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Information for Authors and Publishers
If you are an author or publisher interested in having your book(s) carried in the Teaching for Change Bookstore at Busboys and Poets, or are interested in reading your poetry at our poetry events, read our frequently asked questions for more information.
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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. Books must be:
1) In line with the mission of Teaching for Change, a non-profit organization that promotes social justice starting in the classroom. The Teaching for Change Bookstore at Busboys and Poets is Washington, DC's best source for books that encourage children and adults to question, challenge, and re-think the world beyond the headlines. We carefully select every title to ensure access to:
2) High-quality, in terms of both literary craft and the research/scholarship.
3) Books with sales potential. As a small non-profit organization, we cannot afford to stock titles that will not sell.
Q. Why is my book not in your store?
It could be that:
1) 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 new titles. If your book is self-published or from a corporate publisher, there would not have been a rep or catalog to introduce us to the book.
2) It did not meet our criteria (see above).
Q. What do I need to do to get my book carried by the Teaching for Change Bookstore at Busboys and Poets?
Have your publisher send a review copy of your book to this address:
Attn: Book Buyer
Teaching for Change Bookstore
Busboys and Poets
2021 14th St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
Note that the review process may take four to six 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, so please include the distribution information along with the book. We will accept review copies of books directly from authors, but we rarely buy books directly from them, preferring instead to use vendors in the publishing industry. If we decide to stock the book, we will contact the distributor directly. Also note that review copies will not be returned.
Click here for bookstore bill-to address.
Scheduling Book Events and Readings at Busboys and Poets
Q. How do I set up a book signing and/or reading?
Busboys and Poets regularly hosts authors for readings and signings at all four Busboys and Poets locations. 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 between the Busboys and Poets Events Team and the Teaching for Change Bookstore. If you are interested in scheduling a book-related event, the first step is to provide a copy of your book for review (unless you know it is already in stock in the bookstore). All titles should be sent to:
Attn: Author Events
Teaching for Change Bookstore
Busboys and Poets
2021 14th St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
Allow two to four weeks for review. The review copies will not be returned.
To rent the Langston, Robeson or Cullen Rooms at Busboys and Poets, see Event Planning Information and the Event Inquiry Form.
Click here for bookstore bill-to address.
Q. What factors determine whether or not we will host a book event?
First, we determine if your book is one 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 books, we look for anti-bias titles with an emphasis on multicultural viewpoints.
For sections on activism, peace, and the environment, we look for titles by authors with strategies to create a just and sustainable world.
In politics and literature we look for progressive titles that are based on people's histories and perspectives.
Note: Books representing information that is readily available through the corporate-dominated mainstream media are not likely to be carried, as the Teaching for Change Bookstore strives to provide materials that go beyond the headlines.
After determining whether the focus of your book fits our guidelines, we try to ascertain whether the book's topic will draw a sizeable audience. More often than not, an author's name recognition is not enough. In most instances, we 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, through their newsletter/email list, and by word of mouth. 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 appearances on radio/TV where possible. Once a review copy of the book has been sent, email a publicity plan to dallen@teachingforchange.org.
Q. Can I have you sell books at a conference/event we're holding? Do you do book sales outside of the physical bookstore?
Yes, we do. Teaching for Change Bookstore is open to invitations to sell books at both D.C.-areaand national progressive author events and conferences. Please include the following information whenmaking a request:
- Date and time of event. (Generally, we prefer six to eight weeks notice to ensure we can order the book in time and coordinate staffing.)
- Event location.
- Author(s) and book title(s).
- If and when author(s) are available for booksigning.
- Expected attendence at the reading.
- Flyer, invitation, or website (if available).
Send requests to:
Lauren Cooper - lcooper [at] teachingforchange [dot] org and
Don Allen - dallen [at] teachingforchange [dot] org
Poetry Readings
Q. How do I schedule a reading for my book of poetry?
Busboys and Poets hosts several monthly poetry readings. The event host often chooses a featured poet for each reading. Our Poet-in-Residence, Derrick Weston Brown, coordinates 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:
Teaching for Change Bookstore
Busboys and Poet Books
2021 14th St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for review. Note that review copies will not be returned.
Q. When are the Poetry Readings?
There are several open mic opportunities at all three Busboys and Poets locations each month.
Billing and Accounting
Q. Who do I contact regarding billing and accounts payable?
Accounts payable for book vendors is handled by Teaching for Change office staff. Send all invoices, credits and statements to:
Teaching for Change
PO Box 73038
Washington, D.C. 20056
Email: bbpaccounts [at] teachingforchange [dot] org
Phone: (800) 763-9131 ext. 26
Fax: (202) 238-0109
Include your Tax ID or Social Security number.
