Past Present Future Publishing

To the Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market Jury:

We are thrilled to apply to be an Occasional Vendor for the 2024 season. Past Present Future Publishing is a new company founded in the summer of 2023 by two Des Moines-based Iowans (Katy Swalwell and Jennifer Leatherby) to produce books authored and illustrated by Iowans. Our mission is to lift up stories from the margins in our state so we can better understand the past and build a better future. While we operate as a for-profit LLC, all of our profits go to support youth justice movements Iowa (e.g., Young Women’s Resource Center, Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund, Great Plains Action Society). For more about us, please visit our website at www.ppf-publishing.com.

This summer, we would like a booth where we can sell the following YA and children’s books written and illustrated by Iowans:
(Re)Present: Racism & Resistance in Iowa* written by a collective of Iowan educators, historians, and organizers; illustrated by Cameron Gray and Jameson Malone (Des Moines-based artists)
From Here & Queer: A Love Letter to LGBTQIA+ Youth written by Katy Swalwell (Des Moines-based); illustrated by Alex Barr (Iowan currently living in Seattle)
Amazing Iowa Women (published by RAYGUN with permission for Katy to sell as the author; illustrated by 20+ Iowan artists)*
Amazing Iowa Athletes (published by RAYGUN with permission for Katy to sell as the author; illustrated by 20+ Iowan artists)*

We would also like to sell “swag” that accompanies these books including a variety of stickers (see below for sample), bookmarks, and posters. The products marked with an asterisk are printed in Iowa.

As longtime fans of the Downtown Farmers’ Market, we know that there are few (if any) booths that feature Iowa-produced/authored/illustrated books. These products are a true celebration of what makes our state significant to and interesting for out-of-town visitors and longtime residents.

Past Present Future Publishing is a joint venture between Jennifer Leatherby and Katy Swalwell out of their home offices in Des Moines. Jen is a professional artist who has ample experience interacting with community members creating portraits and selling art at various events around Des Moines with her other company, Portrait Studio. Katy is a former classroom teacher and professor whose current job is to facilitate professional development workshops around the nation. She is passionate about sharing Iowa history and is an extroverted people person ready to field questions about the books. She has worked as a volunteer tabling community events over the years. Both Katy and Jen plan to work at the market, and are excited to connect with community members to celebrate the work of these illustrators and authors.