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Signing authors' information 2023
Updated: Jan 13
Greetings, Signing Authors,
We are only days away from our in-person book signing, our first in three years. We're so thrilled to have you join us! Please read this entire letter (including links) to make sure you have all the information you need to help make your experience flow as smoothly as possible.
Signing Author Confirmation
If you are receiving this notice, that means you are a confirmed signing author for Black Ink Book Festival. I have been made aware that some Eventbrite information hasn't been getting to people, but if you need your confirmation and you haven't received it (please check your spam/junk/trash folders just in case), then email info@blackinkbookfestival.org and we'll make sure to forward it for your records.
Virtual Platform Registration
The first two days of Black Ink Book Festival are virtual on Hopin. That is where the panels, workshops, and agent/editor pitches will be held. If you have not already done so, please register for the virtual platform with the links that were in your email confirmations. For reference, please see them below along with the requisite promo codes.
Signing Author Hopin Registration Link: https://hopin.com/events/black-ink-a-charleston-african-american-book-festival-live-stream?code=W7U8zys1mC1xcJVz7vIMcZalJ
Signing Author Promo Code: 20SIGNINGAUTHOR23
Signing Ally Author Registration Link: https://hopin.com/events/black-ink-a-charleston-african-american-book-festival-live-stream?code=2dzGp8gdCJJtoXLNJK8BEzksz
Signing All Author Promo Code: 20SIGNINGALLYAUTHOR23
Agent/Editor Pitches (Thursday, January 12, 2023 - Saturday, January 14, 2023)
There is still time to register for a pitch session with a literary agent or an editor for those interested in traditional publishing. Please go here to see who will be accepting pitches and to register for an appointment: https://tinyurl.com/2023BlackInkChsPitchReg Feel free to share this link with others who might be interested in being traditionally published.
Also, because you are a signing author, you can use the promo code below to get half off your pitch session registration fee. All registration fees are nonrefundable.
Signing Author Promo Code (For pitch sessions only. Do not share.): BIBFSA
Note: It is important to check your confirmation email from Eventbrite to make sure you get the link to the pitch session sign up. If you register and cannot find your Eventbrite confirmation information, please email info@blackinkcharleston.org ASAP so you can get that information. But please check your spam/junk/trash folders for the Eventbrite confirmation first and read through it carefully.
The Entire Weekend
Feel free to take pictures of the reception and book signing and use the following hashtags:
@BlackInkCharleston on Instagram
In-Person Reception (Friday, January 13, 2023, starting at 6:00 p.m. EST)
As a signing author, you and a guest are invited to attend the in-person reception for Black Ink Book Festival on Friday, January 13, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. EST to 8:00 p.m. EST. The reception will be at the College of Charleston's Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture (125 Bull St., Charleston, SC 29424). There is no extra fee to attend this reception. The reception attire is not formal, but recommended attire is business casual (but lean toward what will make you feel comfortable and confident!).
In-Person Book Signing (Saturday, January 14, 2023, starting at 9:00 a.m. EST)
The in-person book signing will be at Trident Technical College (7000 Rivers Avenue, Bldg 920, College Center (Rm 107), North Charleston, SC 29406; if you use GPS to get to Trident Tech, please use the Mabeline Road entrance (at the light with the Trident Tech sign), not College Drive. Setup begins at 9:00 a.m. for authors and vendors. The book signing will then open to the public at 10:00 a.m.
Masks are highly recommended but not required.
Loading and unloading will take place at the loading dock of Building 920 (Parking Lot C). The loading dock is on the left side of the building at the parking lot. We will have signs/volunteers to help guide folks where they need to go. There is no loading/unloading at the front of Building 920.
A Black Ink Committee member or volunteer will sign you in and take you to your table. We will have limited carts available to help authors load and unload, so you're welcome to bring your own if you have them. There should be Wi-Fi available throughout the room. You and your assistant are not restricted to your author table. Your table will include a green tablecloth and a trash can. You can decorate your space how you like, including bringing banners you can setup behind your table. However, if the banner is too large, we'll have to find an alternative space for it Also, you are free and encouraged to visit other tables to meet fellow authors, vendors, and sponsors. However, Black Ink Book Festival is not responsible for unattended tables, theft, damage, or valuables.
Additionally, outside food is prohibited. There will be a hospitality room where folks can get snacks from 11:00 to 12:30 p.m. EST for signing authors and their assistants only. However, if you need to bring something more substantial like a sandwich for medical purposes, you can pack one and eat it in the hospitality room. There are also vending machines and a break room (Student Lounge, Rm 307) where you can purchase a small sandwich and drink to eat in the hospitality room. There should be no food in the main signing space. Water stations will also be made available throughout the space.
The keynote will begin at 1:00 p.m. and end by 2:00 p.m. The book signing ends at 4:00 p.m.
If you will need any assistance throughout the day, Black Ink Book Festival committee members and volunteers should be available to provide it as best we can. If you have any questions leading up to the festival, please reach out and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Thank you so much for joining us! We look forward to celebrating and amplifying Black voices with you during this year's Black Ink Book Festival!
Warmly,
Savannah Frierson
Savannah Frierson (she/her/hers) 2023 Black Ink Book Festival Programming Committee Chair Black Ink: A Charleston African American Book Festival Black Ink Charleston on YouTube