Togather

• General Questions

  What is Togather?

  Togather is a free tool for authors that takes a lot of the pain out of arranging speaking gigs and book tours. You tell us when you're available and how many people you want at your events. Then, we walk your fans and potential hosts through creating, managing and promoting events for you -- we call it fansourcing. It's an all-or-nothing funding model, so if the events your fans set up hit a critical mass of people, you agree (in advance) to go. This little twist ensures that you never speak to an empty room. Wondering how it works? Keep reading! Or just sign up and click around.

  How much money does it cost to use Togather?

  Togather is a free tool for authors. We collect a small, 5% fee from event attendees on ticket sale transactions.

  Can anyone really host an author?

  Yes! Anyone can host an event on Togather. You create a proposal and if the author accepts, you're in. Whether you have access to a 2,500-seat auditorium or a cozy living room, you can be a host. Contact your favorite author and tell them to sign up for a Togather author page, so you can start booking them.

  Which type of account should I create?

  Have you written a book you want to talk about? You should sign up as an Author. Want to host or attend an event in your town? Open a Fan account and start asking your favorite authors to send you a link to their Togather page. But hang tight if you don't find them here yet — we're just getting started!

  How do I reset my password?

  If you forget your password, you can request a new one by following the links on the login page. Once you're logged in, just visit the Account Details tab on your dashboard and enter the most unforgettable, hacker-proof password you can think of.

  I used Togather to host and attend events but then I wrote my own book. How do I change my account type?

  Just send an e-mail to authorsupport@togather.com and we'll make the change for you. Easy as pie. And, by the way, congratulations on your book!

  What does it mean for an event to "turn on"?

  An event is turned on when a Togather author's minimum criteria for accepting an event are satisfied. That means, either enough people RSVPed or bought enough books or tickets for the author to say yes. When an event is on, then it's guaranteed to happen!

  Why is Togather only available for U.S. users?

  We're really excited about the fantastic interest we've received from people outside the U.S. and we're already looking into ways to expand to other countries in the future. Since Togather facilitates financial transactions through the site, we'll need to make sure we can handle non-U.S. transactions. We'll let you know as soon as we get on our feet in our American test market and we're able to begin our global takeover!

• For Authors

  Why should I use Togather?

  Whether you're new on the scene or already a household name, Togather is a great place to connect with your people and promote your latest work. It just about organizes your next book tour for you (well, with the help of an eager fanbase). You can also use Togather to promote and track events you've already booked yourself. Togather helps turn your social network into a live audience.

  Do I have to pay for this?

  Nope. Togather is a free tool. We only collect a small (5%) processing fee for paid speaking gigs.

  How do I get paid?

  Once we confirm that you've fulfilled your event duties, we'll send you a check or deposit the funds into your PayPal account. It's all pretty straightforward. However, for payment specifics and other legal details, please read the Terms & Conditions.

  My publisher says touring isn't a great idea for me. You're saying it is great for me. Who's right?

  A traditional book tour is extremely costly in terms of time, energy, money and dignity. It's understandable that your publisher has reservations about sending you to Edna, Kansas (pop. 412), to promote your post-apocalyptic YA masterpiece. But here's the thing: Togather is not a traditional book tour. And your publisher probably agrees that successful events are the best way to build an audience and get your book out there. Instead of hitting the road with randomly chosen dates, locations and venues, Togather uses a group-buying dynamic and places your tour itinerary in the hands of your readers and fans. This means there's no risk of driving halfway across the country to speak to three people and fifty folding chairs. It's an all-or-nothing approach — if enough people sign up, the event is on; if not, no awkward empty-room talk. With Togather, you're growing your readership and connecting with the people who love to support your work.

  Can I create my own events?

  Yes. You've got nothing to lose. Togather uses an all-or-nothing funding model, so if the events don't happen, it's no big deal. In fact, you can use Togather to propose events for venues or promote events that you've already scheduled.

  How do you know people will come?

  In order for an event to be on, actual people have to buy tickets or books or RSVP. There are no guarantees that those bodies will appear in life, but you already sold the minimum number of tickets and books, so getting that kind of commitment in advance is a great way to ensure that your time is well spent and everyone who comes has a good experience.

  What if I have to cancel at the last minute?

  "Oh no, but I've waited all my life to hear you speak!" That's what your biggest fan will be thinking, so canceling at the last minute will be a big disappointment. This should only be a very last resort. And we realize this may happen very rarely. Only hosts can cancel an event, so you'll have to get in touch with them— ideally, as soon as possible. We recommend rescheduling with them, to let fans know that you care and are committed to them.

  How should I decide what my price is for an event?

  There is no magic formula to determine the right asking price. Consider what you think is a reasonable request of your readership. If your next few events fail to turn on, or turn on at breakneck speed, change things up a bit! You can adjust your asking price at any time by clicking on the My Asking Price tab on the Author dashboard.

  Can I change event criteria? Or can I decide to appear at an event, even if my criteria are not met?

  Yes, just click "Turn on this event" on the Event Details page in your dashboard.

  What is an ISBN?

  An International Standard Book Number is a 10- or 13-digit code that uniquely identifies a published work.

  Can self-published authors join?

  Yes, but we have to be able to deliver your book to fans. Please contact us for more information. We're bringing on authors as fast as we can, so please be patient.

  Why can I only add one of my books to my author page?

  We'll make it possible for authors to list all of their books on their profiles soon. We're just getting started in private beta now, which means we're adding new features as fast as we can. We'll let you know when your complete catalog can be featured on your profile but for now, select the book that's most recent or the one you're most eager to promote. (It's almost like choosing between children, we know!)

  I only have an e-book, not a printed one. Can I still create an author profile?

  In this private beta stage, Togather can only accommodate authors with printed books, because we need to be able to deliver your book to fans. We're working on finding ways to sell and deliver e-books through the Internet pipes and we'll keep you posted about when we'll be able to get e-book authors on board.

  Why do authors need a code to sign up?

  Togather just launched in private beta, so we're onboarding authors as fast as we can, but we want to make sure we're getting feedback from these initial authors and ensuring the product is bug-free before we open it up to everyone. Once we get a critical mass of private beta authors on board, we can open it up to more authors and begin to attract more fans and hosts. Starting a network effect business is a challenge but we're up for it!

  Will Togather work for me if I don't already have a ton of fans?

  Sure! Your current fans or event organizers can create event proposals for you and reach out via their own social networks to attract enough attendees, so the event is "turned on." They're essentially recruiting new fans for you! And once they meet you and hear you speak, those new folks will likely be dedicated fans for life.

• For Hosts

  How do I become a host?

  Create a Fan account on Togather and find an author you're interested in. Look for the "Create an Event" button and start planning your proposal.

  Do I have to pay to host an event on Togather?

  Nope. Creating a proposal for an event or setting up an event page on Togather is free for everyone. If you want to buy a book or the author has a speaking fee, we help facilitate the transaction.

  How do I pay the author?

  Togather will facilitate the transaction.

  Where can I host an event?

  If you don't run a library or large convention center, you might need to get creative. We find that any space will do, as long as the place is packed with eager fans who are interested in meeting and hearing the author (providing chips and guacamole helps, too). If your living room doesn't cut it, work with your community or other fans to find a great space. You'll want to have the space secured before you create a proposal for your author.

  How will I attract enough people to RSVP to my event, in order to meet the author's requirements?

  It's all about networks. Tap into local audiences that are interested in the author. If you're just starting out as a host, try an event with an author who requires fewer people to turn an event on. When it comes to promotion, put up posters, hand out flyers or hire a singing telegram — whatever works! By the time the event rolls around, your friend count may have gone up a few notches.

  How do I know the author will show up?

  When an author indicates they're willing to talk, they are committed to attending any event that reaches its turning-on point. Canceling can affect their professional reputation, so unless it's a real emergency, they will show up.

  How far in advance should I plan an event?

  That's up to you. You'll want to be sure to give the author enough time to plan for any travel and give yourself enough time to meet the criteria necessary to turn your event on. A day is probably too little, but a year is probably a bit excessive.

  I represent a charitable organization that does tons of good stuff. Can we make a deal with the author to have them appear for free?

  It can't hurt to try! Click Create an Event on an author page, then submit your proposal and follow up with a note to the author about who you are and why they should do the event pro bono.

  What happens if my event doesn't turn on?

  Hey, don't feel bad. Sometimes these things happen! If your event doesn't happen, the author stays home and everyone goes back to their lives. Because events are all or nothing, we take the risk out of trying and failing.

  Do I need to provide snacks?

  We are definitely fans of snacks. And we believe that cheese and crackers make every event better. But it's really your choice, and we're not sure how this question ended up in the FAQ.

  How do I manage the guest list?

  When your event turns on, you'll receive a list of all the guests who have RSVP'ed and are expected to attend. You can use this list to check people in at the door.

  How can I cancel an event?

  This should be done only as a last resort. Remember, the author and attendees are counting on you. If you can't find a substitute host to fill in for you or find an alternate time to reschedule, you should notify both the author and Togather.

  What happens when an event turns on?

  Have a chocolate-covered strawberry and celebrate the fact that you've got an author who's committed to attending a function that you created. You worked your magic. Now, keep promoting it until you reach capacity and consider a new career in being awesome.

  Why can I only change the venue, title or description of my event?

  You would need to propose a new event if you want to change how you're funding it.

  Who can cancel an event?

  Only the host can cancel an event. If an author can't make it to an event, he or she must contact the host to cancel it. But be warned, being a frequent canceler is a sure way to lose fans!

  My author cancelled — now what?

  In the rare instance that this happens and you need to cancel the event, we'll take care of updating the attendees with all the information they need about ticket and book refunds.

  Can I create a private event that only my friends can see?

  Yes. If you only want people you invite to see the event, click "This is a private event" when you're setting up your event and we won't publish the URL.

• For Fans

  How do we get enough people to make an event happen?

  Togather events exist because you're interested in having amazing thinkers, writers or interesting folks come to your hometown, and you might just have two or three friends who feel the same way. It can be as easy as posting a link on your favorite social media site or as bizarre as going to door-to-door with your computer. All that matters is you get enough support from your people so the event turns on and the author can come.

  What happens if I RSVP to an event and then can't go?

  If you want to restore karmic balance to the world, you'll make sure your friend Joe takes your spot and cheers like crazy when the author finishes speaking. If not, we forgive you.

  I already own the book — why do I need to buy another copy?

  Book sales are how we can guarantee an author's attendance. If everyone brought their own copy, criteria wouldn't be met, events wouldn't turn on and there'd probably be a plague of locusts or something. If you need another reason, think of it this way: a new, autographed copy of your favorite book makes a great gift!

  Why can't I have my book shipped early if I buy a ticket to an event?

  All-or-nothing funding means we don't charge your credit card for events that haven't turned on. So, if you reserve a ticket to an event that hasn't turned on yet, it means we can't charge your card (and ship your book) until it does.

  When am I charged for my purchases?

  We only charge you after the event turns on.

  What happens if I purchase a book and the event doesn't turn on?

  We all slowly back away and return to our lives. Togather uses an all-or-nothing funding model, so your card is only charged if the event turns on.

  My book arrived damaged. How do I exchange it?

  Please follow the instructions on your receipt.

  What if my book doesn't come in time for the event and I want to get it signed by the author?

  We hope this doesn't happen, but make sure you sign up for an event early, just in case. During checkout, we'll give you a warning if we think the shipping option you chose won't get you your book in time for the event. Please try to heed this warning and choose a faster shipping option, so you can get it in time. Then we can all be in our happy place.

  Why do you need my credit card information if you're not charging me yet?

  We use an all-or-nothing funding model. So, the moment we get enough support for an event, all the cards are charged instantly.

  Do I need to bring a ticket?

  Yes. Please print your ticket or bring your confirmation email to the event.

  How do I know the credit card transaction is secure?

  We take data privacy and security very seriously. Your data is encrypted and secured when a transaction is made. Please see our Terms & Conditions for any further security or data concerns.

  Do I get my money back if I'm required to purchase a ticket or a book and then the event is cancelled?

  Yes. In the rare instance when a confirmed, scheduled event is cancelled, we'll send you a notification email and offer a refund, if you'd like to return your book.