Featured Speakers Yasmin Angoe Plot Twists and Persistence: A Thriller Author’s Journey and Lessons Learned Read More Erika Howsare Stitching a Wild Story: How The Age of Deer Was Made Read More Catherine Baab Dead Broke, Deeply Weird, and Still Iconic: Why Poe Endures Read More Marni Graff Judge This Book: The Psychology and Craft of Irresistible Covers Read More

Our board contributes their talents to organize, plan and host the festival. Our Board Kelly Ronayne TREASURER Jennie Kelly COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST Susan Williamson MEMBER AT LARGE Sophia Rossen DIGITAL SPECIALIST Dr. Kathleen P. Decker POETRY LIASON Juanita Graham MEMBER AT LARGE Sara Brandt COMMUNITY PARTNER, JCC SCHOOL DISTRICT Peter Stipe PRESIDENT Katharine Graves SECRETARY Bob Archibald MEMBER AT LARGE

Our volunteers are essential to our success. Consider helping out! Volunteer The Williamsburg Book Festival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. We thrive because of our volunteers. Contact Us First name Last name Email Phone How would you like to help? * Set up the day of the event Tear down the day of the event Greet visitors Other Write a message Submit Thanks for submitting!

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 Dead Broke, Deeply Weird, and Still Iconic: Why Poe Endures Edgar Allan Poe suffered a lifetime of tragedies, then died broke and misunderstood—but he's become one of the most enduring literary brands of all time. In this funny, myth-busting talk, Catherine Baab uncovers the real Poe: his Virginia roots, the craft choices that make his work unforgettable, and the life choices packed with lessons more timely than ever. Come for the juicy lore; leave with some surprisingly useful takeaways. About Catherine: Catherine Baab is a writer and journalist whose work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Slate, CNBC, and NBC News. She is the author of Poe for Your Problems: Uncommon Advice from History’s Least Likely Self-Help Guru (Hachette, 2021), a finalist for the Library of Virginia People’s Choice Award and a Barnes & Noble Holiday Catalog pick. A frequent guest on NPR, she lives in Richmond, Virginia, where she writes the Substack newsletter “Poe Can Save Your Life” and is at work on her next book. Previous Next

Our sponsors help our festival happen! Sponsor us and help support the Williamsburg literary community. Promotion Our sponsors are featured in our festival promotional materials, our website & ads placed in local publications. The festival poster and handout will promote sponsors to event attendees. Posters will be displayed at local businesses in addition to the festival location. Why Sponsor? Connect with a diverse audience of readers and writers. Sponsorship provides excellent brand visibility and helps promote literacy and community engagement in Williamsburg. Join us to make a positive impact while gaining valuable exposure! Sponsor