Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my own table and chair?

No. Tables and chairs will be provided by the venue.

Will electricity be available?

Because the Greer Sports & Events Center is still under construction, we are currently unable to guarantee access to electrical outlets. As construction progresses and additional venue information becomes available, we will provide updates to accepted participants.

Can I share a table?

No. Due to space limitations, table sharing is not permitted.

What genres and artistic styles are accepted?

Stories & Ink Expo welcomes authors from all genres as well as literary focused artists and creative professionals.

Examples include:

• Children’s book illustrators

• Character artists

• Book cover artists

• Audio narrators

• Literary inspired artwork

• Storytelling focused creative professionals

To maintain the focus of the event, all artwork, products, and creative offerings must have a clear literary or storytelling connection.

Authors and artists may sell books and related merchandise connected to their stories, characters, artwork, or creative brands. For example, character plushies, themed collectibles, and other literary related products are welcome.

General craft vendors, unrelated handmade goods, and textile based products that do not have a literary or storytelling connection are not permitted.

Are traditionally published authors welcome?

Absolutely. Independently published, traditionally published, hybrid, and small press authors are all welcome to apply.

Are there any content restrictions?

Stories & Ink Expo welcomes creators of books and artwork for all age groups, including adult audiences. However, because this is a family friendly event, all displays must remain appropriate for a general audience.

Books, artwork, merchandise, and promotional materials intended for mature audiences may be sold, but they must be displayed in a family friendly manner.

Examples include:

• Displaying a family friendly cover version of a book while keeping alternate covers behind or beneath the table.

• Covering mature content book covers when displayed publicly.

• Keeping mature artwork in portfolios, binders, or behind the table for interested adults to view upon request.

• Using signage or display methods that prevent explicit content from being visible to children.

Adult oriented products that are not directly related to books, storytelling, or literary artwork are not permitted.

To maintain a comfortable environment for attendees of all ages, sexually explicit merchandise, adult novelty items, and adult themed plushies may not be displayed or sold at the event.

If you have questions about a specific book, artwork, display, or product, please contact Creative Slingers of Ink prior to the event for clarification.

Can I sell books, artwork, and merchandise?

Yes. Participants may sell books, artwork, and approved literary related merchandise, provided everything fits within their assigned table space. Additional tables, shelving units, display racks, and other floor displays are not permitted.

Can I put up a floor banner?

No. Floor banners will not be permitted during the inaugural year of Stories & Ink Expo as we evaluate the layout and traffic flow within our new venue.

Can I bring my own food and beverages?

Yes. Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks, meals, and beverages.

Because the venue is still under construction, we do not yet know what food and beverage options will be available onsite. Additional information will be shared as we get closer to the event.

What time is setup?

Accepted participants will receive setup instructions and arrival times prior to the event.

What happens if I arrive after check in closes?

Participants must arrive and check in during their assigned setup window.

Because the event floor plan is carefully designed to create the best possible experience for attendees and participants, any unclaimed participant spaces will be absorbed into the neighboring participant spaces once check in closes.

Late arrivals will not be permitted to set up. Participants who have not checked in by the designated deadline forfeit their assigned space, and no refunds will be issued.

Participants who fail to arrive without prior communication will not be invited to participate in future Creative Slingers of Ink events.

Do I need to stay for the entire event?

Yes. Participants are expected to remain set up for the full duration of the event. Early teardown and departure are not permitted, as they disrupt the attendee experience, affect neighboring participants, and impact the overall flow of the event.

Participants who leave before the conclusion of the event will not be invited to participate in future Creative Slingers of Ink events.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Because the venue is still under construction, public Wi-Fi availability has not yet been confirmed.

Participants should plan to have a backup payment method available. Additional information will be shared as we receive updates from the venue.

Can I accept credit cards?

Yes. Participants are responsible for providing their own payment processing equipment and services.

Is parking available?

Yes. Free parking is available for both participants and attendees.

Can I bring bookmarks, business cards, postcards, or other promotional materials?

Absolutely. Participants are encouraged to bring promotional materials that fit within their assigned table space.

Can I hold a giveaway or drawing?

Yes. Participants are welcome to collect email addresses and hold giveaways or prize drawings. To avoid disruptions during the event, winners should be selected and announced after the event through email, social media, or a Facebook Live video.

What happens if I need to cancel?

Please contact Creative Slingers of Ink as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.

AI Policy

Are AI generated books or artwork eligible for Stories & Ink Expo?

No. Books, artwork, and other creative works containing AI generated text or AI generated artwork are not eligible for Stories & Ink Expo.

Does this policy apply to interior artwork?

Yes. Our artwork policy applies to all artwork associated with a book or creative work, including but not limited to book covers, illustrations, maps, chapter headers, decorative elements, character artwork, prints, and any other visual artwork.

Can I bring a mix of AI compliant and noncompliant books, artwork, or products?

No. Only books, artwork, and products that comply with our AI policy may be submitted, displayed, and sold at Stories & Ink Expo.

Are editing tools allowed?

Yes. Traditional editing tools used for spelling, grammar, proofreading, formatting, background removal, image cleanup, resizing, color correction, accessibility, or similar non generative purposes are permitted. The restriction applies only to AI generated text and AI generated artwork.

Why does Creative Slingers of Ink have an AI policy?

Creative Slingers of Ink was founded to celebrate and support human creativity. Our events are dedicated to showcasing books, artwork, and creative works produced through the original talent, imagination, and craftsmanship of authors, artists, and other creative professionals. Our AI policy helps ensure a consistent experience for attendees while supporting creators whose work reflects their own creativity and artistic vision.