Frequently Asked Questions

  • Lit Escape is a series of thoughtfully curated, bookish experiences designed to bring readers together in real life.

  • Anyone who loves books, cozy environments, and meaningful connection — whether you’re an avid reader or just getting back into it.

  • Lit Escape was inspired by the desire to create a special place for readers to connect in Columbia, SC — and to grow that sense of community into more bookish experiences across the Carolinas and beyond.

  • Lit Escape was created by Emily of @exponentiallyemily after co-hosting another bookish event and falling in love with creating special moments for the book community. Now, Lit Escape is her way of continuing that work — with a focus on local connection, close-knit friendships, and thoughtfully planned bookish getaways.

  • The best way to stay updated is by joining our email list and following @litescapeevents on social media, where we share event announcements, early access opportunities, and upcoming collaborations.

General

  • Lit Escape events are designed to feel cozy, low-pressure, and community-focused. You can expect a mix of books, conversation, and thoughtfully curated experiences that make it easy to connect with other readers.

  • Yes! In fact, most people do. Events are intentionally designed to feel welcoming and easy to navigate, even if you’re coming by yourself.

  • Nope! Come as you are, with whatever you’re currently reading (or not reading). There’s no required reading.

  • Lit Escape is based in Columbia, SC, with events held across the Carolinas and occasional destination locations for larger getaways. Spaces vary depending on the event — from cozy bookstores and coffee shops to larger venues or retreat-style stays.

  • Gatherings are local, single-day experiences. Getaways are larger, multi-day retreats designed for deeper connection and a more immersive experience.

  • Not necessarily. Some events may feature authors, vendors, creators, or media partners, while others may focus more on community experience and connection.

  • Most Lit Escape events require advance registration or ticket purchase unless otherwise stated. Details will always be listed on the event page.

  • Ticket inclusions vary by event and may include admission, activities, experiences, food, beverages, swag, or other event-specific offerings. Full details will always be listed on the event page.

  • Unless otherwise stated, tickets are non-refundable. Please review each event’s individual ticket policy before purchasing.

  • Transfer policies may vary by event. If transfers are allowed, additional instructions will be provided closer to the event date.

  • Some events may offer a waitlist if capacity allows. Availability and additional ticket releases are not guaranteed.

  • Some Lit Escape events are open to everyone, while certain smaller gatherings may be intentionally curated as women-centered spaces to help create a comfortable, welcoming, and connection-focused environment. Any audience details or attendance guidelines will always be clearly listed on the individual event page.

  • Age requirements vary by event and venue. Any age restrictions will be clearly listed on the event page before ticket purchase.

Events & Tickets

  • Lit Escape is committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for all attendees, partners, and staff. Harassment, discrimination, disruptive behavior, or conduct that negatively impacts the experience of others will not be tolerated and may result in removal from event and barred entry to future events.

  • Yes. Photos and videos may be captured during Lit Escape events for promotional, marketing, and social media purposes.

  • If an event is canceled or rescheduled, ticket holders will be contacted directly with additional information regarding next steps, transfer options, or applicable refunds.

  • Yes. Lit Escape reserves the right to remove attendees, partners, or guests whose behavior is disruptive, unsafe, inappropriate, or violates event policies.

  • Refund policies may vary by event. Unless otherwise stated, tickets are non-refundable.

  • No. Submitting a partnership application does not guarantee selection, participation, or collaboration opportunities.

Policies

  • To be considered for future Lit Escape opportunities, fill out the form on our Get Involved page that best fits your role, work, or partnership interest. Submissions are added to our partnership database and reviewed as we select partners for upcoming events and collaborations.

  • Fill out the form on the Get Involved page that feels closest to your role or partnership idea and include the details in your response. If we think there’s a potential fit, we’ll reach out to learn more.

  • No. Submitting a form does not guarantee placement or participation. Partnerships are curated based on each event’s theme, needs, timing, and capacity.

  • Timelines vary depending on upcoming event plans. If there’s a potential fit, we’ll reach out using the contact information you provided.

  • We’re looking for vendors that align with the Lit Escape experience, especially bookish, creative, local, handmade, lifestyle, wellness, food, beverage, and giftable brands.

  • We’re open to all authors— all genres, formats & experience levels are welcome to apply. Authors are selected based on event theme, audience fit, availability, and the type of experience we’re building.

  • We’re interested in venues that feel cozy, welcoming, accessible and can comfortably host a book-centered experience– including, but not limited to, bookstores, coffee shops, wineries, restaurants, outdoor venues, rental properties, vacation rentals, large event spaces, and unique local spots.

  • Creator partnerships may include event coverage, sponsored content, social media collaborations, hosted content, promotional campaigns, or other creative opportunities depending on the event and partnership fit.

  • Partnership structures vary depending on the event, collaboration type, scope, and audience alignment. Additional details will be discussed if there’s a potential fit.

  • Media partnerships may include interviews, press coverage, photography, videography, podcast features, editorial coverage, or other media opportunities related to Lit Escape events and experiences.

  • Yes. We offer select sponsorship and brand partnership opportunities for businesses that align with the Lit Escape audience and experience. Please send all inquiries to hello@litescape.events

Partnerships

  • You can apply through the Volunteer form on our Get Involved page. Applications are reviewed as opportunities become available.

  • Volunteer opportunities may include event setup, guest check-in, social content support, community engagement, logistics assistance, teardown, and other event-related support roles.

  • Volunteer benefits vary by event and role. Details will be communicated before confirming participation.

  • Both. Some roles are event-day focused, while others may involve behind-the-scenes support depending on the event and team needs.

  • Most volunteer opportunities are event-specific, however all volunteer applications will remain in our database for future events. Ongoing community support opportunities may become available in the future.

  • Possibly. Planning and organizing roles are typically reserved for larger events and may include behind-the-scenes support related to logistics, coordination, partnerships, or community experience.

  • No. Applications for planning and organizing roles are only opened periodically based on event needs and are typically available for a limited time.

  • Any openings for planning or organizing roles will be announced through Lit Escape’s email list and social media channels.

  • Volunteer roles are typically event-specific and focused on day-of support, while event team or organizing roles may involve more behind-the-scenes planning, coordination, and ongoing involvement leading up to larger events.

Volunteers & Event Team