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Top Book Fairs and Festivals for Authors 2024

Top Book Fairs and Festivals for Authors 2024

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 2024. 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/ 

1. Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway, January 12-15, 2024, Galloway, NJ. A participant-focused writers’ conference. Advance your craft and energize your writing at the 29th Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway. Enjoy challenging and supportive workshops, insightful feedback and an encouraging community. Choose from workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, memoir, songwriting and more. https://wintergetaway.com/

2. Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference, January 12-15, 2024, Zoom (Virtual). Unparalleled for its rigor, thoroughness, and integrity, Colrain is the original, one-of-a-kind manuscript conference. Faculty includes nationally renowned poet-editors and publishers. Work with the best for the best results! http://www.colrainpoetry.com/

3. Writers in Paradise at Eckerd College, January 13–20, 2024, 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/

4. Unblocked Creativity: A Day-Long Retreat, January 20, 2024, Anchorage, AL. Join them for Unblocked Creativity: a relaxing, restorative day-long retreat designed specifically for Alaska’s creative writers. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the world and spend the day reconnecting with your creative spirit, clearing creative blocks, and setting fresh intentions for your creative journey in 2024. Experience the healing power of communal writing exercises, breathwork in nature, gentle somatic movement, and guided meditation to recover your creative flow. https://49writers.org/event/unblocked-creativity-retreat/

5. Sunshine State Book Festival, January 26-27, 2024, Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville, Gainesville, FL. Sunshine State Book Festival is bringing readers and writers together again for the fourth year. Their 2024 festival will feature 150 authors writing in 15 genres. https://www.sunshinestatebookfestival.com/

6. 12th Annual Movable Feast Weekend, January 27-28, 2024, Reynolds Place Theatre in Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, Winston-Salem, NC. The Movable Feast Saturday Showcase is a literary evening featuring 23 authors whose work spans a variety of genres. If you are excited to learn about books by debut authors, are part of a book club, or just love books, this is an event you do not want to miss! https://www.bookmarksnc.org/MovableFeast2024

7. Rancho Mirage Writers Fest, January 30, 2024, 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/

8. AWP Conference and Bookfair, February 7–10, 2024, Kansas City, MO. 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://www.awpwriter.org/awp_conference

9. SCBWI In-Person Winter Conference 2024, Feb 9-11, 2024, New York Hilton Midtown, New York, NY. This is the first in-person conference in over two 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/scbwi-in-person-winter-conference-2024/

10. Savannah Book Festival, February 15-18, 2024, Savannah, GA. The Savannah Book Festival has been around since 2008. It offers live streaming sessions with leading authors. https://www.savannahbookfestival.org/

11. 20th annual San Francisco Writers Conference, February 15-18, 2024, Hyatt Regency, San Francisco, CA. This will be the 19th 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/

12. Indie Book Fair, February 17, 2024, Orlando, FL. The Indie Book Fair’s mission is to create a space to allow independent authors to sell and showcase their work, build their readership and make everyone aware of their brand. The vision is through multiple book fair events that are FREE to the public and will include virtual buying for readers who cannot attend. The fair will be held 3 times a year. https://www.indiebookfair.net/

13. Southern Voices 2024, February 23-24, 2024, Hoover, AL. Southern Voices is a five-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/

14. F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival, February 23-24, 2024, Julia T. and Charles W. Cherry, Sr. Cultural and Educational Center, 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. https://www.freshbookfestivals.net/freshbookfest2024

15. Asheville Christian Writers Conference, February 23-25, 2024, 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/

16. 2024 Authors’ Expo & Readers’ Extravaganza – Amelia Island Book Festival, February 24, 2024, 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. https://www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org/author-expo/

17. Rose Glen Literary Festival, February 24, 2024, Sevierville Convention Center, 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://www.roseglenfestival.com/

18. 27th Annual Children’s Literature Festival, March 1-2, 2024, Redlands, CA. The Children’s Literature Festival has been hosted by the University of Redlands for the last 26 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://sites.redlands.edu/childrens-literature-festival/

19. Dahlonega Literary Festival, March 2, 2024, 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/

20. Southwest Florida Reading Festival, March 2, 2024, Fort Myers Regional Library, 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! http://readfest.org/

21. 39th annual Texas Storytelling Festival, March 7 – 10, 2024, Denton Civic Center, 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://tejasstorytelling.com/festival/

22. Literary Women Long Beach Festival of Authors, March 9,2024, 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/festival.php

23.  Tucson Festival of Books, March 9-10, 2024, 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/

24. New Orleans Book Festival At Tulane University, March 14-16, 2024, 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. https://bookfest.tulane.edu/

25. WCoNA 2024, March 15-16, 2024, 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://conference.wcona.com/conference

26. Palm Beach Book Festival, March 15-17, 2024, Boca Raton, FL. The Palm Beach Book Festival is an annual gathering of NY Times, best-selling award-winning, celebrity authors, taking place in the Palm Beaches. https://www.palmbeachbookfestival.com/

27. 30th anniversary Virginia Festival of the Book, March 20-24, 2024, 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/

28. Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival, March 20-24, 2024, New Orleans, LA. The Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival is a five-day New Orleans affair for writers, readers, and theater lovers. https://tennesseewilliams.net/

29. Algonkian Writer Retreat and Novel Workshop, March 20 – 24, 2024, 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. http://algonkianconferences.com/AlgonkianWriterRetreat/

30. Revival: Lost South­ern Voices 2024, March 21-23, 2024, 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

31. Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival, March 22-23, 2024, Venice, FL. An event for book lovers. Authors selling and signing their latest books in Centennial Park. Proceeds benefit the Venice Heritage Inc. https://venicebookfair.com/

32. 21st Annual Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival, March 22-24, 2024, New Orleans, LA. Created in 2003. the Saints and Sinners Literary Festival helps educate the community on HIV/AIDS. It brings together writers, thinkers, and spokespeople. https://www.sasfest.org/

33. 13th Anniversary Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference, March 23, 2024, Hilton Garden Inn, 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. http://www.libertystatesfictionwriters.com/conference/

34. Norwescon 46: Into the Wylde, March 28-31, 2024, 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/

35. Oxford Conference for the Book, April 3-5, 2024, 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/

36. 8th Annual Books Along the Teche Literary Festival, April 5-7, 2024, 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/

37. Minnesota Writing Workshop, April 6, 2024, St. Paul, MN. The Minnesota Writing Workshop is a two-day “How to Get Published” writing event in typically in St. Paul, MN. It recurs each year. All writers are welcome. https://minnesotawritingworkshop.com/

38. Las Vegas Writers Conference, April 11-13, 2024, 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. http://lasvegaswritersconference.com/

39. Get Lit! Literary Arts Festival, April 11-14, 2024, 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/

40. Left Coast Crime 2024: Seattle Shakedown, April 11-14, 2024, Hyatt Regency Bellevue, Bellevue, WA. 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. https://leftcoastcrime.org/2024/

41. San Antonio Book Festival, April 13, 2024, 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/

42. BAM Festival, April 13, 2024, 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.bamwpb.org/

43. A Rally of Writers, April 13, 2024, Lansing Community College, West Campus, Lansing, MI. Held every spring for the past 35 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.wordpress.com/ / https://arallyofwriters.com/

44. Unbound Book Festival, April 18-21, 2024, 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/

45. Chanticleer Authors Conference, Four Points by Sheraton, April 18-21, 2024, 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/

46. Midwest Literary Walk, April 20, 2024, 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/

47. Ohioana Book Festival, April 20, 2024, Columbus Metropolitan Library, 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. http://www.ohioana.org/programs/ohioana-book-festival/

48. Los Angeles Festival of Books, April 20-21, 2024, University of Southern California, LA. Now in its 27th 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/

49. Newburyport Literary Festival, April 26-28, 2024, 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/

50. North Texas Teen Book Festival, April 27, 2024, Irving Convention Center, 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/

51. Annapolis Book Festival, April 27, 2024, 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

52. Oklahoma Writers Federation Conference, May 2-4, 2024, 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/

53. Atlanta Writers Conference, May 3-4, 2024, Atlanta, GA. Our 30th 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/

54. Hudson Children’s Book Festival, May 4, 2024, 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.com/

55. Montclair Literary Festival, April 27 – May 4, 2024, 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. http://succeed2gether.org/montclair-literary-festival/

56. The Nonfiction Writers Conference – 14th annual event, May 8-10, 2024, 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/

57. Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books, May 11, 2024, 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/

58. Longleaf Writers Conference, May 11-18, 2024, 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 2024 they offer fiction, creative nonfiction, screenwriting, poetry workshops)), daily seminars, agent consultations, school outreach programs, and special social events. https://longleafwritersconference.com/

59. Biographers International Organization (BIO) Conference, May 16-17, 2024, Santa Fe, NM. The conference features panels on current issues in biography and the craft of biography, including discussions on building suspense, getting into print, Black women’s biography, and more. https://biographersinternational.org/conference/

60. Maine Romance Writers Retreat, May 17-18, 2024, Embassy Suites, Portland, ME. Maine Romance Writers strongly supports their members through education, advocacy, networking, support and recognition of the romance genre. The MRW annual retreat weekend features speakers on a variety of topics related to researching, writing, and self-promotion. https://www.maineromancewriters.com/p/retreat.html

61. Gaithersburg Book Festival, May 18, 2024, Bohrer Park, 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/

62. Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference, May 18-21, 2024, 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. http://writersconf.kpc.alaska.edu/

63. Poetry by the Sea: A Global Conference, May 21-24, 2024, 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. After successful conferences in 2022 and 2023, plans are in the works to meet again in person from Tuesday May 21 to Friday May 24 2024. https://poetrybytheseaconference.org/

64. Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, May 26-30, 2024, 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/

65. 10th Anniversary Bay Area Book Festival, June 1-2, 2024, Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center Park, 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. https://www.baybookfest.org/2024proposals/

66. Indiana University Writers’ Conference, June 6-9, 2024, Bloomington, IN. The Indiana University Writers’ Conference is the second oldest in the United States. 2024 marks the 84th anniversary of the conference which, since its inception, has stood for literary excellence. We are proud to boast a faculty that has included lauded writers of the post-WWII years, such as Katherine Anne Porter, Lillian Hellman and Stephen Spender, as well as 20th century icons Raymond Carver and Kurt Vonnegut. https://iuwc.indiana.edu/

67. Juniper Summer Writing Institute, June 9, 2024, Amherst, MA. In association with the MFA Program for Poets & Writers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Juniper is a week long 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/

68. Tinker Mountain Writers’ Workshop Summer Residential Program, June 9-13, 2024, 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/

69. Write-to-Publish Conference, June 11-14, 2024, 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. https://writetopublish.com/

70. Nantucket Book Festival, June 13-16, 2024, 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://nantucketbookfestival.org/

71. Aspen Summer Words Writing Conference, June 23-28, 2024, Snowmass Village, CO. 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/

72. Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop, June 23– August 3, 2024, 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. http://clarion.ucsd.edu/

73. The RBMS Booksellers’ Showcase, June 25-28, 2024, Hilton Orange County, Costa Mesa, CA. The RBMS Booksellers’ Showcase offers a variety of exhibitors and products like original art and illustration and manuscripts. https://rbms.info/conferences/

74. 2024 American Library Association Annual Conference & Exhibition, June 27 – July 2, 2024, Chicago, IL. 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://2024.alaannual.org/

75. Community of Writers – Writers Workshops, July 8-15, 2024, 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/

76. Readercon, July 11-14, 2024, Boston Quincy Marriott, Quincy, 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/

77. Detroit Festival of Books, July 21, 2024, Eastern Market, Shed 5, 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/

78. Greater Los Angeles Writers Conference, July 21-23, 2024 (Virtual) and July 29-30, 2024 (In-Person), Los Angeles, CA. Attendees to this conference benefit from a full spectrum of educational lectures, panels, interactive workshops and special events, featuring veteran educators, industry professionals, agents and publishers focused on the craft and business of writing. Speakers are selected based on who is best suited to the curriculum, so you get the most informed presentations and the latest from the world of publishing. Along with perennial favorites, they offer important new voices and industry experts. http://www.wcwriters.com/aglawc/

79. Macondo Writers Workshop, July 23-28, 2024, Trinity University, 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/

80. Writers Studio, August 1-4, 2024, Westwood Village, Los Angeles, CA. Offered by the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, the Writers Studio brings together a community of writing students to workshop with some of Southern California’s most accomplished writers and teachers. https://www.uclaextension.edu/writers-studio

81. Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, August 14-24, 2024, 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/

82. Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference, August 22-25, 2024, 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/

83. Murder and Mayhem in Music City – Bouchercon, August 28-September 01, 2024, 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://www.bouchercon2024.com/

84. Bumbershoot, August 31 – September 1, 2024, Seattle, WA. The Seattle Arts Festival always has active coffee houses and a book fair spotlighting literary artists. https://www.seattlecenter.com/events/festivals/bumbershoot

85. WriterCon, August 30 – September 2, 2024, 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/

86. Carolina Mountains Literary Festival, September 5-7, 2024, Burnsville, NC. Their mission is to bring together, in small, intimate settings, authors, readers of all ages, novice writers, listeners, and learners. They are a festival of readers who appreciate discussing the ideas in literature. https://cmlitfest.org/

87. American Christian Fiction Writers Conference, September 5-8, 2024, St. Louis, MO. Each year, hundreds of veteran authors and those just learning the craft of Christian fiction gather in a setting like this to hear skilled instructors, inspiring keynoters…to gain from the insights of industry professionals…to interact with other writers…and to present their ideas to agents and editors looking for stories like theirs, or to mentors who can help them move forward in their writing career. https://acfw.com/acfw-conference/

88. Printers Row Lit Fest 2024, September 7-8, 2024, Chicago, IL. This is a large book fair with more than 150,000 book lover attendees. https://chicagoliteraryhof.org/events_entry/printers-row-lit-fest-2024

89. Milford Readers and Writers Festival, September 13-15, 2024, Milford, PA. The Milford Readers and Writers Festival aims to inspire and ignite conversations between people who love to read books and people who write them. https://milfordreadersandwriters.com/

90. Mississippi Book Festival, September 14, 2024, State Capitol Complex, Jackson, MS. The Mississippi Book Festival, a nonprofit founded by literacy advocates, launched in August 2015 on the State Capitol grounds and continues to draw thousands to its annual “literary lawn party” and book lovers’ celebration. Visit their Replay festival pages for highlights, pictures and videos of past festivals. https://msbookfestival.com/

91. Washington Island Literary Festival, September 19-21, 2024, 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/events/conferences/wilf/

92. Southern Kentucky Book Fest, September 21, 2024, The Capitol, Bowling Green, KY. The Southern Kentucky Book Fest is one of the state’s largest literary events. Held in Bowling Green, Kentucky each April, Book Fest draws thousands of readers of all ages who welcome the occasion to meet their favorite authors and purchase signed copies of their books. https://sokybookfest.org/

93. The Brooklyn Book Festival, September 22-30, 2024, Brooklyn, NY. New York’s biggest free literary festival is held each year in Brooklyn, bringing together readers and writers from all over the world for a week of talks, shopping and more. https://brooklynbookfestival.org/

94. Sleuthfest, September 26-29, 2024, Hilton Bayfront, St. Petersburg, FL. Sleuthfest is all about writing workshops, social events, and pitch sessions for mystery, suspense, and thriller writers. Sessions will be held on the craft of writing, marketing and promoting your work, and practicing your pitch with experienced authors. https://sleuthfest.com/

95. Harbor Springs Festival of the Book, September 27-29, 2024, 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/

96. Kansas Book Festival, September 28, 2024, Topeka, KS. This event, designed to celebrate the best of Kansas literature, arts and history, will offer a variety of activities for Kansans of all ages, including meet-the-author sessions, panel discussions, book signings and sales, and a special tent with projects for children. This event is free and open to the public. https://www.kansasbookfestival.com/

97. Las Vegas Book Festival, October 19, 2024, Las Vegas, NV. The Las Vegas Book Festival is the largest literary event in Nevada. Their annual celebration of the written, spoken and illustrated word is free and open to the public. https://lasvegasbookfestival.com/

98. Iota Short Forms Conference, October 20-23, 2024, 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

99. The Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair 2024, October 26, 2024, Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, Seattle, WA. The Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair features exhibitors from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. https://seattlecenter.com/events/event-calendar/antiquarian-book-fair-x39132

100. Charleston Literary Festival, November 1-10, 2024, Charleston, SC. Charleston Literary Festival 2024 runs this year from Nov. 1 to 10th featuring world-class authors from the US and beyond. It’s a boutique Festival that runs over 10 days with over 34 events. 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://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] 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!


How Authors Can Take a Great Head Shot

How Authors Can Take a Great Head Shot

I’ve worked with some of the best photographers in the USA. I’ve been in dozens of studios all over the country and have been privy to their backstage techniques. These photographers have photographed Miss America contestants, professional hockey and baseball players as well as CEOs, authors, doctors, lawyers and entrepreneurs. I got the skinny directly from them on their tips for getting the best head shot possible.

While the written word is powerful in landing a media placement, as a book publicist I know that a great photo can clinch a media opportunity just as well and sometimes even faster. How? It’s simple. The photo immediately tells the reporter if the author looks credible and it tells a TV producer if the person is going to look good on a TV interview. If you don’t think they care, think again. It also declares race, sex and sometimes creed. It all matters, and don’t assume it’s a negative thing as it helps news producers provide a balanced newscast so that all voices can be heard. It’s the same with print or broadcast media.

To be sure you convey your message in your headshot and to put your best face forward you’ll want to hear some tips on How to take a great headshot.

First let’s talk about the use of the head shot and its purpose as that dictates the style.

Author Headshots will be used on a book cover and press materials, website and social media. You want multiple variations as the thumbnail close up on Amazon will be different from the one you use on LinkedIn, Amazon and your book flap. Is this a serious book? If so then you should look professional. If it’s a cookbook then look like a cook in proper attire in the kitchen. If you are a doctor, then look like one!

Renowned photographer Sam T’ang of Sam T’ang Production Studios, who regularly photographs Miss America and Miss USA contestants, says planning ahead is critical and offers these tips:

  1. Get a good night’s sleep and rest the day before your shoot. (You don’t want wrinkles or baggie eyes for your shoot).
  2. A good headshot should focus just on your face. Clothing should be complementary & should have contrast, IE, someone with lighter color hair should have darker tops or suits, someone with darker hair should have lighter colored tops or suits.
  3. Clothing/wardrobe should not be busy or have patterns. Always bring several different outfits if possible. It is always better to have too much than only one outfit to work with.
  4. Backgrounds should be clean, un-cluttered and should not have a pattern (unless it’s an environmental portrait).
  5. Accessories (Women). Jewelry should be subtle and not overpowering (again, the main focus is on the face).
  6. MAKEUP/HAIR (Women & Men). If it is possible to have a makeup artist/hair stylist, hire one! Makeup is not only important, but makeup looks COMPLETELY different on camera than in real life and the camera PICKS UP EVERYTHING. Everyday makeup under professional photography lighting and strobes will look like you have no makeup at all. A professional makeup artist is well worth the investment!
  7. A professional photographer should understand lighting conditions whether it’s natural light or strobes (flash). Good lighting makes a huge difference in your photos. Be aware that shooting under fluorescent lights will cast a green tint to your photos.
  8. There are many talented photographers out there, but only a few who actually specialize and can take a GREAT HEADSHOT. A good photographer should make you feel comfortable and be able to communicate and direct you, thus making your shots look natural and relaxed instead of stiff or too posed and awkward.
  9. Almost all images are retouched and edited. One caveat just doesn’t have your photographer OVER RETOUCH your photo or use FILTERS that make you look too plastic and not real (unless that is the look you want).

Jack Kenny whose photography book CUBA is filled with photos of the people of Cuba says he likes shooting outdoors in available light. Natural light outside can be beautiful. I like to shoot in doorways or windows or under overpasses, keeping the subject just out of the direct light.

For headshots, says Kenny, “I like to work both in the studio and in natural light. Sometimes I use a combination of the two where the natural light isn’t sufficient to “fill” the subject. For males I prefer to use a single light source (in varying sizes depending on the drama desired). The light is placed at a 30 to 90-degree angle from the subject and sometimes I use an edge light on the opposite side or a reflector to fill in the shadows. For women I tend to use a softer light – usually two front lights – one weaker than the other, and I keep the light sources closer to the camera.”

According to Steve Kovich who shot for the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers, Lions and is currently the Tampa Bay Rays official team photographer, “You want to create depth and mood.  Lighting a subject from high above and off to the side is what I like to do. This lighting style is commonly referred to as “Rembrandt” lighting as this is the way the light came into his studio.”

“On the creative end, it’s the ability to evoke or more likely to capture emotion. Whether it be happy, sad, or otherwise,” says Kovich.

In the end, says Jack Kenny, almost any light can be used depending on the effects desired, but a true headshot should emphasize the subject and not the photographer.

About Sam T’ang

Based in Detroit and Miami, Sam T’ang is a national and international published photographer specializing in Beauty, Glamour, Fashion and Swimwear. Sam’s work has appeared in advertisements, calendars, magazines and posters: MAXIM, STUFF, PLAYBOY, FHM, COSMOPOLITAN, GLAMOUR, TEEN, YOUNG MISS, PERFECT 10, OCEAN DRIVE, HAWAIIAN TROPIC, VENUS SWIMWEAR, FITNESS USA, AUTORAMA, and many others.

Sam has photographed headshots for the Miss America, Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss Venus Swimwear, Miss Hawaiian Tropic pageant contestants, the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings players headshots/promos as well as thousands of models, actors and celebrities. (www.SamTang.com) 248-845-8274 and 305-502-1354.

About Jack Kenny

Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Kenny specializes in headshots and has photographed dozens of CEOs, doctors, lawyers, authors, and entrepreneurs. Kenny is also author/publisher of Cuba where he takes readers on a photographic journey through modern day Cuba. www.kennyphoto.com (734) 395-1265

About Steven Kovich

Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Steven Kovich has photographed celebrities such as Kevin Costner, Kevin Bacon and Hulk Hogan as well as hundreds of sports figures including Derek Jeter and Red Wing hockey great Steve Yzerman. He’s also the Tampa Bay Rays official team photographer. His list of corporate clients includes Hyatt, Ameritech, AT&T, CBS, Coke, Chrysler, Domino’s Pizza, Detroit Symphony, ESPN, Ford, Dupont, General Motors, Getty Images, Proctor & Gamble, Pulte Homes, American Red Cross and the US Postal Service. Kovich’s web site has few words as he lets his photos speak for themselves. www.kovich.com 727-452-2349.

The Bottom Line: Your headshot is one of the most important elements in your book promotion. Get a professional to shoot it. Don’t skimp out and use a cropped shot from your summer vacation!

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 Book Marketing at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] 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.


Authors Tap into the Power of a Goodreads Giveaway

Authors Tap into the Power of a Goodreads Giveaway

By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications

As a book publicist, I am always on the lookout for effective yet inexpensive ways to reach book buyers. Goodreads is one option. Owned by Amazon, With Goodreads, you can put your book into as many hands as possible, initiate word of mouth promotion and hopefully, succeed with flying colors. If you’re a published author, rest assured you already have a profile on Goodreads. Here’s how you can take full advantage of the platform:

1. Run a Goodreads Giveaway

Through a Goodreads Giveaway, you can promote yourself and your book to the ideal audience. A Goodreads Giveaway is exactly what it sounds like: You give away copies of your books to interested readers. To set up a Goodreads Giveaway, follow these steps.

  • Set Up Your Author Profile: First, create a Goodreads account, find the book(s) you’ve written, click on your name from the book’s page, and “claim” your author profile. After you receive an email confirmation, you can customize your profile.
  • Choose Your Book Format: Scroll down to “Your Giveaways” on your author dashboard and click on “Listing a Giveaway.” From there, decide whether you want to give away print or Kindle versions of your book.
  • Choose a Package: Next, select the Standard Package ($119) or Premium Package ($599). “Do the $119 eBook Goodreads giveaway,” says Alessandra Torre, a New York Times Bestselling Author and co-founder of Inkers Con dedicated to helping authors.
  • Choose Your Timeframe: Your giveaway can last anywhere between 1 week and 30 days. I recommend three weeks because it’s long enough for people to notice your giveaway, but not so long that they’ll forget about it.
  • Choose the Number of Books: I recommend giving away 100 Kindle books.
  • Spread the Word: While Goodreads readers will hopefully find your giveaway organically, it can’t hurt to promote it on your social media outlets and ask your network to share.

You can see a list of Goodreads Giveaways here.  If you’d like to hear a pro/con on a Goodreads Giveaway, then check out what YA Fantasy author Bethany Atazadeh has to say.

2. Participate in an Online Q&A Session

Ask the Author is Goodread’s Q&A platform on Goodreads that allows readers to submit questions to Goodreads Authors whenever they’d like. Until you decide to answer a question, it won’t be visible to the public. This gives you complete control over when you respond to reader questions and how you respond to them.

3. Blog, Blog, and Blog

Goodreads gives you the opportunity to blog about anything and everything.  If you have a blog, you can set it up, so Goodreads picks it up automatically via a RSS feed. You can write about your writing career, share reviews of your books, and position yourself as an expert. The sky’s the limit so get creative and think about what your reader base would like!

4. Publicize Upcoming Events

As an author you know how important it is to get out and about. If you have upcoming book signings and speaking engagements, you owe it to yourself to advertise them through Goodreads events.

5. Share Excerpts of Upcoming Publications

Excerpts can get your audience excited about a book you have in the works. Don’t be afraid to share them on Goodreads via your author blog.

6. Post Videos

Readers are more likely to remember your messages when you deliver them by video. If you can, create and publish unique videos on Goodreads about your books, charitable contributions, upcoming events, and more.

7. Create a Listopia List

Listopia is a way for people to find new books to read. Since most readers stick to a genre when they finish one book, they go to another in the same genre. I.E. Romance readers are not buying a business book after they finish their last romance book, they usually buy inside the same genre. Listopia allows readers to discover books that are similar to the ones they like or in the same genre because their book is listed as being similar. The concept is “If you like this book you’ll probably like that book.”

8. Share, Share, and Share

Last but not least, share your list of favorite books and recent reads with your fans! This tip is simple but very effective and important.

The Bottom Line: If you’re in search of a fresh yet effective way to promote your work as an author, you owe it to yourself to explore Goodreads.

About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Book Marketing, 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 Book Marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] 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.


Want to be a Thought Leader? Publish a Branding Book – Here’s the Bottom-Line Cost

Want to be a Thought Leader? Publish a Branding Book - Here’s the Bottom-Line Cost

By: Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing

Have you been thinking about publishing a book for your personal brand or business? A strategized memoir or business book can elevate your authority and be a lead-generating machine for your speaking, consulting, or course offers. Today anyone can publish a book for next to nothing. But take it from a book marketer, just because it’s published doesn’t mean it’ll elevate your business.

On average, a self-published book costs around $2,000 to publish. But most of those books sell less than 100 copies. Wouldn’t you like your book to do better than that?

For the people I work with, investing in a professional book is a no-brainer. Speakers and business leaders see their books as a career investment, and it makes sense to consult the experts to get the best ROI.

“If you want to exponentially grow your opportunities as a consultant, speaker, investor, or leader, it’s time to get published,” says Marie Hasty. She’s a concierge ghostwriter for clinicians and medical entrepreneurs, and she loves helping her clients elevate their careers with a professional book. “These projects aren’t cheap. But investing in just one book can impact the rest of your life – your business, your personal brand, and your legacy.”

How much can you expect to invest if you want to put together a professional book for your brand? Here’s a breakdown of the cost of publishing a branding book today.

Publishing cost is different for every project. But understanding the rough cost for each step in the publishing process will help you make the best decision for your book (and your wallet). Let’s break down the book-building process into four categories: pre-publication, publication, marketing, and distribution.

Pre-Publication Expenses

Professional book development lays the foundation for an impactful branding book. As a book publicist and publishing expert, I can’t stress enough the importance of investing in the following areas to ensure your book’s quality and resonance with your audience.

1. Book Concept and Development

The first step in publishing your branding book is refining your concept and developing a well-structured outline. If you’re working with a ghostwriter or book consultant, they’ll help you with this. You’ll also need to get clear on your goals for the book, your audience, and the key stories you want to tell during this stage. Here’s a list of ghostwriters I like to work with: Ghostwriters

Ghostwriter: $20,000-$100,000+

Book Coach or Consultant: $1,000-$3,000 per month

2. Professional Editing and Proofreading

Editing is an indispensable aspect of publishing, as it ensures that your writing is polished, error-free, and ready for public consumption. Investing in professional editing and proofreading services will significantly improve the quality and credibility of your branding book. Skilled editors will help refine your content, improve flow, and ensure consistency for your readers.

Depending on the publishing route you choose, editing may be included in your publishing package.

Developmental Editing: $1,500-$5,000 per project

Line/Copy Editing: $1,500-$3,000 per project

Proofreading: $800-$1,000 per project

3. Book Cover Design

Don’t underestimate the power of a visually striking book cover. Despite what we’ve been told,  your readers are judging your book by its cover. A good book cover can help sell a book – a bad cover can kill a book. Enlisting professional designers to create a compelling book cover that aligns with your branding visuals is well worth the investment. Here’s a list of Book Cover Designers I’ve compiled.

Book Cover Design: $200-$2,000

Publication Costs

The cost of publishing your book will depend on the publishing route you choose. Today, there are three main ways that authors are published: Traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing. For many authors, traditional publishing is not an option. But hybrid and self-publishing routes are rapidly gaining traction for authors who are able to invest in their book’s development and printing. Let’s compare the costs of each publishing method.

1. Traditional Publishing

Traditional publishing through big firms has significant advantages in that it won’t cost you anything to have your book edited, designed, and printed. Some authors even get advances on their book, although these aren’t what they used to be (think: less than $5,000).

However, there are still costs associated with traditional publishing. You’ll need to work with a literary agent, put together a book proposal, do most or all of the marketing yourself, and likely foot the bill on travel for a book tour. Check out my article with interviews from 18 literary agents about what they want from authors. What Literary Agents Want

Literary Agent: 10-15% of advances and royalties

Ghostwritten Book Proposal: $5,000-$15,000

Book Tour Expenses: $3,000-$20,000+

2. Self-Publishing

Self-Publishing has come a long way in the last decade, and several big authors have turned to this method as a way to keep more royalties and maintain creative control. Most importantly by self-publishing you can bring your book onto the market much faster by months and months. The downside is that this method is more work for the author, and you may need to coordinate hiring editors, designers, etc. to produce a professional finished product. Assisted self-publishing firms can help you save time and create a more refined book, but they’re not cheap, and you’ll need to vet your team before signing a publishing contract.

DIY Self-Publishing Expenses: $1,000-$2,000

Assisted Self-Publishing: $8,000-$25,000+

3. Hybrid Publishing

Hybrid publishing brings a mix of professional editorial support with the speed and creative control of self-publishing. Hybrid publishers share the publishing cost with their authors and provide in-house editing, design, and production. These firms help with some book marketing since their profits come partially from book sales. But keep in mind that hybrid publishers are not vanity presses, and many firms only select about 10% of the manuscripts they see in a year.

Hybrid Publishing: $6,000-$30,000

The publishing industry is always changing, and even experienced authors may change their publishing route depending on the goals for their book. Jane Friedman, an expert on book publishing and author consultant, summarizes the publishing process well:

“There is no one path or service that’s right for everyone all the time; you should take time to understand the landscape and make a decision based on long-term career goals, as well as the unique qualities of your work. Your choice should also be guided by your own personality (are you an entrepreneurial sort?) and experience as an author (do you have the slightest idea what you’re doing?).”

No matter what publishing route you choose, most book marketing efforts will likely fall on you, the author. So, let’s talk about what you might expect to pay for book PR, book promotions, and marketing a successful book launch.

Book Marketing

Investing in expert book marketing support can be the difference between a book that makes you a household name and a book that collects dust on your shelf. Book marketing costs money but obscurity costs more. Today, there are more avenues for marketing your book than ever. Here are the book marketing essentials to start with:

1. Hire a Book Publicist.

Have you ever wondered how guests on talk shows get those coveted spots? They’re likely working with a publicist or PR firm. Working with an experienced book publicist (like me) elevates your authority, gaining you media exposure with the audiences who need your book. A book publicist can also help you schedule appointments on your book tour, find book fairs and festivals, and connect you with journalists for interviews.

Book Publicist Cost: $5500-$7500 per month

2. Build Your Author Platform.

Where do you want people to go after they see you on TV, read your book, or watch your speaker presentation? Maintaining an author website and blog helps create more touchpoints for your audience to learn about you and your expertise. And this is a great place to recruit readers for your newsletter or course. Jeff Jacobs of the prestigious web design firm Marketing Success, says “I love working with authors because a website really elevates their book success. We’ve built dozens of author sites, and I recommend that every author keep a website.”

DIY Website Cost: $16-$50 per month

Professional Website Cost: $4,000-9,000

3. Social Media Promotion.

If you don’t have one already, building a following on social media can get more eyes on your brand and help you connect with more readers.

I know it’s difficult to be on all platforms, but you should be on at least one. If you have a business book and you are seeking business clients, then build out your LinkedIn page.

If you have a fiction book, then go for Facebook and Instagram.

If you have a younger audience then check out TikTok, and specifically BookTok, which has elevated dozens of authors in the last several years. Jane Friedman helped her client get to half a million followers on the platform, which led to a traditional publishing deal. “There are many approaches to getting your book out there to readers,” says Jane. If you’re wanting to build a face-forward platform, TikTok could be a great place to start.

You’ll need to think about who your audience is and where they live on the internet to best invest your time. Personally, I love Twitter or X as it’s being rebranded, and have 49K followers at @aBookPublicist.  I promote my client’s books and my own services as well as Tweet about publishing, writing, and info useful to authors and publishers. I send out articles like this one to my followers and some are really happy to see this stuff!

DIY Social Media Cost: Nothing

Professional Social Media Management Cost: $200-5,000 per month

Social Media Ads Cost: $15-$200 per day

Distribution Costs

How and where readers access your book comes down to distribution. Most branding books are physically printed, and many authors opt for an e-book as well. Audiobooks are less common unless you’re working with a traditional publisher who will foot the bill. These are the main ways authors distribute their books today:

1. Online Retailers:

Amazon is the most common online retailer for books today, and a great option for self-publishing. Their print-on-demand option allows you to avoid the cost of large print runs. POD has a higher cost per book, but there’s much less risk. This costs nothing, but you won’t find your book in bookstores with this method.

Amazon Print-On-Demand Cost: $0

2. Brick-And-Mortar Stores:

If you’re working with a hybrid or traditional publisher, they’ll likely handle distributing your book to stores. Most publishers work with Ingram Publishing, which gets your book out to most bookstores nationwide. Retailers then order your book, and Ingram prints and ships it to them.

Book Distribution Cost: 10-26% of net sales

3. Do a Goodreads eBook Giveaway:

It may sound counterintuitive, but giving away your book can be a great marketing strategy. Sign up in your author profile on Goodreads and they do all the work. They’ll promote it to their audience and charge a nominal fee of $115. They’ll send out the eBooks to the winners of the contest. Some authors schedule several per year. Why do this? It puts your book into the hands of people who may read it and review it on Amazon or Goodreads. If you have a physical book, you can do the same thing but shipping the book is up to you. My recommendation is do the eBook.

The Cost and Investment of Publishing: Key Takeaways

There’s a reason why want to write a book but only a small fraction does it. Putting a successful book together takes time, money, and energy. But for the business leaders who commit to the process, there are big payoffs on the other side of being a “published author”. When you consult the experts in writing support, publishing, marketing, and distribution, you ensure the best results possible.

The Bottom Line: Your book will not write, publish and promote itself. If you want success get professionals to help you along the way.

About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Book Marketing, 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 Book Marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] 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.


Attention Women Authors – Don’t Sell Yourselves Short

Attention Women Authors – Don’t Sell Yourselves Short

By: Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing

It’s happened again. A female author client of mine decided that she did not want to conduct interviews with podcasters, radio or TV show hosts. Why? Because she thought her southern accent was too strong.

I disagreed emphatically… to no avail. I thought her accent was fine. She was easy to understand, and it added authenticity to the interview. I even offered more media training to help give her confidence. “Sorry, not going to do it.”

Now, had she or any other client had a strong accent making an interview impossible to understand, then we would most definitely focus on other methods to promote the book. We are not here to make a fool of anyone.

But having self-critical author is not new.

In another instance, a prospective female author, called me to discuss promoting her book. But she warned me that she was shy about getting publicity, and that she was not sure about using the incredible endorsement she got from a bestselling author of 30 million books – Jack Canfield. I was stunned.

I honestly have never come across a male author who said, “I am not worthy of the PR you are about to get me!” They may be out there, but I’ve never seen them.

I have, however, spoken to a number of women who have implied that, for a variety of reasons, they are not worthy of the attention, and I am here to tell you to STOP IT!

I explained to my prospective client that before I can even begin to help her, she needs to stop pulling punches, and to stop selling herself short, and recognize her self-worth.

Often, the biggest barrier between some women and success is themselves. This concept is discussed in the multi-year-best-selling book Lean In, written by Sheryl Sandberg, the former Chief Operating Officer of Facebook. Sandberg says that women are conditioned by society to blend in, to stay out of the limelight, and even to downplay their power or success. In the book, she cites a meeting with Tim Geithner, who was at the time the Secretary of the Treasury:

“Secretary Geithner’s team, all women, took their food last and sat in chairs off to the side of the room. … [They] had every right to be at this meeting, but because of their seating choice, they seemed like spectators rather than participants.”

It is no secret that some women have been taught to hold themselves back for cultural, religious and other reasons. This is archaic and has no place in our world today nor should it.

The Bottom Line: Women, put your foot on the accelerator and don’t let it off! Believe in your book, enter book award contests, listen to your PR professional, do the interviews, and believe that you are worthy of winning! Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead!

About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Book Marketing, 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 Book Marketing approach at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] 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.