Booked in Des Moines 2026

On September 26, 2026, Shelf Love DSM will host the very first Booked in Des Moines, a midsize signing event in Des Moines, Iowa! This event will feature over 80 romance authors and vendors and be hosted in the Olmsted Center at Drake University.

Follow us on Instagram for the most up to date author lineup!

Join our Booked in Des Moines Facebook Group for updates on the event and to connect with other attendees.

Current Author Lineup

A.K. Isaacs | AJ Alexander | Alby Blake | Alice Daniels | Allie Lasky | Amari Nylix | Anthony Scott | Ashley Earley | Ashlyn Harmon | Avery Flynn| Bella Donna | Bellamy West | Briar Belmont | Brittany Arreguin | C.J. Primer | Carliann Jean | Cassandra Medcalf | Darma day | Destiny Blake | EC Garrett | Edie Montreux/Edie Monte | Elise Kennedy | Eliza MacArthur | Emilia Abraham | Emily B. Rose | Emma Kathleen | Emma Pathy | Erin Marie Bassett | Erin Nicholas | Evi James | Gia Stevens | Gloria Bottelman | Hailey Dickert | Hollie Luckie | Izzy Elliott | Jaye Viner | Jess Turner | Jessica Nahas | K.V. Thorn | Kathy Haan | Katy Michele | Kelly Kay | Kelsey Josephson | KJ Mags | Kristen Jennings | L. Ballew | Laralyn Doran | Larissa Antonioni | Laurea Matthews | Lexy Night | LJ Claren | M. George | Maria Shield | Meg Doody | Meika Usher | Melissa Lam | Melissa Whitney | Mia Gray | Morgan Kielisch | Morgana Black | Mz Rylan | N.F. Schmitt | N.J. Gray | Nichole Greene | Parker Blythe | Rae Douglas | Rhonda Mumby | S. E. Nielsen | S.K. Brown | Samantha Lind | Sarah Jaeger & Jaeger Rose | Sharon L. Clark | Sophia-Rose Johnson | Starr Z Davies | Stephanie R. Caffrey | Stevi Lynn | T.D. Lua | Whitney Dean

Current Vendor Lineup

Castles & Cauldrons Handcrafted | Dogwood + Daisy Studio | Linda Tong Planners | Mithlista | Sew Uprising Handmade | The Smutty Book Market

Booked in Des Moines FAQ

Where is the event?

Booked in Des Moines is located at Drake University in the Olmsted Center. The event will take place on the second floor of Olmsted Hall in the Parents Hall, the Upper Gallery, and Conference Rooms.

Do I need a ticket?

Yes, tickets are required to attend Booked in Des Moines.

How can I buy a ticket?

Tickets are available now via Eventbrite.

VIP Tickets at $55

A VIP ticket comes with the following benefits.

  • Access to a keynote panel at 11 AM with LJ Claren (author of the BookTok famous fantasy romance THE SILVERSMITH and its upcoming sequel, THE INCENDIARY), Avery Flynn (USA Today and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of the paranormal romance WITCHA GONNA DO?), and more TBA.
  • One free/included book of your choice from among select titles written by our keynote panelists, to be signed at the event.*
  • Early registration (starting at 10 AM).
  • Early entry to the signing room (12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, one private hour of signing time).
  • A lanyard, tote bag, and goodies!

*VIP attendes will make their book selection in August via a form.

General Admission at $25

A General Admission ticket includes the following.

  • A wristband for entry.
  • Access to the signing during general hours (1:30 PM to 5:30 PM).
  • Standard registration time (from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM).
  • A tote bag.

How can I pre-order books?

Use this link to find all Booked in Des Moines pre-orders.

What happens on the day of the event?

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: VIP Registration

VIP ticket holders can arrive at the Olmsted Center to register beginning at 10 AM.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: VIP Keynote Panel

Our VIP ticket holders will hear from a panel of authors such as fantasy romance author LJ Claren and paranormal romance author Avery Flynn (full lineup to be announced).

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: VIP Early Signing Hour

VIP ticket holders will enter the signing hall early and get one private hour of shopping and signing time. We’re also happy to offer early entry for attendees who need additional time or accommodations due to accessibility needs.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: General Admission Registration

General admission ticket holders can register and line up for the event during this hour.

1:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Booked in Des Moines Signing Event

Enter the main signing hall and shop from over 80 romance authors and vendors!