates, and napkins as well as a serving space and mini-fridge available.
Do you also host virtual or hybrid events?
Yes! We want our events to be as accessible as possible and have a few different options for event formats.
Do you do events and sell books at other event venues?
Yes, at our discretion. We are a very small staff so are not always able to work events outside the store, especially when it comes to longer conferences, but we sell books at off-site events fairly often. If we are hosting an author expecting an attendance larger than our store can accommodate, we hold this event at a secondary venue.
Do you ever host pop-up shops?
Yes! We love to collaborate with and provide space for local makers. Write to [email protected] if you’d like to do a pop-up shop inside Shelf Life Books.
