Sympozia

Host a table

Love books? Love a good conversation? Lead one.

We're looking for a small group of hosts for our first season: people who can turn six to twelve readers into a conversation they'll remember. Earn $100 for every session you host.

Apply to host

Who we're looking for

Bring what you know. Then let the readers talk.

Our hosts come from many backgrounds: working writers, editors, teachers (current or retired), graduate students, booksellers. What they share is a knack for leading a room. Your knowledge is welcome; lectures aren't. The readers should do most of the talking.

A great host can

  • Draw out the quiet reader without putting them on the spot.
  • Keep the conversation on the book, kindly and firmly.
  • Rein in the person who talks too much.
  • Push back honestly when a reading doesn't hold up.
  • Ask the question that takes everyone a level deeper.

What you get

You lead the conversation. We handle the rest.

$100 a session

A flat $100 for each two-hour session, no matter how many seats are filled. Plan on a few hours to read and prepare. Host the same book more than once and the reading only happens once.

No wasted prep

We find the readers and take bookings. You'll know a session is confirmed several days ahead, and your prep starts then, so you never prepare for a session that doesn't run.

Your books, your schedule

Choose which books you want to host, and when. You can also suggest books for the season's list.

Support and tech

You don't need to be a Zoom expert.

You focus on the conversation. We take care of the rest.

  • We set up the Zoom. Every session comes with a ready-made meeting link.
  • A host guide and a practice call. Before your first table, we walk you through the tools, from muting to the chat.
  • Someone on hand. If the tech breaks or something goes wrong, you can reach us during the session.
  • A code of conduct. Every reader agrees to it, and you can remove anyone who is disruptive.

Ground rules

The table belongs to the readers.

Hosts are welcome to tell their own readers and followers about Sympozia and invite them to book a seat. Inside the session, though:

  • No self-promotion. Hosts don't promote their own books, services or newsletters.
  • No conflicts of interest. Hosts don't host a book they wrote or have a stake in.
  • Questions, not lectures. Hosts speak less than anyone at the table.

The process

From application to your first table.

  1. Apply

    Tell us about yourself and the books you'd love to host.

  2. Interview

    A relaxed video call with the founder about books and how you like to run a discussion.

  3. Get set up

    Read the host guide and do a practice call to learn the tools.

  4. Join the roster

    Pick your books and dates for the season.

Questions

Host FAQ

How often do I have to host?

There's no minimum. Host as often as you like, even just one book a season.

How and when am I paid?

By direct deposit within a week of each session. Hosts are independent contractors, and we send a 1099 each year.

What if a session doesn't fill?

You'll know several days ahead whether a session is confirmed. Questions and prep only start once it is, so you're never left preparing for a session that doesn't run.

Who writes the discussion questions?

You do, once the session confirms. You'll also see the one thing each reader noticed before you meet.

Can I suggest books?

Yes. The season's list is drawn from host and reader suggestions.

Can I host a book I wrote?

No. Hosts don't host their own books or books they have a stake in.

Apply

Tell us about yourself.

It takes about five minutes. We read every application and reply within a week.