Question 1

What if I write in multiple genres?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to sell books from different genres at the event.  However, for the purposes of the selection process, please select only one genre on your application, and send only one book in that genre for review.

Question 2

Can I submit more than one book for review?

Accepted Answer

No. While we encourage you to sell multiple books you have written at the festival, we only have the capacity for our jury to review one book.  Please select a book that has been published in the last 5 years and represents your best work.  If you send in multiple books, we will select only one to review.

Question 3

Do you accept self-published books?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  We judge all books by the same standards and criteria regardless of whether they are self or traditionally published.

Question 4

Do you accept ebooks or digital books?

Accepted Answer

No. Since this is an in-person event, we require authors to have physical copies of their books to sell.  If you will have physical copies to sell by February 27th, but will not have the physical book by the September 31st deadline, email info@williamsburgbookfestival.org to ask about special consideration.

Question 5

My book isn't printed yet, but will be by February 27th, can I still apply?

Accepted Answer

We must have a book to jury. Ask your publisher if it is possible to get an advanced copy.  If that isn't possible, contact info@williamsburgbookfestival.org.  We will make decisions on a case by case basis.

Question 6

Can I sell things other than books?

Accepted Answer

You must have prior permission to sell non-book items. We will only allow the sale of obvious companion products. For example, if your children's book has a plush toy accompanyment, or if your book is about magic and you have themed taro cards.  We don't allow unconnected sales, like you happen to also make jewelry, or you want to sell your brother's wife's homemade jams.

Question 7

What are my chances?

Accepted Answer

Last year, we accepted 31% of authors who applied.  While we wish we could accept everyone, we are limited by the space available.  We do our best to have all genres represented in proportion to the interest our attendees express for each genre, so acceptance rates within genres may vary.

Question 8

What is attendance like?

Accepted Answer

Last year we had approximately 600 attendees throughout the day.  In a survey of exhibiting authors who attended last year, 97% indicated that they sold books, and 85% of attendees reported purchasing at least one book.

Question 9

What if I accept, but later find out I can’t attend?

Accepted Answer

If you have been accepted and paid your table fee, you will be eligible for a refund up until January 31, 2027.  After that date, it is usually too late for someone from the waiting list to make arrangements to attend in your place, which is why we can not refund your table fee.

Question 10

Should I opt for a full or a half table?

Accepted Answer

We recommend half tables for authors who only have one book to sell.  If you have more than that at a half table, it often looks cluttered and unappealing to attendees.

Question 11

How big are the tables?

Accepted Answer

We are required to use the tables provided by the facility.  Unfortunately, these tables are on the smaller side.  They are 5 feet by 30 inches.  Half tables are 2.5 feet by 30 inches.

Question 12

Do I have to be there the whole time?

Accepted Answer

The event is February 27th from 10am - 4pm.  You may begin setting up as early as 8am, but we ask that you do not leave until 4pm.  You are welcome to take breaks during the day to eat lunch or attend one of the events.  If you chose to leave your table, consider having a “be back @” sign, or bring a friend or family member to watch your table.  We will also have volunteers who will be happy to watch your table for up to 15 minutes at a time.

Question 13

Can I bring large banners?

Accepted Answer

The facility does not allow any signs to be hung/taped on walls.  For safety reasons, they also will not allow free-standing banners that could be a tripping hazard in walk-ways.  You are welcome to have signage that will stand on the table itself, but it should not exceed 7 feet in height as measured from the floor.

Question 14

Do I need to Collect Sales Tax?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Virginia State Law requires you to collect sales tax on physical goods sold. This guide from the Virginia Department of Taxation can help you figure out how to put this in practice and what tax froms you might need to fill out with your taxes.

Question 15

Why are you charging an application fee?

Accepted Answer

We typically receive a large number of applications, which takes commitment and time for our jurors to review.  We want to ensure that they are only reviewing authors who have demonstrated serious commitment to attending.  We have reduced our table fees by $5 from last year, so that essentially, the cost to attend remains the same if you are accepted.

Question 16

What are the table fees used for?

Accepted Answer

Table fees help to cover the cost to rent the facilities, advertise to the local and regional community, and small honorariums for key speakers who help draw in a larger audience.

Question 17

What if my question wasn’t answered here?

Accepted Answer

Email info@williamsburgbookfestival.org and we will provide you with an answer.  If the question is a common one, we will update this FAQ list.

Frequently Asked Questions