Event Guide for Authors

The Sparkle Bookstore is a community-rooted, independent, family-run bookstore in Sparkill, NY. We bring together wonder, curation, gathering, and courage to create a welcoming third space for discovery and belonging. Our events are designed to connect readers, writers, and neighbors, and to bring ideas off the page and into real community conversation. We look forward to hearing your proposal to host a future event in our space.

Please complete our proposal form at least 12 weeks before your hoped-for date. If we agree to host you, we will put you on the calendar at least 8 weeks before the event.

If you are a self-published author or small press author who is responsible for providing your own inventory, we also ask you to familiarize yourself with standard bookseller consignment terms.

You'll hear back from us within 5 business days to confirm or decline your event. Questions? Reach out to [email protected] or call the store phone at (845) 762-5368.

Getting Started

Timeline

• Propose your event through our Google Form.
• Complete the form at least 12 weeks before your hoped-for date. If we agree to host you, we will put you on the calendar at least 8 weeks before the event.
• Preferred days and times:
  • Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5pm–7:30pm, 60–90 minutes.
  • Sundays, sometimes Saturdays too, between 2pm and 6pm, can be longer than 90 minutes.

Point of Contact

• Donna Miele (Owner) [email protected]
• Armand Miele-Herndon (Manager) [email protected]
• Store Phone: (845) 762-5368
• General email: [email protected]
• Address: 642 Main St. Sparkill, NY 10976 (Google Maps)
• Website: www.sparklebooks.store
• Store hours: Wed–Sat 12pm–7pm, Sun 12pm–6pm

Event Formats

We offer several event types and welcome new ideas.

• Meet and greet
  • Casual and conversational
  • Often held in the snack bar area
  • Minimal setup
• Author reading
  • Reading, Q&A, and signing
• Ticketed talk
  • Presentation or discussion
  • Ticket often includes a copy of the book
• Children's events
  • Should include an activity or interactive element
• We are open to creative collaborations, including off-site events, especially immersive and community-driven event formats. Pitch us something new, if you like!

Our Approach

Our programming reflects our core values:

• Wonder
  • Encourage curiosity and unexpected discovery
• Curation
  • Highlight thoughtful, human-centered book selection
  • Elevate overlooked and diverse voices
• Gathering
  • Create a welcoming space for connection
  • Foster meaningful conversations
• Courage
  • Support open dialogue
  • Champion diverse perspectives and intellectual freedom

The Space

Our space is flexible and can be arranged to suit the format and needs of your event.

• Capacity
  • 15 to 18 guests during store hours; 20 to 25 guests before or after hours
• Accessibility
  • Front entrance has a steep stoop
  • Our back entrance has ramp access. Please let us know if it's needed and we will install it.

Materials We Need From You

We will request all promotional materials 8–10 weeks in advance of the event to allow sufficient time for planning and outreach.

• Book jacket image
• Author headshot
  • High resolution
  • 300 dpi
• Short bio
  • Up to 100 words
• Book blurb
  • Up to 100 words

Advance copies

• Please provide us with an advance copy of your book to review
  • Digital copies are typically easiest, via Edelweiss or NetGalley if possible.
• As an independent bookstore, we prioritize in-store sales and online sales through Bookshop.org. We do not order from Amazon or link to Amazon for sales.

Self-published authors

• Provide books for sale at least a week before the event at a standard wholesale discount. We're happy to discuss this with you!
• We will sell books provided for your event on consignment – this means that you will get paid for books after they are sold.
• We will return excess copies of your book.
• Please see these guidelines about selling your book on consignment.

Promotion: What We Do

We actively support your event through our channels. Our goal is to amplify your work and connect it to our community.

• Website event listing
• Inclusion in our printed calendar of events
• Social media spotlight
• Inclusion in our e-newsletter
• Optional Promotion
  • Media Outreach. For events that are a strong fit for broader media coverage, we take the lead on press outreach and handle the necessary coordination.
    • Contact local press
    • Submit to community calendars
    • Reach out to podcasts or radio
  • Editorial feature (optional)
    • Interview on Donna's Substack
    • Cross-posted to The Sparkle blog

Recommended Author Promotion Before the Event

Authors play a key role in promotion, as your personal network, voice, and direct connection to readers are the most effective drivers of attendance.

• Start early
  • Begin promoting 6 weeks before your event
• Share your content and invite your people!
  • Post on your personal social media accounts 1 to 2 times per week
    • Increase frequency closer to event
  • Make personal invitations via email, text or in-person
  • Share the event in local groups or email lists where appropriate
• Visual consistency
  • Use book cover and headshot
  • Align with Sparkle's tone and aesthetic when possible
• Content ideas
  • Offer a "behind the scenes" of writing your book
  • Post excerpts or readings
• Collaborate
  • Tag the bookstore on Instagram @sparklebookstore
  • Engage with any comments

Day of Event Guidance

• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Free parking is available in Depot Square, off Main Street between Union Street and Sparkill Avenue
• Coordinate setup with staff

Day-of promotion

• Post a reminder on your social media accounts
• Send a short, friendly reminder via text or email the day before or morning of the event
  • Include the time, location, and a quick note about why you're excited to see them

During the event

• Engage the audience
• Encourage questions
• Mention where to buy the book

After the Event

• Share photos and videos
• Tag the bookstore @sparklebookstore
• Thank your audience

Keep momentum going

• Share highlights or clips
• Promote signed copies if available
• Continue engaging with your audience