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< Back Judge This Book: The Psychology and Craft of Irresistible Covers Make your cover do its job. Author and editor Marni Graff translates design principles into author‑friendly steps: genre signals, typography, color, and the crucial thumbnail test. With real case studies and before‑and‑afters, you’ll leave with a practical checklist, resource links, and the confidence to brief a designer—whether you’re indie or traditionally published. About Marni: Marni Graff is the author of the Nora Tierney English Mysteries and the Trudy Genova Manhattan Mysteries, celebrated for a strong sense of place, wit, and classic crime traditions. A contributor to the Miss Demeanors blog and Managing Editor of Bridle Path Press, she frequently visits book clubs and libraries to talk craft and mystery writing. Previous Next

< Back Bill Ayres Bill has run or helped run bookstores all of his life. He graduated from VWC and continued his education at the MUSE Writers' Center. His work has appeared in Commonweal, Sojourners, The Hollins Critic, and many other magazines. The poems call to him and tell him what to write about. Sometimes a bird in his hand or a rolling stone like in his first book, What Passes for Wisdom, sometimes he's told to write in the voice of a horse or a fly like in We Share the World. He was called to write the Gospel-based Jesus Poems, poems that are good news but also challenging. 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

Take a look at last year's festival pictures! Authors, poets, attendees & more 2025 Event Photos IMG_2111 IMG_2116 IMG_1883 IMG_2111 1/44

The Williamsburg Book Festival's mission is to promote and support the art of literary composition in the Williamsburg area and expose writers to the reading public. Our free event includes authors from various genres, speakers, illustrators, and publishers from Virginia and beyond. The Williamsburg Book Festival Join us on February 27th, 2027! Our annual family-friendly event brings together a dynamic mix of authors, poets, speakers, illustrators, and publishers from Virginia and beyond. Apply to exhibit starting August 1st. Learn more Our Mission At the Williamsburg Book Festival, our mission is to celebrate and support the art of literary composition while connecting authors with the reading public. Exhibit Share your stories in a vibrant literary community Experience Connect with passionate readers and uncover exciting new creative voices Support Empower authors and readers: contribute to help support the love of reading What to Expect The Williamsburg Book Festival features a diverse lineup of authors, engaging speakers, and Virginia's Poet Laureate, along with our annual Student Writing Contest that celebrates the next generation of writers. Authors, Speakers, Poets, Workshops, Student Writing Contest Festival Flashbacks 1/1 Bookmark this! The Williamsburg Book Festival has been one of my favorite events for many years. It’s the place real book-people go to mingle, learn, and read from the best Williamsburg has to offer. Perhaps what makes this festival one of the greatest is that the community comes out to support the authors and festival with warmth and energy that brings me back year after year. —Tj O’Connor, award winning author of The Hemingway Deception and The Dead Detective Casefiles We Are authors readers publishers writers dreamers creatives book lovers poets students ...

Our board contributes their talents to organize, plan and host the festival. Our Board Kelly Ronayne TREASURER Peter Stipe GRANT WRITER Susan Williamson MEMBER AT LARGE Sophia Rossen DIGITAL SPECIALIST Dr. Kathleen P. Decker POETRY LIASON Juanita Graham COMMUNICATIONS Jennie Kelly PRESIDENT Sarah Brandt SECRETARY Bob Archibald VICE PRESIDENT

Our volunteers are essential to our success. Consider helping out! Volunteer The Williamsburg Book Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating authors, books, and the joy of reading. Our festival thrives because of the dedication and generosity of our volunteers, whose time and talents make this event possible each year. From planning and setup to welcoming guests and supporting authors, our volunteers play an essential role in creating a memorable experience for everyone who attends. Please click on the below if you are interested in volunteering with us! Fill out this form

Thank you for applying You will be notified if you are accepted or waitlisted by December 1st 2026. Have Questions? Contact Us.

Read more about the 70+ authors who will be exhibiting at the festival Exhibiting Authors T.J. O'Connor Caroline Crocker Sandy Hope Stewart George WB Scott Allison Gunn Taylor Hartley Karen Marginot Caterina Novelliere Bill Ayres Nicole Glover A.D. Stone Larry Walsh Patricia Bradby Moore N.M. Opperman Ginny Brock Michael Eging Laura C.Rader Elizabeth Duncan-Hawker Jenn Bouchard Sonny Hudson Michael Gryboski Patsy Asuncion Leslie Eva Tayloe Cindy L. Freeman Loralee Clark Teresa Inge Sally Stiles Robert Archibald D. L. Farrar Ron Peterson, Jr Ellen Butler Tim Holland Melissa Face Thomas Guay Thomas M. Wing Chris Register Bradley Harper T.S. Arther Mark Piggott Christy Landers Tallamy John Conlee Luz Schweig William R Hogan Catherine Clark Felts Tabitha Mann Sarah Newland Hugh Lessig Patti Gaustad Procopi Cindy Chisholm Juanita P. Graham Heather Buchanan Jess Renae Sherer Jim Meisner Jr. Heidi Hartwiger Peter Stipe Chris Whitlatch Lesley O'Brien S.J. Lee Tommy Kerper Michael Stephens Nan Carlton L.E. DeLano Leslie Lautenslager Alicia Swain Heather Brown Barrett Jacqueline T. Johnson Aminta Colón Heather Mullaly Randy Ellefson J.S. Furlong S.K. Ehra Elaine Honeycutt

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

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Contact the Williamsburg Book Festival with any questions or concerns. Contact Us Submit Thank you! We will get back to you as soon as possible!