Stories are meant to be shared.
As an indie author, lifelong book lover, and community builder, the heart of everything I do is creating meaningful connections, whether that’s through a story or through spaces where people want to gather!
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Over the last year, I noticed a growing need in the St. Louis area for more bookish events.
So I decided to help build them.
The Mission
To cultivate a thriving, inclusive bookish community across St. Louis and surrounding areas—one where local authors are celebrated, small businesses are supported, and people can gather over their shared love of stories, creativity, and connection.
The Vision
These events are inspired by the nostalgia of childhood book fairs, but reimagined and thoughtfully curated. Through recurring markets hosted at local breweries and businesses, pop-up events in parks and community spaces, and partnerships with authors and creatives, these events are designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and rooted in connection. The goal is simple: to create a sustainable ecosystem where stories, creativity, and human connection can flourish.
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Authors selling their books, but also doing signings or talks
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Bookish handmade goods or merch from small businesses
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Good drinks, food, and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere
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Cozy, book-filled spaces that are fun and accessible for all!
Our Events
We had our first event at Rockwell beer company on March 21st and it was a HUGE success!
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If you missed us and are interested in being an author or a vendor, we will be organizing more events soon!
Please fill out the vendor application form below to stay in touch and be notified for the next event.
Vendor Information & FAQs
NOTE: Vendor fees and details will vary from event to event, based on the cost of the event space, admin, location, and promotions. The information below is meant to serve as general guidelines and answers for vendors across all STL Bookish Events markets
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Application & Acceptance Process
Acceptance to each event is based on vendor type, need for the specific market, and/or theme of the market. We always do our best to offer a variety of authors and vendors and deeply value inclusion and diversity when making our selections. Once accepted, payment is due within one week unless stated otherwise. If payment is not received within that timeframe, your spot may be offered to another vendor.
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Vendor Fees & Pricing
Typically a 6ft vendor spot will be around $35-50 (plus an optional $10 table rental if you need one). If you need a smaller half spot or a double spot, please reach out to jessica@jessanncreates.com to discuss options.
What A Vendor Fee Covers:
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An assigned spot at the market
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One featured author/vendor promotional post on our social media
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A listing on the event page for the markets in which you participate
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Administrative costs associated with organizing and promoting the event
Table & Display Setup
Vendors will be assigned a 3 or 6 ft spot ahead of the event and are responsible for bringing their own tables, chairs, and tablecloths unless a table rental has been arranged through STL Bookish Events ($10 add-on). Banner stands, backdrops, and pop-up displays are welcome, just keep your setup within your assigned spot footprint so neighboring vendors have plenty of room.
Setup & Breakdown
Set up typically begins 2 hours before the event opens unless otherwise specified in your event confirmation email. Breakdown begins at the official close of the event. Please do not begin breaking down early as it disrupts the experience for attendees and fellow vendors.
Parking & Load In
Vendors are welcome to use the main parking area to unload at the front entrance. Once unloaded, please move your vehicle to street parking or the back of the venue to leave prime spots open for attendees. Specific parking details will always be included in your pre-event vendor email.
Electricity & Wi-Fi
Electricity: Extension cord access is available at most indoor venues, but please bring your own extension cord. Specific outlet locations will be shared in your pre-event vendor email.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available at most of our indoor venues. Network details will always be included in your pre-event vendor email.
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Sales & Transactions
Vendors are fully responsible for managing their own sales and transactions. We recommend coming prepared to accept multiple forms of payment including cash, card, and digital payments like Venmo, PayPal, or Square.
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Food & Drink
Most of our venues offer food and beverage options on site—details will be included in your pre-event email.
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Attendance & Marketing
STL Bookish Events promotes each market across social media, Substack, and local community channels. We encourage all vendors to share the event with their own audiences and tag @stlbookishevents in any promotional posts. The more we all share, the bigger the crowd!
Expected attendance will vary by event and venue. We will always share our best estimate in the pre-event vendor email.
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Payment & Cancellation Policy
Vendor fees are non-refundable unless an event is canceled due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, in which case you will have the option of a full refund or a credit toward a future market. If you are unable to attend after paying, please notify us as soon as possible at jessica@jessanncreates.com so we can make arrangements.
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Future Events & Community
STL Bookish Events is more than just a market. We are building a home for the St. Louis author and bookish community.
Want to be notified when applications open for future markets?
Fill out our vendor interest form (see above)
Have a bookish event in St. Louis?
We'd love to feature it! STL Bookish Events highlights ALL book-related events happening in the St. Louis area, not just our own markets. Submit your event for consideration via @stlbookishevents on Instagram.
Stay connected:
Instagram: @stlbookishevents
Facebook Group: STL Bookish Events
Email: jessica@jessanncreates.com