The Rough Draft Writer’s Retreat:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s in it for me?
A: If chosen as a Rough Draft visiting writer, we would love to promote you and your works—both in our shop and online. Rough Draft has 9,000+ followers on Instagram, 5,000+ followers on Facebook, and 1,000+ newsletter subscribers, and our numbers are growing every day. Since we opened in 2017, we’ve hosted numerous book launches and readings, including several standing-room-only events with 100+ attendees. Located in bustling Uptown Kingston, Rough Draft has several hundred visitors per day, and our customers are always hungry for new things to read, attend, discuss, and purchase.
Q: How are Rough Draft visiting writers selected?
A: Each month, our panel of literary-minded Kingstonians reviews all eligible applications, and all members weigh in on the writers they’d most like to see at Rough Draft. Our ideal applicant is someone who can take part in an engaging, entertaining, and insightful discussion with our audience; has at least one published work that can be advertised and sold at Rough Draft; and is available to travel to Kingston for a mid-week event. We hope to attract and host a talented and diverse group of writers from all genres, mediums, and backgrounds. Both locals and non-locals (with the ability to get here) are encouraged to apply.
Q: How do I get to Kingston?
A: Rough Draft is a three block-walk from the Adirondack Trailways bus terminal in Kingston, just a two-hour ride from Port Authority in Manhattan. Given Uptown Kingston’s walkability, you won’t need a car to get around, but if you’d rather come by car, we’re only minutes from Exit 19 of the New York Thruway. Those who prefer to travel by train can get to and from the Amtrak Rhinecliff station or Metro North Poughkeepsie station via Uber, Lyft, or other taxi/car services.
Q: Can I apply on behalf of someone else?
A: Publicists are welcome to apply on behalf of authors with whom they work directly. Otherwise, if there’s someone you’d like to see at Rough Draft, please encourage them to apply themselves—or let us know via the email below so that we can reach out!
Q: What if I still have a question?
A: Email us at roughdraftbar@gmail.com and we’ll get back to you soon. Thanks for your interest!