We are the "MTV Unplugged" for the Kansas City indie literature scene. The self-publishing industry is booming, but it exists almost entirely online. Unshelved Authors: Raw & Unplugged Presents... bridges the gap between digital publishing and real-world connection. We host high-energy networking events and cinematic live readings to help local authors, poets, and readers build authentic, physical community.

We host two distinct types of events every month:

• The Showcases (1x per month): Cinematic, intimate live reading events and open mics. Think dark, moody, late-night cafe vibes where you can hear local talent perform their work live on stage.

• The Action Mixers (2-3x per month): High-energy networking events. We ditch the stiff hotel ballrooms and awkward nametags for axe throwing, local breweries, and interactive spaces where creatives can actually let loose and connect.

We are always looking for bold, local voices! If you are an indie author or poet in the KC area who wants to get your work in front of a live audience, simply head over to our [Link: Performer Application Page/Contact Form] to submit your interest. We curate our Showcase lineups to feature a diverse mix of genres and styles.

Becoming an official member of the Unshelved Authors network is the absolute best way to plug directly into the Kansas City literary scene. Because we host multiple events every month, our membership tiers are designed to save you money while maximizing your real-world connections:

• The Over-Caffeinated Introvert (monthly plan):

  ✓ The "Backstage Pass" (Priority Booking)

  ✓ 20% Off All Live Events & Media Kits

  ✓ Access to "The 24/7 Green Room" (Private Community)

  ✓ A Spot in the Featured Author Directory

  ✓ Feature Opportunities on "Raw & Unplugged" Podcast

• The One-Person Publishing Empire (Yearly Plan):

  ✓ All The Over-Caffeinated Introvert tier Perks

  ✓ Two Months Free (The "Indie Math" Discount)

  ✓ One FREE "Social Ready" Content Kit per Year

  ✓ VIP Placement in the Author Directory

  ✓ The VIP "All-Access" Event Lanyard

Basically, an All-Access membership pays for itself if you plan on attending just a couple of events a month, and it ensures you never have to navigate the self-publishing hustle alone again!

Absolutely not! Our events are built for everyone who loves the literary arts. Whether you are a multi-published indie author, a poet, an aspiring writer staring at a blank page, or simply a local reader who wants to discover your new favorite KC author, there is a seat for you here.

Absolutely not. Traditionally, "pay-to-play" events charge authors and give nothing back. At Unshelved Authors, your tier or slot fee covers the "High-Value Content" pillar—professional videography, photography, and a curated stage—plus, we take 0% of your sales. You keep every dollar you make at the signing table. We are a platform, not a middleman.

That is exactly why we are here! Our "Raw & Unplugged" format is about authenticity, not perfection. Every featured author receives a "Stage Prep Guide" before the event, and our hosts are there to make you look like a rockstar.

For our physical "Stage" slots, you must be able to get to the KC venue. However, our "Digital Front Row" and "Professional Network" tiers are open to authors worldwide who want to access our resource-sharing community and digital showcases.

You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

Think of these as "Indie Dollars." If you back a tier with a voucher, you’ll receive a physical token at the event. You hand that token to any author at the signing table in exchange for their book. We then reimburse the author the full cash value. It’s the fastest way to support an artist directly.

We curate for energy and engagement! You might hear a gripping thriller chapter followed by a slam-poetry-style memoir or a high-fantasy world-building pitch. Our goal is a "Variety Show" vibe for book lovers.

We are currently scouting "culturally relevant" spaces in the Crossroads District and Westport. We choose venues that offer a "Raw & Unplugged" atmosphere—think intimate coffee houses, urban lofts, or indie galleries, rather than stiff, traditional bookstores.

Absolutely! Sponsoring Unshelved Authors puts your brand at the forefront of Kansas City's most innovative literary movement. We offer cash sponsorships (ranging from a $250 community tier to Title Sponsor) as well as creative "in-kind" trades. Perks include live stage shoutouts, VIP tickets, and your logo on our professional A/V social media content. If you are a community-minded KC business, send us a message and we’ll gladly share our full Sponsorship Deck!

Unshelved Authors was founded by Courtney Hendricks—a full-time Kansas City middle school teacher and independent author (writing under the pen name C.S. Hendricks). After experiencing the exhausting, isolating reality of the self-publishing hustle firsthand, she created this platform to build the stage, the community, and the connection that local indie authors desperately need.