The Scribble House Lit Fest Is Back!November 16th, 2025
Publisher and vendor registration is open as of April 15, 2025. You can click the links below to register or get more information:
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Lit Fest FAQIs there a cost to attend the Scribble House Lit Fest?
Nope! The only part of the festival that costs money are the Quick Pitch sessions, which are $10 each to register for. Everything else is free.
Who is the Scribble House Lit Fest for?
Anyone who likes reading and/or writing! Many of the activities are designed for writers, and that's primarily who we had in mind when we decided to put the event together. We also hope it'll be a fun opportunity for local publishers to meet, mingle, and learn from/about each other, and that book lovers who want to discover new local things to read, or hear what things are like behind the scenes, will enjoy perusing the book fair and sitting in on the editor Q&A.
When will registration open for attendees?
We plan to open up general registration in June. Registration for the Quick Pitch sessions and Silent Workshop will open in the fall.
Do I need to register in advance to attend?
Advanced registration is not required to peruse the book fair or be in the audience for the editor Q&A. You do need to register in advance to submit work for the Silent Workshop, or to send a work sample to an editor for a Quick Pitch session. You'll also get a free raffle ticket if you register before the day of the event.
How much are tickets for the raffle?
Attendees who register in advance will get one raffle ticket free. You can also buy additional raffle tickets, both in advance or the day of the event, for $3 each or 2 for $5.
Do I need to be physically present to win something in the raffle?
You do need to attend the lit fest to have your ticket entered in the raffle - if you register in advance but don't attend, you won't be able to win. As long as you show up at some point before the drawing, though, you don't need to be there right when it's happening.
Will there be other stuff to do besides buying books?
Indeed! There will be readings and editor Q&As scheduled sporadically throughout the festival, along with self-serve writerly activities like the Silent Workshop and writing prompts. This year we will also have an open mic to wrap up the event.
Publisher FAQWho is eligible to participate as a publisher?
Any publisher of creative work that is based in or has a strong connection to Western Pennsylvania. This includes independent small presses, literary journals, and magazines, as well as ones affiliated with universities.
Do I need to publish print books or issues to participate?
Online journals and ebook publishers are welcome, too! That said, it would be ideal if you have something for readers and writers to engage with at your table (though it doesn't need to be something for sale--it could be an activity like a writing prompt or blackout exercise, or printouts of work from your online issues to read, etc.)
Does it cost anything to register for a table?
Nope! It's free for publishers to participate.
Am I required to participate in an editor Q&A if I sign up for a table?
No. Editors are encouraged to participate in one of the Q&As, but it isn't mandatory.
Can local authors I've published read or sign books at the Lit Fest?
Yes and yes! We'll have two scheduled readings during the festival along with the open mic at the end, and authors of participating presses are invited to take part in all. Presses are also encouraged to schedule author signings.
Am I required to donate something to the raffle if I sign up for a table?
No, donating to the raffle is optional (though we definitely appreciate it if you do have something to donate!).
Am I required to offer Quick Pitch sessions if I sign up for a table?
No, the Quick Pitch Sessions are completely optional - we know that not everyone who publishes work is always looking for new unsolicited manuscripts. When you sign up, you'll have the choice to offer anywhere from 0 to 10 sessions throughout the lit fest, and you'll be paid $7 for each session that an attendee registers for.
Vendor FAQWhat is the cost to be a vendor?
Vendors can register for a full 8-foot table for $50, or a half-table (4 feet of table space) for $25.
Can I bring my own table? What about other shelving or displays?
You are welcome to use your own table or display set-up. However, you will pay the same registration fee (since we will still need to reserve that amount of space in the bookfair). Your display also needs to fit within an 8-foot by 4-foot total area (for a full-table registration) or a 4-foot by 4-foot area (for a half-table registration).
Will vendor spaces have electrical outlets?
We may be able to provide these for a limited number of vendors, but it is not guaranteed. If you would like to request outlet access, let us know how many and what you need them for in the "requests or other information" section of the vendor application.
What can I sell at the Scribble House Lit Fest?
In general, books and things related to them. All items for sale at the Lit Fest should be of interest to readers and writers. This can include writerly tools like notebooks and pens, or literary-themed items like jewelry, apparel, home decor, etc. (for example, earrings shaped like books, coffee mugs with famous quotes from books, etc.). If you're not sure whether your items would be a good fit for the Lit Fest, email us at ScribbleHousePGH@gmail.com and we'll let you know.
When will accepted vendors be notified?
We'll start reviewing vendor applications in June. After that, we will review and accept/reject applications on a rolling basis until all slots are filled or the final deadline of November 1st, 2025. We will close the application and open a wait list if we fill our spaces before November 1st.
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