Top Book Fairs and Festivals for Book Authors 2026

by Scott Lorenz | Book Fairs, Book Festivals, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Christian Book Marketing

By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing

If you’re an author, you owe it to yourself to check out this list of book festivals and fairs that authors could attend for 2026. These events are an excellent way for authors to meet book buyers and reviewers, interact with fellow authors and publishers, meet your readers and find new ones too. As an author you can network with book industry leaders, locate the help you need, such as a publicist or book editor, and learn what’s new in the marketplace.

Book fairs usually want speakers. By volunteering to speak, authors not only gain great exposure but can also add that appearance to their resume and press releases. One of my author clients was a member of a panel of authors at a Southern Book Festival. I issued a press release about it and added it to her accomplishments on her bio. Not only is she a respected author but she’s now an author admired by her peers. It’s these little things that all add up in the minds of reviewers and the media when they decide who they will write about. If you want to land a panel slot or speaking gig you must plan ahead; dates for panel participants, speakers and autograph sessions are usually arranged months in advance.

Upcoming Book Fairs and Festivals

For more upcoming book events check out C-SPAN2 at: https://www.c-span.org/bookTv/ and click on the Book Fairs tab.  For more information about book events and book marketing visit https://westwindbookmarketing.com/.

Savannah Book Festival, February 5-8, 2026, Savannah, GA. The Savannah Book Festival has been around since 2008. It offers live streaming sessions with leading authors. https://www.savannahbookfestival.org/

AWP Conference and Bookfair, March 4-7, 2026, Baltimore, MD. At the AWP Conference and Bookfair, you’ll find hundreds of authors, publishers, and exhibitors. There will be panel discussions and a keynote speaker. https://www.awpwriter.org/AWP/AWP/Conference-Bookfair/Overview.aspx

Saints and Sinners Literary Festival, March 27-29, 2026, New Orleans, LA. Created in 2003, the Saints and Sinners Literary Festival help educate the community on HIV/AIDS. It brings together writers, thinkers, and spokespeople. https://www.sasfest.org/

American Library Association Annual Conference, June 25-29, 2026, Chicago. Join them for top-quality education and best practices; featured thought leaders; and special programming for library professionals looking to further develop their libraries, careers, and communities! https://2026.alaannual.org/

Writers at Woody Point, August 18-23, 2026, Woody Point, Newfoundland. Writers at Woody Point is firmly rooted in Newfoundland literature, attracting both writers from abroad and those nurtured here at home. During the festival, writers and musicians connect with their audience in intimate venues, over dinner and drinks, or on a hike into the pristine hills, and soak up the area’s own creative talent at exhibits of art and crafts, musical performances and impromptu after-hours celebrations that combine jam sessions, dancing and lots of laughter. https://www.writersatwoodypoint.com/

Bookmarks 21st Annual Festival of Books & Authors, September 28, 2026, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Bookmarks connects people and books through its annual festival, which has been around for over 17 years. https://bookmarksnc.org/festival

The South Dakota Festival of Books, September 2026, Brookings, SD. It connects more than 4,000 attendees and more than 50 noteworthy authors, scholars, and publishers. https://sdhumanities.org/festival-of-books/

Decatur Book Festival, October 2-3, 2026, Decatur, GA. This is the largest independent book festival in the country. Over the years, over 1000 authors and hundreds of thousands of people have attended this event in downtown Decatur. https://decaturbookfestival.com/

The Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair, October 24-25, 2026, Seattle, WA. The Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair features exhibitors from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. https://www.seattlebookfair.com/

The Texas Book Festival, November 14-15, 2026, Austin, TX. Founded in 1955, this festival includes over 275 authors as well as over 100 exhibitors. https://texasbookfestival.org/

The Bottom Line

Take a break from your pen and attend one of these top book fairs and festivals. You won’t regret it!

About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.

Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.

Would you like help promoting your book?

If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?

Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!

Top Book Fairs and Festivals for Authors 2026

by Scott Lorenz | Book Fairs, Book Festivals, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Christian Book Marketing

By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing

If you’re an author, you owe it to yourself to check out this list of book festivals and fairs that authors can attend for 2026. These events are an excellent way for authors to meet book buyers and reviewers, interact with fellow authors and publishers, meet your readers and find new ones too. As an author you can network with book industry leaders, locate the help you need, such as a publicist or book editor, and learn what’s new in the marketplace.

Book fairs usually want speakers. By volunteering to speak, authors not only gain great exposure but can also add that appearance to their resume and press releases. One of my author clients was a member of a panel of authors at a Southern Book Festival. I issued a press release about it and added it to her accomplishments on her bio. Not only is she a respected author but she’s now an author admired by her peers. It’s these little things that all add up in the minds of reviewers and the media when they decide who they will write about. If you want to land a panel slot or speaking gig you must plan ahead; dates for panel participants, speakers and autograph sessions are usually arranged months in advance.

Upcoming Book Fairs and Festivals

For more upcoming book events check out C-SPAN2 at: https://www.c-span.org/bookTv/ click on the Book Fairs tab.  For more information about book events and book marketing visit https://westwindbookmarketing.com/ 

January 16–18, 2026: 2026 Winter Conference in New York City (New York, NY). This is the first in-person conference in over three years; they’re launching a brand-new format: Creative Labs. The conference is now built around an intensive workshop model, which will allow attendees to learn so much more and form lasting community connections. https://www.scbwi.org/events/2026-winter-conference-in-new-york-city

January 16–19, 2026: Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway (Galloway, NJ). A participant-focused writers’ conference. Advance your craft and energize your writing at the 31st annual Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway. Join them at the historic Seaview Hotel near Atlantic City. Enjoy challenging and supportive workshops, insightful feedback and an encouraging community. Choose from workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, memoir, songwriting and storytelling. https://wintergetaway.com/

January 17–24, 2026: Writers in Paradise at Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL). Located on the beautiful waterfront campus of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, this writers’ conference features professional writers at the top of their form spending quality time with motivated and talented participants seeking an intimate, unhurried climate for learning…in paradise. https://www.writersinparadise.com/

January 18–21, 2026: Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference (Zoom – Virtual). The Colrain Manuscript Classic is an online highly focused, four-day Intensive designed for poets with manuscripts in progress. The Classic features in-depth pre-conference work and candid, realistic evaluation and feedback from nationally known poets, editors and publishers. In preparation, participants work at home on pre-conference assignments and then, in the workshop, review, arrange, and winnow their work based on the pre-conference work. In addition to the manuscript preparation workshop and editor sessions, there will be an editorial Q&A, and an after-conference strategy session. https://colrainpoetry.com/

January 23–24, 2026: Seventh Annual Sunshine State Book Festival (Gainesville, FL). Sunshine State Book Festival is bringing readers and writers together again for the seventh year. Their 2026 festival will feature 150 authors writing in 15 genres. https://sunshinestatebookfestival.com/

January 24, 2026: Biography Lab 2026(Virtual). Biographers International Organization (BIO) is thrilled to announce Biography Lab 2026, its fourth annual online forum, scheduled to take place via Zoom on Saturday, January 24, 2026. BIO invites participants at all levels of interest and experience in the craft of biography to attend the virtual event, led by prominent biographers and publishing professionals. David Denby, staff writer for The New Yorker and author of the recent group biography Eminent Jews: Bernstein, Brooks, Friedan, Mailer (Henry Holt & Company, 2025), will be the keynote speaker. https://biographersinternational.org/biography-lab-2026/

January 28–30, 2026: Rancho Mirage Writers Fest (Rancho Mirage, CA). The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival is a world-class gathering of the finest writers who contribute to the intellectual vitality of their time. The City of Rancho Mirage, California, welcomes 60 authors and 1,000 readers from around the globe to the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory each January. Jamie Kabler, who wanted to bring a premier intellectual event to the Coachella Valley, founded the festival in 2014, which has been described as “Coachella for the brain.” https://www.rmwritersfest.org/

January 29, 2026: F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival (Daytona Beach, FL). F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival promotes literacy year-round. They provide students with books, host conversations with authors from around the world, and support other literacy initiatives. Over 40 authors, editors, and filmmakers from around the globe come together to discuss their books, upcoming projects, and share insights and wisdom about their crafts. https://www.freshbookfestivals.net/

February 5–8, 2026: Savannah Book Festival (Savannah, GA). The Savannah Book Festival has been around since 2008. It offers live streaming sessions with leading authors. Every year, the Savannah Book Festival seeks to showcase over 40 nationally recognized and award-winning authors in the historic city of Savannah. Authors with a book published within a calendar year of the festival are invited to give 30-minute solo presentations and host book signings. https://www.savannahbookfestival.org/

February 12–15, 2026: 22nd annual San Francisco Writers Conference (San Francisco, CA). This will be the 22nd Celebration of Craft, Commerce and Community for all writers. Attendees will join with 100+ presenters and fellow writers from across the country and around the world at this year’s event. The SFWC events are consistently rated among the top writers’ conferences anywhere. https://www.sfwriters.org/

February 26 – March 1, 2026: Left Coast Crime 2026 (Bellevue, WA). Left Coast Crime is an annual mystery convention sponsored by mystery fans, both readers and authors. Left Coast Crime is an annual mystery convention sponsored by mystery fans, both readers and authors. LCC is held during the first third of the year in Western North America. Conventions have been held from Anchorage to El Paso, from Boulder to Hawaii, and various locations in between. https://leftcoastcrime.org/2026/

February 27–28, 2026: Southern Voices 2026 (Hoover, AL). Southern Voices is a two-day festival celebrating art, music and writing. Sponsored by the Hoover Public Library, the first conference was held in 1993. The author’s conference is a one-day part of the festival celebrating the written word. https://www.southernvoices.info/

February 27– March 1, 2026: Asheville Christian Writers Conference (Asheville, NC). The Asheville Christian Writers Conference is not a level of writing – it’s a battle cry. God calls us to step up and answer with the best work possible using the talents He has given. They are called together to focus their hearts on the task Christ assigned us… to strengthen their ties with one another and hone their craft of writing so they might effectively spread the Word of God through fiction and non-fiction books, screenplays, scripts, articles, and blogs. https://ashevillechristianwritersconference.com/

February 28, 2026: 2026 AIBF Festival (Fernandina Beach, FL). During the Expo, you’ll have opportunities to engage with readers in an up-close and personal way to showcase and sell your books. Multiple activities and Celebrity Author breakout presentations are designed to keep visitors engaged and circulating around exhibits throughout the day. During the Festival, visitors will have the opportunity to meet more than 100 exhibiting authors from across the country. Many of these authors are self-published and come to Amelia Island to introduce you to their work. We’ll be announcing exhibiting authors shortly. https://www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org/2026-aibf-festival

February 28, 2026: Appalachian Wordfest – Rose Glen Literary Festival (Sevierville, TN). The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce initially created the festival in 2010 to help local authors, giving them a chance to sell books, meet readers and network. The event will feature presentations, book signings and workshops. https://appalachianwordfest.com/

March 4–7, 2026: AWP Conference and Bookfair (Baltimore, MD). At the AWP Conference and Bookfair, you’ll find hundreds of authors, publishers, and exhibitors. There will be panel discussions and a keynote speaker. The AWP Conference & Bookfair is the annual destination for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers of contemporary creative writing. It includes thousands of attendees, hundreds of events and bookfair exhibitors, and four days of essential literary conversation and celebration. https://conference.awpwriter.org/

March 6– 7, 2026: North Texas Teen Book Festival (Irving, TX). The North Texas Teen Book Festival brings YA authors and YA readers together to celebrate teen literature, cultivate a love of reading, and inspire lifelong readers (the three core components of their mission statement). https://www.northtexasteenbookfestival.com/

March 6–7, 2026: 29th Annual Children’s Literature Festival (Redlands, CA). The Children’s Literature Festival has been hosted by the University of Redlands for the last 28 years, and it returns in-person this coming March. It’s designed to bring together students, librarians, teachers, parents, authors and illustrators for a celebration of children’s literature. https://www.redlands.edu/events/featured-events/charlotte-huck-festival

March 6–7, 2026: WCoNA 2026 (Loretto, PA). The Writers Conference of Northern Appalachia Inc. (WCoNA) brings together writers and others interested in the region’s literature to honor our distinct body of work and to enhance the craft of our authors. WCoNA is a catalyst to inspire more novels, poetry, essays, history, memoir, drama, and other modes of literary writing that represent, in some way, northern Appalachia, and so create and promote a canon of writers and writing of northern Appalachia. https://wcona.com/conference

March 7, 2026: Dahlonega Literary Festival (Dahlonega, GA). The Dahlonega Literary Festival is an annual celebration of books that takes place in March. Situated in Historic Downtown Dahlonega, it is an intimate festival about books and authors with a mission to promote interaction between readers and writers in a relaxed, informal environment. https://www.literaryfestival.org/

March 7, 2026: Southwest Florida Reading Festival (Fort Myers, FL). There is something for all ages to experience at the Southwest Florida Reading Festival. Everyone enjoys the multiple stages with the celebrity authors who share ‘inside scoop’ about their latest books or what makes a story idea click for them. You will be able to buy books and have the authors personalize and sign them too! Kids will be mesmerized by the storytellers. There’s also an abundance of family fun activities such as crafts, readings, drawings and so much more. It’ll be a day you will thoroughly enjoy and one you will want to repeat every year! https://readfest.org/

March 7, 2026: Literary Women Long Beach Festival of Authors (Long Beach, CA). Started in 1982 the Literary Women Festival of Authors is dedicated to helping balance the field of writers. They seek to share work that may not have the stage to do so. Proceeds go to the Long Beach Public Library to purchase books that will be featured at upcoming festivals. Any bookworm will like this spin on literary festivals. https://literarywomen.org/

March 12–15, 2026: 41st annual Texas Storytelling Festival, (Denton, TX). Join the masters of storytelling at the Texas Storytelling Festival in Denton, Texas. Held over four days, this festival brings together the best in storytelling for an oral tradition that can be enjoyed by all ages. Tales of all genres are shared, and various bands perform throughout the event. https://festival.tejasstorytelling.com/

March 12–15, 2026: New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University (New Orleans, LA). The New Orleans Book Festival will bring the world’s leading authors to Tulane University for a multi-day celebration of their works. The New Orleans Book Festival aims to support and nurture a literary community by connecting readers of all ages and backgrounds with local and national authors through experiences that celebrate the power of literacy and ideas. https://bookfest.tulane.edu/

March 14–15, 2026: Tucson Festival of Books (Tucson, AZ). The Tucson Festival of Books is a community-wide celebration of literature. Offered free-of-charge, the festival exists to improve literacy rates among children and adults. All proceeds for the festival support local literacy programs. http://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/

March 18–22, 2026: Algonkian Writer Retreat and Novel Workshop (Algonkian Park, VA). In keeping with the spirit of this place and the goals of this unique workshop retreat, you can be as goal-oriented or as hesitant in approach as you wish. You can show us your manuscript, improve your skills, have your work read by their writer mentors, attend their workshops, pitch a literary agent or two, whatever works for you, whatever helps you grow and discover your vision as a writer. https://algonkianconferences.com/AlgonkianWriterRetreat/

March 19–21, 2026: Revival: Lost South­ern Voices 2026 (10-year anniversary) (Atlanta, GA). Revival: Lost Southern Voices, a festival for readers, celebrates historically excluded, erased, or marginalized Southern voices. During this annual conference, invited presenters discuss Southern authors or artists whose works are out-of-print or otherwise do not receive the attention they deserve. Revival: Lost Southern Voices, a festival for readers, is a celebration of lost or underappreciated Southern writers’ work. https://georgiacenterforthebook.org/ongoing-programs/revival-lost-southern-voices

March 20–22, 2026: Virginia Festival of the Book (Charlottesville, VA). The Virginia Festival of the Book brings together writers and readers to promote and celebrate books, reading, literacy, and literary culture. Featuring the annual Festival in March plus the year-round Shelf-Life virtual event series, their programming offers something for readers of all levels and interests. https://www.vabook.org/festival-info/

March 25–27, 2026: The 32nd Oxford Conference for the Book (Michigan. MS). Founded by the Center for the Study of Southern Culture and Square Books, the Oxford Conference for the Book brings together fiction and nonfiction writers, journalists, artists, poets, publishers, teachers, students, and literacy advocates for three days of conversation in the literary town of Michigan, Mississippi. https://oxfordconferenceforthebook.com/

March 25–29, 2026: Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival (New Orleans, LA). The Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival is a five-day New Orleans affair for writers, readers, and theater lovers. Gain access to entertaining and enlightening panels and conversations for readers and writers by authors, scholars, historians, publishers, and other literary and theater professionals. Topics include contemporary issues, historical interests, genre-based discussions, Southern and New Orleans-based topics, as well as panels on the life, work, and study of Tennessee Williams. https://tennesseewilliams.net/

March 27–28, 2026: Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival (Venice, FL). An event for book lovers. Authors selling and signing their latest books in Centennial Park. Proceeds benefit the Venice Heritage Inc. This is a unique event, featuring writing and publishing workshops, and a special day when local and national authors sell and sign books at a festival market in a beautiful downtown park. https://venicebookfair.com/

March 27–29, 2026: 23rd Annual Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival (New Orleans, LA). The Saints and Sinners Literary Festival was founded in 2003 as a new initiative designed as an innovative way to reach the community with information about HIV/AIDS, particularly disseminating prevention messages via the writers, thinkers and spokespeople of the LGBTQ+ community. It was also formed to bring the LGBTQ+ literary community together to celebrate the literary arts. https://www.sasfest.org/

April 2–6, 2026: Norwescon 48: Into the Wylde (SeaTac, WA). Norwescon is the Pacific Northwest’s premier science fiction and fantasy convention, and one of the largest entirely volunteer-operated regional conventions in the United States. https://www.norwescon.org/

April 10–12, 2026: 10th Annual Books Along the Teche Literary Festival (New Iberia, LA). A celebration of Southern writing and culture, the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival takes place in and around the charming town of New Iberia, and features authors, social events, panel discussions, and more. The popular annual gathering draws bibliophiles, arts enthusiasts, lovers of Louisiana cuisine and music. https://booksalongthetecheliteraryfestival.com/

April 11, 2026: Minnesota Writing Workshop (St. Paul, MN). This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the event (200 total). https://minnesotawritingworkshop.com/

April 11, 2026: BAM (Book, Art & Music) Festival (West Palm Beach, FL). BAM Festival merges books, art, and music for teachers, students, and families, and features a number of children and young adult authors and illustrators. https://www.booksartmusic.org/

April 11, 2026: 15th Anniversary Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference (Hamilton, NJ). The Liberty States Fiction Writers presents two full days of activities to develop and promote writers of all levels of experience and every genre, as well as the opportunity to pitch works to prominent editors and literary agents. A separate Reader Track will offer those who love a good read the chance to meet authors in attendance and discuss their works. https://www.libertystatesfictionwriters.com/conference/

April 11, 2026: San Antonio Book Festival (San Antonio, TX). The free, daylong event is a gift to visitors and the citizens of San Antonio, bringing books to life through author presentations, innovative panel discussions, and book sales and signings. Also included in this fun day of literary entertainment are family activities such as children’s theater performances, a technology area, interactive play and art stations, and a selection of the city’s famous food trucks. https://sabookfestival.org/

April 11, 2026: A Rally of Writers Lansing Community College (Lansing, MI). Held every spring for the past 36 years (except for the two Covid years) in Lansing, Michigan, A Rally of Writers features 16 sessions of Michigan writers, poets, teachers, editors and publishers discussing every aspect of writing and the publishing business. Choose among four sessions that run simultaneously. https://arallyofwriters.com/

April 16–19, 2026: Chanticleer Authors Conference (Bellingham, WA). The Chanticleer Authors Conference is an event unlike any other. They host a wide variety of guest speakers and experts that wow experienced authors and help new authors take their publishing game to the next level. https://www.chantireviews.com/chanticleer-conference/

April 16–19, 2026: Unbound Book Festival (Columbia, MO). The Unbound Book Festival brings nationally and internationally recognized authors of world-class renown to Columbia, Missouri, to talk about their books, their work, and their lives. https://www.unboundbookfestival.com/

April 17–19, 2026: 28th Get Lit! Literary Arts Festival (Spokane, WA). The Get Lit! Festival began in 1998 as a one-day marathon of literary readings sponsored by Eastern Washington University Press and EWU’s Department of Creative Writing. Then The Spokesman-Review lovingly called it the little literary festival that could, and they were right. By 2004, the audience had swelled to 10,000 people from Spokane and the surrounding region. https://inside.ewu.edu/getlit/

April 18, 2026: Midwest Literary Walk (Chelsea, MI). For more than a decade this unique literary event has showcased more than 60 award-winning authors and poets at historic venues throughout downtown Chelsea. It includes author talks, book signings, and is free and open to the public. https://midwestliterarywalk.org/

April 18, 2026: Ohioana Book Festival (Columbus, OH). Since its inception in 2007, the Ohioana Book Festival has given readers the opportunity to connect with their favorite Ohio writers. Held each spring, the festival welcomes roughly 140 authors and more than 3,000 visitors every year. https://www.ohioana.org/programs/ohioana-book-festival/

April 18–19, 2026: Los Angeles Festival of Books (California, LA). Now in its 31st year, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books brings together not just writers, but also artists, chefs, filmmakers and musicians. It takes place on the University of Southern California campus, with a mixture of indoor and outdoor events, and hundreds of exhibitor booths and author signings. https://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/

April 23–25, 2026: Las Vegas Writers Conference (Las Vegas, NV). Held each spring, the Las Vegas Writers Conference is dedicated to helping writers of all genres improve their craft, sharpen their business skills, and network with publishing professionals. https://lasvegaswritersconference.com/

April 24–26, 2026: Newburyport Literary Festival (Newburyport, MA). The Newburyport Literary Association, Inc., was founded in 2005 and hosts an annual Festival that brings together readers and writers for a weekend of readings, panel discussions, and other book-related events. https://newburyportliteraryfestival.org/

April 30 – May 2, 2026: Oklahoma Writers Federation Conference (Oklahoma City, OK). Enjoy sessions with publishing experts who can provide career-advancing knowledge. Speakers on legal issues, short stories, writing for film, editing, literary agents and publicists. Space is also provided for attendees to sell their books. https://www.owfi.org/#!conference/

May 1–2, 2026: Atlanta Writers Conference (Atlanta, GA). Our 34th conference offers an in-person experience for all activities—critiques and pitches, a workshop, Q&A panels, free talks, an award ceremony, a book fair & more—and a virtual option for agent/editor meetings. https://atlantawritersconference.com/

May 2, 2026: Annapolis Book Festival (Annapolis, MD). The Annapolis Book Festival is one of the premier community events in the region. Join the Key School for activities, music, refreshments, and more. Every year thousands of people enjoy this free community Festival that celebrates the beauty, power, passion, and excitement of the written word. The festival is bringing nationally and internationally renowned authors to the community to discuss their books and the craft of writing. The festival also features a day filled with children’s activities, live music, food, and a huge used book sale. https://www.keyschool.org/community/annapolis-book-festival

May 2, 2026: 15th Annual Hudson Children’s Book Festival (Hudson, NY). The Hudson Children’s Book Festival, established in 2009, is held each year in the historic city of Hudson, NY, and strives to create, sustain, and nurture a culture of literacy in partnership with their community and schools. This free, public event fosters a love of reading as families meet and greet world-class creators of books for children of all ages. https://hudsonchildrensbookfestival.org/

May 2–9, 2026: Montclair Literary Festival (Montclair, NJ). Montclair Literary Festival is a community-wide event that aims to exchange ideas, inspire future literary works and engage with different points of view. Working closely with the Montclair Public Library, Montclair Art Museum, Watchung Booksellers and a team of local volunteers, the festival will also generate lasting connections between arts institutions, the schools and the community, benefiting a broad cross-section of participants and attendees. https://succeed2gether.org/montclair-literary-festival/

May 6–8, 2026: The Nonfiction Writers Conference – 16th Annual Event (Virtual). Since the Nonfiction Writers Conference began in 2010, their mission has always been to take the traditional writers’ conference experience and deliver it online. This allows more people to attend from around the world, saving valuable time and travel expenses. It also delivers powerful access to speakers during LIVE learning sessions with interactive Q&A. https://nonfictionwritersconference.com/

May 9–16, 2026: Longleaf Writers Conference (Santa Rose Beach, FL). The Longleaf Writers Conference includes a full week of intensive and generative writing workshops (where attendees and scholars and fellows engage with small group workshop critiques of writing (for 2026 they offer fiction, creative nonfiction, screenwriting, poetry workshops)), daily seminars, agent consultations, school outreach programs, and special social events. https://longleafwritersconference.com/

May 16, 2026: Gaithersburg Book Festival (Gaithersburg, MD). Since its inception in 2010, the festival has quickly become one of the nation’s top literary events, attracting hundreds of award-winning and best-selling authors, poets and songwriters from across the country to its beautiful park setting. https://www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org/

May 16–19, 2026: Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference (Homer, AK). Held in Homer, Alaska, this nationally recognized writing conference features workshops, readings and panel presentations in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and the business of writing. Since 2002, the Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference has been at the heart of Alaska’s growing literary community. With its focus on community and craft, this conference strives to celebrate and enhance the connection between writers and readers in their communities. https://writersconf.kpc.alaska.edu/

May 19–22, 2026: Poetry by the Sea: A Global Conference (Madison, CT). The Poetry by the Sea community began in 2015 in the spirit of beginning afresh. The choice of meeting ground–Mercy by the Sea, a beautiful retreat center with its own private beach–signifies our connections as a community where you will find diversity and inclusiveness. The yearly Conference, held in May, welcomes poets of all backgrounds from throughout the United States and beyond for lectures, readings, panels, workshops, the award of poetry prizes, and the recognition of new books in an environment that values each person’s unique contribution and voice. Our picturesque retreat setting on the Connecticut shore facilitates an easy exchange of ideas among attendees, faculty, and guest speakers, and is an ideal locale for creative inspiration. https://poetrybytheseaconference.org/

May 25–29, 2026: Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (Ridgecrest, NC). The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference began nearly four decades ago as a spirit-filled environment where writers could move forward in their writing journey and publishing dreams. The legacy event is focused on God’s path for each writer, and the conference is dedicated to meeting professional and spiritual needs. https://www.blueridgeconference.com/

May 30, 2026: Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books (Pittsburgh, PA). The Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books (GPFB) showcases Pittsburgh’s historic, vital role on the national and international literary stage. Readers, writers, booksellers, publishers, critics, educators, and neighbors will connect with, learn from, and support each other. With free, diverse programming featuring nationally recognized authors (many living in Western Pennsylvania), and across age, genre, and background, the festival will celebrate the joys of literacy. https://www.pittsburghbookfestival.org/

May 30–31, 2026: 12th Anniversary Bay Area Book Festival (Berkeley, CA). Since 2015, Bay Area Book Festival has featured the boldest and most brilliant literary voices in conversations about issues that matter, with a focus on justice and diversity. As the Bay Area Book Festival (BABF) enters its 12th year, it stands as both a cultural celebration and a critical gathering space where activists, authors, and audiences can unite around today’s most urgent issues and uplift marginalized voices. https://www.baybookfest.org/bay-area-book-festival/

June 9–12, 2026: Write-to-Publish Conference (Wheaton, IL). Since 1971, Write-to-Publish has been training, inspiring and encouraging Christian writers, connecting them with editors to help them improve their craft, with publishers who are looking for good books to publish, and with literary agents who can represent them. Chief Encouragement Officer and Conference Director Becky Blue Antkowiak is passionate about continuing Write to Publish’s early commitment to excellence and legacy of developing Christian Writers. No matter where you are on your writing journey—from first manuscript to multiple publications—Write to Publish equips you with the tools, connections, and support to move forward with confidence. https://writetopublish.com/

June 11–14, 2026: Nantucket Book Festival (Nantucket, MA). The Nantucket Book Festival has established itself as a major summer destination for booklovers with impressive and eclectic line-ups of award-winning authors. The multi-day festival offers author readings, panel discussions and social events in an informal atmosphere that encourages conversations between writers and readers. Most of the Festival events are free and held within walking distance of the ferries. https://www.nantucketbookfestival.org/

June 14–19, 2026: Tinker Mountain Writers’ Workshop Summer Residential Program (Roanoke, VA). Since 2005, Tinker Mountain Writers Workshops have nurtured and empowered writers of all ability levels. Over 750 writers have participated through manuscript reviews and “write now workshops” in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. https://www.hollins.edu/academics/continuing-education-camps/tinker-mountain-writing-workshops/tmww-summer-residential-workshops/

June 21–26, 2026: Summer Words Writers Conference 2026 (Snowmass Village, CO). Aspen Words is excited to welcome writers back to Snowmass Village for the 2026 Summer Words Writers Conference. We look forward to gathering once again for a week of craft, creativity, and connection. The conference features workshops, including a workshop with a focus on revision, for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers; panels; and readings; as well as opportunities to meet with agents and editors. https://www.aspenwords.org/programs/summer-words/

June 21–27, 2026: Juniper Summer Writing Institute (Amherst, MA). In association with the MFA Program for Poets & Writers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Juniper is a weeklong immersion in the writer’s life. It is time out for you and your writing, time for wild invention, and time to become part of a diverse community of acclaimed and emerging writers from all walks of life. https://juniperinstitute.umasscreate.net/

June 23–26, 2026: RBMS 2026, Advocacy: Finding your Voice (Milwaukee, WI). Special collections and archives are evolving fast—new technologies, new audiences, new challenges. How do we make our voices heard, tell our stories, and secure the support we need? This year’s conference explores advocacy at every career stage, from speaking up as a newcomer to driving change as a leader. Join us to find inspiration, share strategies, and leave ready to amplify your impact. https://web.cvent.com/event/0f01042b-21dc-4900-beea-aae7a23cb643/summary

June 25–29, 2026: 2026 American Library Association Annual Conference & Exhibition (Philadelphia, PA). Over 25,000 experts in the industry will help you take your career to new heights. As the world’s largest library event, the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition brings together thousands of librarians and library staff, educators, authors, publishers, friends of libraries, trustees, special guests, and exhibitors. https://2026.alaannual.org/

June 28 – August 8, 2026: Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop (San Diego, CA). Established in 1968, the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop is the oldest workshop of its kind and is widely recognized as a premier proving and training ground for aspiring writers of fantasy and science fiction. Applications are judged by a student selection committee. The review panel selects 18 applicants and a few waitlist students. All applicants are notified of their status by late March/early April. The review panel does not comment or give feedback on stories. https://clarion.ucsd.edu/

July 9–12, 2026: Readercon 35 (Burlington, MA). The premiere book festival for science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction took a break over the pandemic (including last year), but they are all set for an in-person convention next July. https://readercon.org/

July 10–17, 2026: Community of Writers – Writers Workshops (Olympic Valley, CA). These workshops assist serious writers by exploring the art and craft as well as the business of writing. The week offers daily morning workshops, craft lectures, panel discussions on editing and publishing, staff readings, as well as brief individual conferences. The morning workshops are led by staff writer-teachers or editors. https://communityofwriters.org/workshops/writers-workshops/

July 19, 2026: Detroit Festival of Books (Detroit, MI). The Detroit Festival of Books is the largest book festival in the State of Michigan. They have vendors from all over the USA and Canada. The Bookfest is dedicated to promoting the joy of reading and the rich culture surrounding it. https://detroitbookfest.com/

July 20–26, 2026: Macondo Writers Workshop (San Antonio, TX). The Macondo Writers Workshop is an association of socially engaged writers working to advance creativity, foster generosity, and serve community. Founded in 1995 by writer Sandra Cisneros and named after the town in Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, the workshop gathers writers from all genres who work on geographic, cultural, economic, gender, and spiritual borders and who are committed to activism in their writing and work. https://macondowriters.com/

August 12–22, 2026: Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference (Ripton, VT). The Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, founded in 1926, is one of the oldest and finest of its kind in the country. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as lectures; craft classes; meetings with editors, agents, and publishers; and readings by faculty and guests. https://www.middlebury.edu/writers-conferences/writers-conference/

August 20–23, 2026: Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference (Franklin, TN). The Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference is a four-day event bringing together some of the world’s best authors, aspiring writers, agents, editors, and other industry professionals. https://www.killernashville.com/

September 4, 2026: WriterCon (Oklahoma City, OK). The annual WriterCon Conference is three days of 60+ speakers providing more than 80 sessions designed to cover all genres and all aspects of the writing experience: skills, industry knowledge, opportunities, networking, pitching, contests, opportunities to meet with writers privately, to obtain manuscript reviews or private consultations, and much more. https://writercon.com/

September 5–6, 2026: Bumbershoot (Seattle, WA). The Seattle Arts Festival always has active coffee houses and a book fair spotlighting literary artist. https://www.seattlecenter.com/events/festivals/bumbershoot

September 17–19, 2026: Washington Island Literary Festival (Washington Island, WI). The Washington Island Literary Festival is a moveable feast of writing, reading, discussion, and thought about the written word. Writers’ workshops, author panels and presentations, readings and parties are scheduled at various quaint, historic and beautiful venues around the Island. https://writeondoorcounty.org/2026-washington-island-literary-festival-2/

September 25–27, 2026: Harbor Springs Festival of the Book (Harbor Springs, MI). Held in beautiful Harbor Springs, Michigan, the Festival is a three-day celebration of readers, writers, books, and the literary craft. They feature 50+ nationally published authors and illustrators in sessions including eight genres: fiction, nonfiction, mystery/thriller, poetry, cookbook, picture book, middle grade and young adult. https://www.hsfotb.org/

October 3, 2026: Boozy Book Fest (Kansas City, MO). Not-Your-Kid’s Scholastic Boozy Book Fair, in partnership with the Kansas City Booksellers Association! Relive the nostalgia of your childhood Scholastic Book Fairs—this time with an adult twist! Join us at The Gilded Page’s Boozy Book Fair for a full weekend of books, drinks, and pure bookish bliss. https://www.boozybookfest.com/

October 15–18, 2026: Iota Short Forms Conference (Trescott, ME). Iota is designed to help writers break from questions about genre.  When is a piece a micro essay and when is it a prose poem or when does it turn into flash fiction? Iota posits that it doesn’t matter just write it. https://cobscookinstitute.org/iota/the-conference

October 21–25, 2026: Bouchercon (Nashville, TN). The World Mystery Convention is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization which holds an annual convention in honor of Anthony Boucher, the distinguished mystery fiction critic, editor and author. Bouchercon is their annual world mystery convention where every year readers, writers, publishers, editors, agents, booksellers, and other lovers of crime fiction gather for a 4-day weekend of education, entertainment, and fun! https://bouchercon2026.com/

November 6–15, 2026: Charleston Literary Festival (Charleston, SC). Charleston Literary Festival is a world-class literary festival with an international edge based in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina. They provide a forum for experiencing the transformative power of books, conversations and big ideas—join them! https://www.charlestonliteraryfestival.com/

The Bottom Line: Take a break from your pen and attend one of these top book fairs and festivals. You won’t regret it!

About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.

Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://westwindbookmarketing.com/ or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.

Would you like help promoting your book?

If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?

Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!