The Word A Storytelling Sanctuary

[margins.] Literary Conference + Book Festival: A biannual space where the dream of an inclusive literary future is made into a micro-reality. The conference exists to connect people to each other and build intentional community among other diverse people, connect publishing industry leaders to talent, and share practical and substantive knowledge with attendees. In 2022 the conference and festival was held in person at the McNichols Center in downtown Denver, and online on August 5-7, 2022. The Word was able to curate an accessible and affordable public celebration for Denver-metro booklovers while also still reaching booklovers and creatives across the United States and numerous countries through our virtual programming. At the request of the community, [margins.] reconvened for a one-day virtual literary conference in 2023. The organization is planning its next hybrid in-person and virtual conference and book festival for 2024 that will take place in the Santa Fe arts district in Denver.

#MarginsBookselling Month: The third annual celebration took place in August this year and continues to provide support, education and programming for bookstores owned and managed by booksellers from historically excluded communities as well as frontline booksellers who identify from these communities as well. This year, #MarginsBookselling created a resource library for booksellers to discover new authors and connect with publishers. During #MarginsBookselling month and beyond, The Word celebrates, promotes and drives awareness to bookstores and booksellers who identify across intersections as BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, disabled and/or neurodiverse. This community celebration includes an online map for readers to connect with bookstores, a social media campaign and a variety of author events and workshops aimed at exploring new business models, workers rights and creating pathways for professional development and growth. The #MarginsBookselling network has grown to support 200 booksellers and over 150 bookstores.

Community Engagement: The Word hosts regular in-person and virtual events to help connect writers to each other, connect industry professionals to writers and promote issues and topics of importance to The Word community. Past events include: mixers, author panels and discussions, and opportunities to engage in advocacy. Information about how best to navigate the publishing industry is often opaque and few writers are taught the business-side of being a creative. The Word provides valuable resource guides and hosts workshops with industry leaders who share vital information with participants.