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2026 Sponsors We proudly recognize our 2026 sponsors. Their generous support helps make the Williamsburg Book Festival possible.

< Back Chris Whitlatch Chris Whitlatch is an author, game creator, and nonprofit marketer, but he especially likes to be known as a storyteller. With a lifelong passion for animals, he has just release a new series called Animal Heroes. The first book is all about goats and their superpowers. Next

Information regarding our 2025 Festival. Find out what to expect and look forward to. What Can I Expect at the Event? Book Fair 70+ Nationally & regionally renowned authors Thriller, Poetry, Self-Help, Children's Books, Romance, Fantasy, Horror, Sci-fi, Mystery & more! Publishers' Alley Virginia publishing companies display their books and host their authors and editors. For the aspiring author, submission guidelines will be available for each publishing house. Poets Laureate of Virginia A special presentation from the Poetry Society of Virginia. Workshops & Presentations Workshops, panels, and presentations take place throughout the day. Focused on both readers and writers, the workshops and presentations illuminate library resources for book clubs, the craft of writing, the music of poetry, and the mechanics of the book industry.

< Back Tommy Kerper Once upon a time, a bored lawyer and avid reader searched for a particular book. Tired of his favorite characters becoming background noise to the heroes of the story, he took it upon himself to write something different. A few books later, Tommy has dropped the lawyer gig and decided writing full-time is worth giving a chance. He lives in Virginia with his perfect wife, their dog with endless energy, and two boys that wear even the dog out. You can find Tommy writing, sipping another cup of coffee, or reading anything he can get his hands on. Next

Important information for anyone wishing to exhibit as an author or publisher at the Williamsburg Book Festival. 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. Author Application Apply Now Publisher Application Apply Now Key Dates Aug. 1st, 2026 - Applications Open Sep. 30st, 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 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 $40 Full Table For authors selling multiple books. 5 feet by 30 inches 2 chairs $65 Publisher Table For Publishers Only. In designated publisher Space. 5 Feet by 30 Inches 2 Chairs $120 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. Still Have Questions? FAQs for Exhibitors

< Back N.M. Opperman N.M. Opperman is a candid writer with a thoughtful edge. While much of her writing experience has been rooted in poetry, she has worked across various genres throughout her life and career. She is an incomplete C2 spinal cord and traumatic brain injury survivor, the result of a car accident at the age of three. Her book series, Nanette’s Adventures, follows a young girl navigating childhood with unique challenges, inviting readers to discover how ordinary the extraordinary can be. Next

< Back Taylor Hartley Taylor Hartley graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a minor in Creative Writing. Inspired largely by Tamora Pierce and Madeline L’Engle, Taylor started writing stories when they were nine years old and never looked back. Next

< Back Michael Gryboski Michael Gryboski was born and raised in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. He graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor of arts and then a master's, both in history. In addition to writing fiction, Michael also writes news articles for a living. Michael would rather be correct than widely accepted. Next

< Back A.D. Stone A.D. Stone is an author, chandler, and vintage toy shop owner. A lifelong lover of books, art, Arthurian legend, poetry, Disney, and all things whimsical and nostalgic, she takes pride in her creative ability, always looking for the next magical thing to conjure up or be a part of. She was born and raised within the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. She resides in Waynesboro with her significant other and beloved pets. Next

< Back S.K. Ehra S.K. Ehra is an author of fantasy, horror, and all that lies between. When not reading or writing, she can be found wandering the woods and, while skittish, is friendly when approached. Next

Check out the full event schedule for the festival! Festival Schedule

< Back Melissa Face Melissa Face is the author of the award-winning collection I Love You More Than Coffee: Essays on Parenthood, published September 1, 2020 and I Love You More Than Coffee: A Guided Journal for Moms (September 13, 2022). Her writing has appeared in numerous local and national publications, including Richmond Family Magazine, Charlottesville Family Magazine, Tidewater Family Magazine, Scary Mommy, Motherscope, The Myrtle Beach Herald, Guideposts, Country Woman, Farm & Ranch Living, Prairie Times, Boomer Magazine, Sasee Magazine, Nine Lives: A Life in Ten Minutes Anthology, Parhelion Literary Magazine, and twenty-six volumes of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Next