Q. What criteria do you use to determine which books you will carry?

We use a combination of criteria to determine what titles we will carry. They must be:

• in-line with the mission of Teaching for Change, the organization that runs the bookstore. Teaching for Change is a non-profit organization that promotes social justice, starting in the classroom.
• high quality; that is the writing and the research/scholarship must be good.
• have sales potential. As a small non-profit organization, we cannot afford to stock titles that do not sell.

Q. Why is my book not in your store?

It could be that:

• We do not know about it: We get most of our titles from a group of trusted independent publishers and their distributors. The sales reps and catalogs from these sources keep us up to date with the new titles. If your book is self-published or from a large, corporate publisher, there would not have been a rep or catalog to introduce us to the book.
• It did not meet our criteria (see above.)

Q. What do I need to do to get my book carried by Busboys and Poets Books? Have your publisher send a review copy of your book to this address: Busboys and Poets Books Attn: Bookbuyer 2021 14th St. NW Washington DC 20009 Please note that the review process may take 4 to 6 weeks. If we decide that the book is a good fit with our mission, we would prefer to buy the book directly from a book distributor or wholesaler. Include the distribution information along with the book. We will accept review copies of books directly from the author, but we rarely buy books directly from authors, preferring instead to use vendors in the publishing industry. Also note that review copies will not be returned.

Q. How do I set up a book signing and/or reading? Busboys and Poets regularly hosts authors for readings and signings in both the Langston Room and in Busboys and Poets books. Depending on subject matter, availability, prospects for sales and distribution of the title, we may invite an author to speak about and sign their books as a service to the community. Additionally, many authors have rented space here to host their own events, such as book release parties or private readings. Unlike most other events at Busboys and Poets, author events are decided on in collaboration with the management staff of Busboys and Poets Books, which is operated by Teaching for Change. If you are interested in scheduling a book-related event, please provide a copy of your book for the bookstore staff's review (unless you know it is already in stock in the bookstore). All titles should be sent to: Don Allen, Manager, Busboys and Poets Books, 2021 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. Please allow a couple of weeks for review and note that review copies will not be returned. Also see: Planning an event on the Events page of this website.

Q. What factors determine whether or not we will host a book event? First, we determine if it is a book that we would carry in the bookstore. We look primarily for titles that promote peace and social justice in classrooms, communities, and the world. In education and children's we look for anti-racist, anti-biased titles with an emphasis on multicultural viewpoints. For sections on Activism, Peace, and Environment, we look for titles by authors with strategies to create a just and sustainable world. In Politics and Literature we look for titles that are progressive and based on people's histories and perspectives. Books that represent information that is readily available through the corporate-dominated, mainstream media are not likely to be carried because Busboys and Poets Books strives to provide materials that go beyond the headlines.

Next, we try to determine if the topic of the book will draw an audience and fill the Langston Room. More often than not, the author's name recognition is not enough (notable exception: Howard Zinn). In most instances, we will ask that authors and publishers provide a publicity plan before we schedule an event. We strongly suggest that book event proposals include one or more sponsoring organizations. The sponsoring organization must be willing to promote (actively) the event on their website and through their newsletter/listserv. In exchange we will add the organization to all of our outreach - email blasts, press releases, in-store displays, and websites. Other important elements in the publicity plan include book reviews in major media and on-air appearances on radio/TV.

Q. How do I schedule a reading for my book of poetry? Busboys and Poets hosts several poetry readings every month. The host of each event often chooses a featured poet for each poetry reading. Our Poet-in-Residence, Derrick Weston Brown, co-ordinates the readings along with the Busboys and Poets poetry council. To be considered for a featured reading, please send a copy of your book to Busboys and Poets Books, Attn: Derrick Weston Brown, 2021 14th St. NW, WDC 20009. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for review. Note that review copies will not be returned.

Q. When are the Poetry Readings?

Open Mic - Every Tuesday, 9 PM, List opens at 8 (early arrival recommended). Rotating Hosts, National and local featured poets, $4 The 9 on the Ninth. - Ninth day of every month at 9 PM. Open mic list opens at 8 PM. National and local featured poets. Hosted by Derrick Weston Brown, poet-in-residence. Sunday Kind of Love. - Third Sunday of every month at 4 PM. Open mic list opens at 3 PM. National and local featured poets. Hosted by Sarah Browning of DC Poets Against the War.

Impromptu poetry readings are often added to the schedule at the last moment. Please keep an eye on our events page or sign up for our email list.