Exhibit at the Festival
As an exhibitor, you'll have the opportunity to connect with hundreds of passionate readers, showcase your books, and engage with a community that loves discovering new stories. Meet fellow authors and publishers, build meaningful connections, and enjoy a welcoming, celebratory atmosphere dedicated to the joy of books and reading.
How to Apply
Applications are open from August 1st - September 30th, 2026
Fill Out Application
Fill out a short form to help us get to know you as an author or publisher. We strive to include a variety of genres.
Pay Application Fee
Paying the $5 application fee ensures that our jurors only review those committed to attending if accepted.
Mail or Drop off Book
Authors must postmark or drop off their book by September 30th or they will be disqualified. Publishers do not need to send a book.
Key Dates
Aug. 1st, 2026 - Applications Open
Sep. 31st, 2026 - Applications Close
Nov. 30th, 2026 - Invitations sent to accepted applicants
Dec. 31st, 2026 - Deadline to accept invitation to exhibit
Jan. 31st, 2027 - Payment Deadline & last day to receive refund
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Feb. 27th 2027 - Williamsburg Book Festival
Table Rates
Half Table
Ideal for an author with a single book to sell.
2 1/2 feet x 30 inches
1 chair
Full Table
For authors selling multiple books.
5 feet by 30 inches
2 chairs​
Publisher Table
For Publishers Only. In designated publisher Space.
5 Feet by 30 Inches
2 Chairs
The Jurying Process
Authors
Each author will be juried by three separate reviewers. Reviewers are avid readers, former librarians, editors, or publishers selected for their familiarity with and appreciation of the specific genre the author selects on their application. If any Reviewer knows an author personally, they will recuse themselves, and another Reviewer will be assigned.
Reviewers will be assessing books based on the quality of the writing, professionalism in the physical copy (consistency in formatting, fonts, margins, pagination, lack of grammatical errors), aesthetic appeal of the cover/illustrations, commercial appeal of the topic/theme/subject matter within the genre, and prior reviews.
In edge cases where a tiebreaker is necessary, special consideration will be given to local and regional authors (VA, MD, DE, NC, & Washington DC) and authors currently underrepresented in the industry.
Publishers
The board collectively evaluates each publisher application. Preference is given to publishing houses that show commitment to authors and readers in their community above and beyond the motivation of profit.