Interested in hosting a book launch, author talk, or other kind of book event? Busboys and Poets Books is proud to provide a platform for authors to promote and sell their work through our bookstore with a reduced, flat rate cost for space rental. Please review our Author Event Guidelines, then fill out our AUTHOR EVENT REQUEST FORM. Our team will be in touch within 5 business days to confirm whether we can accommodate your request.

We are only accepting requests for events taking place in AUGUST 2026 and beyond. Events scheduled to take place before August 1, 2026 will not receive the author discount. We encourage you to submit an event inquiry here to request an event date before August 1, 2026.

Most events are for free to the public, unless otherwise requested. We guarantee the facilitation of book sales before and during the event. For Bookstore Sponsored events, we offer both in-person and virtual livestream options depending on room availability and author preference. We do not currently offer honorariums. 

Please email bookevents@busboysandpoets.com if you have any additional questions. 

If you'd like to book one of our spaces for a private event, please submit an event inquiry here

Author Next Door

Author Next Door is back! Busboys and Poets Books will be hosting a series of events highlighting local authors from across the DMV. The series will rotate around Busboys and Poets locations, featuring up to four writers from each community curated around a selected genre or topic. Talks will include authors reading and discussing their work, as well as an extended Q&A and book signing after the conversation. Each author's book will be available for purchase at the event.

Current schedule for 2026:

Sunday, April 19: Takoma

Sunday, June 28: Hyattsville

Sunday, September 13: Anacostia (form open: July 1 - Aug 15)

Sunday, November 15: Shirlington (form open: Sept 1 - Oct 15)

We are looking for authors who are passionate about life in the DMV and excited to get to know their neighbors. Learn more and submit your application HERE.

Off-site Events

Interested in having Busboys and Poets Books vend at your event? We can bring our bookstore to you!

Partnering with us means we'll order books and provide 1-2 members of our bookstore staff to sell them at your event (DMV area only). This is a free service, though we may request an additional fee in advance if your event requires efforts that go beyond our standard capabilities. 

Fill out THIS FORM to give us a better understanding of your needs and expectations. We will reach back out once we've determined whether or not we can add your event to our schedule. 

Please note that we require book ordering information at least 3 weeks before the event.