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• Where is the festival held?

It’s online on Zoom. As the festival approaches we will advertise our event on Eventbrite where you can sign up to attend for free. You must be a registered Zoom user and your Zoom name and the name you register with Eventbrite must match. (This helps us avoid spammers.)

• How can authors participate?

We will let you know here and in our newsletter when author applications are open (usually late spring). You can apply and if you are accepted the fee is $25. There are a limited number of open spots.

• For an author, what is the advantage of attending?

You will sit on a panel with other authors who write in your genre and answer questions from the moderator and from the audience. This gives you a chance to meet readers and talk about your featured book. During the festival our team will post your website and social media in the chat. You and your book will also be listed in our bookstore along with your preferred links. The festival will be recorded and can be shared from our YouTube channel.

• Why would readers be interested?

You can hear from some of your favorite authors and meet some authors you never heard of before our festival. Find out how authors get inspired and what his/her writing process is like. You’ll get ideas for your personal reading list and for readers on your gift list. You can ask questions live, participate in some fun games, and win prizes!

• Are self-published books accepted?

Yes!

• What kinds of books are featured?

Nonfiction, all genres of fiction, young adult books, and children’s books.

• Can publishers enter books in the book awards?

Yes, either publishers or authors can submit books.

• I can’t attend. Will the festival be recorded?

Yes, on our YouTube Channel. In 2025 we had a glitch and didn’t get sessions recorded, other than our featured speaker, but interviews with authors are being recorded and posted so you won’t miss hearing from our authors!

• When is the deadline for submitting or when will applications be open?

The best way to stay informed on our schedule is to sign up for our newsletter. Generally the book award applications open in early spring and the author applications open in late spring. The festival author registrations will open in late summer.

• Who profits from the application fees?

Authors and readers because the fees help support the festival and the awards. We do not make a profit and the committee members and founders are not paid. Our expenses include things like web services, postage, office supplies, honorariums, and the display awards for first place winners.

• Are donations tax deductible?

Yes, we are part of The Mordecai Brown Legacy Foundation, a registered charity. You can donate to our festival at this link.