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< Back Laura C.Rader Laura C. Rader graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in psychology and a minor emphasis in history and art. She taught English and history for many years. Now living in North Carolina, she is a full time author of historical fiction. Hatfield 1677, based on the true story of her 9th great grandparents in Massachusetts during King Philip’s War, is her debut award-winning novel. Next

< Back Michael Stephens Michael Stephens spent a career as an innovator, building new products for startups, small businesses, and large corporations - often without accidentally triggering an AI apocalypse. He’s now turned his creative energies to writing sci-fi comedies, “because the world needs more funny!” His work combines speculative ideas, satire, and characters doing their best in increasingly ridiculous situations. Michael is a firm believer that comedy and science fiction pair well, especially when things go absurdly wrong. He lives with his wife in Richmond, Virginia on a lil’ blue dot called Earth, within the Milky Way galaxy. Next

Frequently Asked Questions about the Application Process Frequently Asked Questions Authors Publishers What if I write in multiple genres? 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. Can I submit more than one book for review? Do you accept self-published books? Do you accept ebooks or digital books? My book isn't printed yet, but will be by February 27th, can I still apply? Can I sell things other than books? What are my chances? What is attendance like? What if I accept, but later find out I can’t attend? Should I opt for a full or a half table? How big are the tables? Do I have to be there the whole time? Can I bring large banners? Do I need to Collect Sales Tax? Why are you charging an application fee? What are the table fees used for? What if my question wasn’t answered here?

< Back Robert Archibald Robert Archibald is the Chancellor Professor of Economics Emeritus at the College of William and Mary. In retirement he’s started writing mystery novels. Blue Fortune Enterprises has published seven of his novels thus far. Set in current day America, his books feature real people dealing with real world problems, for example, identity theft, criminals who get off of technicalities, and judges who take bribes. None of the characters are particularly well endowed with natural abilities, but they are eventually able to bumble their way through to satisfactory conclusions. Next

< Back Christy Landers Tallamy Christy Landers Tallamy is a writer whose work explores the beauty and complexity of ordinary lives. Her style is often compared to Italian novelist Elena Ferrante. Her poetry and essays appear in several creative writing anthologies, and she has also worked as a ghostwriter, blogger, and essayist, earning small but meaningful accolades for her work. Her debut historical novel, Sugarcane Saint—the first in a planned trilogy—draws on her Southern roots to examine family loyalty, faith, and the legacies that shape who we become. Next

< Back Thomas M. Wing Thomas M. Wing, a retired thirty-two year Surface Warfare Officer, and Naval Academy and Naval War College graduate served more than ten years at sea in destroyers and frigates. A dedicated sailor for over half a century, he also commanded a tall ship. Tom has two published novels, Against All Enemies and In Harm’s Way, both of which have earned awards. Accurate history and authentic settings are his obsession. The reviews he is most proud of come from Navy veterans, who said of Against All Enemies that they could “smell the stale coffee and cigarette smoke in CIC.” Next

< Back Randy Ellefson Author and world building strategist Randy Ellefson has been world building since the 1980s, having worked on a single world (Llurien) for decades, while also building separate worlds for other projects. Rand has won honorable mention three times in the prestigious Writers of the Future contest and publishes fantasy novels, novellas, and short stories. His series, The Art of World Building, has reached the Top 10 on Amazon's Bestseller lists. He's also host of the Fantasy & Sci-Fi Author Summit. Between selling at conventions, he also appears on podcasts for writers. He holds a Bachelors of Music, Magna cum Laude, in classical guitar, and runs his own record label, which has released five of his albums (three instrumental rock, one instrumental acoustic, and one classical guitar album). His metal band, Black Halo, is releasing its debut album in 2026, with Rand as guitarist, main songwriter/lyricist, and band manager. Rand works as a professional software architect/project manager in the Washington, D.C. area and has worked for the State Department, White House, and NASA among others. When not creating, he's playing with his son and daughter, golfing, skiing, or swimming. Next

< Back Patricia Bradby Moore Patricia Bradby Moore is a proud multi-hyphenate who refuses to be defined by a single label. She is a writer, keynote speaker, connectivity coach, technologist, voiceover artist, community builder, traveler, runner, swimmer, cyclist, scuba diver, and amateur ukulele player. Patricia is passionate about using her experience and expertise to help others embrace every facet of their identity and live their most fulfilling lives. She views her versatility as a superpower—one that fuels innovation and builds a happier, more connected world. Next

< Back Heather Mullaly Heather Mullaly is an award winning author of books for children and teens. She is a strong believer in the power of story. When she isn't reading them, or writing them, she can often be found baking something that involves chocolate. Next

Share your writing and enter for a chance to win a cash prize. Student Writing Contest 2026 Winners: Middle School Poetry 1st - Twanae Simpson - "Childhood" 2nd - Casey Campbell - "Ocean Eyes" 3rd - Ailee Lewis - "The Memory Tree" Non-Fiction 1st - Caitlyn Schoolfield - "Glittering Gemstones" 2nd - Abigail Smart - "A Queen who Changed the World" Fiction 1st - Emilia Yu - "Eden" 2nd - William Lelegren - "There Goes Mathew!" 3rd - Natalee Duplain - "My Snow Filled Heart" High School Poetry 1st - Levi Roggero - "Elegy of the Deep" 2nd - Rhema Erebholo - "Of Passion and Color" 3rd - Ashlie Chamberliss - "In the Mirror" Non-Fiction 1st - Louise Wang - "New Horizons" 2nd - Cailyn Jiao - "Without Silence" 3rd - Ainsley Asbury - "Setbacks to Setups" Fiction 1st - Levi Roggero - "Nightfall" 2nd - Charlotte Gariepy - "Farewell" 3rd - Anna Cook - "Secret Society for Human Salvation" College Poetry 1st - Rex Farr - "Myosotis Blues" 2nd.- Naomi Linde - "Sublime" 3rd - "Sadie Wallander - "Idlewild" Non-Fiction 1st - Lucy Loudon - "Family Recipes" SEND SPONSORED BY

< Back Nan Carlton Nan Carlton is an award-winning writer and illustrator of children’s books. Originally from western North Carolina, today, she and her husband divide their time between Richmond, Va. and Cape Charles, Va. Nan holds degrees in music education from Lenoir-Rhyne University and Appalachian State University. In 2024, her first two picture books, Huck, Chuck, & Bruce: At the Shore and You Can’t Judge a Bee by Its Color, were published. Next

< Back Karen Marginot Karen Marginot is an author, a recovery coach, and an integrative coach with over four decades of literary experience. Her published memoir, The Bad Girls Club: Promises of a Spirituality-Based Recovery, explores transformation and recovery from trauma and addiction. With a background spanning publishing, content development leadership, and senior positions at Salesforce and Dell, Karen brings unique insight to writers at all stages. Her innovative workshops blend classical storytelling techniques with transformative approaches to narrative development, helping writers discover their authentic voice and craft impactful stories. Specializing in guiding those in the wisdom phase of life, Karen creates supportive environments where participants develop both technical skills and narrative gifts. A graduate of Co-Active Training Institute, Karen is currently working on her next two book projects while helping others discover the stories only they can tell. Her teaching philosophy centers on her conviction that a single story can change everything—transforming both author and audience. Next