Top Book Fairs and Festivals for Authors 2024

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 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!

Top Book Fairs and Festivals for Authors 2022

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 2022. 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.BookTV.org and click on the Book Fairs tab.  For more information about book events and book marketing visit  https://www.Book-Marketing-Expert.com.

1. Savannah Book Festival, February 7-20, 2022, Savannah, GA. The Savannah Book Festival has been around since 2008. It offers live streaming sessions with leading authors. https://www.savannahbookfestival.org/

2. AWP Conference and Bookfair, March 23-26, 2022, Philadelphia, PA. 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_conference

3. Saints and Sinners Literary Festival, March 25-27, 2022, 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/#about

4. The RBMS Booksellers’ Showcase, June 21-24, 2022, New Haven, CT. The RBMS Booksellers’ Showcase offers a variety of exhibitors and products like original art and illustration and manuscripts. https://rbms2022.us2.pathable.com/

5. American Library Association Annual Conference, June 23-28, 2022, Washington D.C. Over 25,000 experts in the industry will help you take your career to new heights. https://2022.alaannual.org/

6. SleuthFest, July 7-10, 2022, Boca Raton, FL. SleuthFest is an annual conference for mystery, suspense, and thriller writers. There’s a Guest of Honor Gala, Fla-Mingle cocktail party and Razzle Dazzle drawing. https://sleuthfest.com/

7. Writers at Woody Point, August 16-21, 2022, Woody Point, Newfoundland. Travel to Canada and immerse yourself in the talent that lies across the border. https://www.writersatwoodypoint.com/

8. The Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors, September 22 – 25, 2022, Virtual and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Bookmarks connects people and books through its annual festival, which has been around for over 17 years. https://www.bookmarksnc.org/festival

9. The Brooklyn Book Festival, September 26-October 2 & October 4, Brooklyn, NY. This festival’s mission is to “celebrate published literature and nurture a literary cultural community.” https://brooklynbookfestival.org/

10. The Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair, October 8-9, 2022, Seattle, WA. The Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair features exhibitors from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. https://www.seattlebookfair.com/

11. The Texas Book Festival, November 5-6, 2022, Virtual or Austin, TX. Founded in 1955, this festival includes over 250 authors as well as over 100 exhibitors. https://www.texasbookfestival.org/

12. Harlem Book Festival, 2022 Dates TBD, Harlem. The Harlem Book Festival is visited by over 30,000 readers and viewed by millions on C-Span https://www.harlembookfair.com.

13. Printers Row Lit Fest, 2022 Dates TBD, Chicago. This is a large book fair with more than 150,000 book lover attendees. https://printersrowlitfest.org

14. The South Dakota Festival of Books, 2022 Dates TBD, in Brookings and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It connects more than 4,000 attendees and more than 50 noteworthy authors, scholars, and publishers. http://sdhumanities.org/festival-of-books/

15. International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) 2022 Dates TBD, Atlanta, GA. Sara Bolme, author of Your Guide to Marketing Books in the Christian Marketplace, considers this the best book show for Christian authors. https://www.innovopublishing.com/the-international-christian-retail-show.html

16. The Baltimore Book Festival, 2022 Dates TBD, Baltimore, MD. The Baltimore Book Festival offers storytellers, poetry readings, panel discussions, cooking demos, live music, and more. https://brilliantbaltimore.com/baltimore-book-festival/

17. Decatur Book Festival, 2022 Dates TBD, 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/

18. The Southern Festival of Books, 2022 Dates TBD, Nashville, Tennessee. This festival connects readers and writers from Tennessee and beyond. https://www.visitmusiccity.com/things-to-do-in-nashville/events/southern-festival-books

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!