Hello Authors!
Submit your newly published or forthcoming book to participate in the Columbus Book Festival.
Submission Deadline: January 9, 2026
The Columbus Book Festival will be held July 11-12, 2026. Submissions for featured author participation will be accepted through Jan. 9, 2026.
The festival will feature adult and children’s programs. There will be two days of book talks, panel discussions, workshops and book signings by YOU, national, regional and local-to-Ohio authors with a new book to promote. An outdoor festival marketplace will include retail booksellers and literary exhibitors.
Participation
The festival will feature over 100 adult and children’s books. There will be two days of book talks, panel discussions, workshops and book signings by national, regional and local-to-Ohio authors with a newly published book.
- Adult & YA Featured Authors are scheduled for one-to-two 60-minute panel discussions with a 30-minute book signing immediately following the session.
- Featured Children’s Authors participate in family friendly readings and interactive programs.
- Festival titles will be sold by the Official Festival Bookstore, not directly by participating authors.
- Featured Authors DO NOT receive tabling space during the event.
Note: Authors who self-publish or utilize hybrid publishers may sell directly to attendees via Indie Author Alley or at a Marketplace Exhibitor booth. Featured Authors do not receive tabling space.
Visit the Indie Author Alley page for more details.
Book Submission Guidelines:
Eligible authors will have a book published between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.
Books from a variety of viewpoints and topics will be considered based on how they fit into existing panels and themes featured in our festival. See application for complete guidelines.
A variety of subjects and genres accepted in popular fiction and nonfiction for adults. A limited number of middle grade and children’s books are selected for family-centered programs.
Popular Fiction – Adult
- Sci-fi, historical and contemporary fiction, romance, thriller, mystery, humor, etc.
- Series writers
Popular Nonfiction – Adult
- Narrative nonfiction, biographies, historical nonfiction, journalistic nonfiction and expository writing for a broad audience (current affairs)
- Food-related nonfiction
Middle Grade and Children’s Literature
- Broad genres that appeal to children and families
Self-published works MAY be considered if the following applies:
- Book must be professionally edited and presented
- ISBN and barcode required
- Author must have a press kit and website
- Established retailer or distributor from which wholesale copies can be purchased
- Books that adhere to the library’s book buying criteria and policy for material selection
Ineligible books include:
- Books first published outside of the 2026 eligibility window, including reprints, re-releases and paperback editions
- Topics with an exceedingly narrow audience, such as textbooks, instructional books, coffee table books, business texts and self-help.
- Anthologies and edited compilations
- Books only available in digital or audio format
- Content or art generated by artificial intelligence (A.I.)
- Books that do not adhere to the library’s book buying criteria and policy for material selection
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Columbus Book Festival is committed to celebrating a broad range of cultures and ideas. The festival will include books and genres that reflect abundant diversity. We will highlight authors with various life experiences and stories to create a festival experience that’s open to all, inclusive and diverse.
Timeline
Now through Jan. 9, 2026: Featured Author submissions
Rolling through April 2026: Notifications sent and contracting
Late April 2026: Featured Author lineup announced to the public
FEATURED AUTHOR BENEFITS:
Festival Scope
- 125+ Featured Authors participate in panel discussions and book talks
- 150+ bookish vendors in booths at the Festival Marketplace
- 100+ self-published and small press authors exhibit in Indie Author Alley
- Multiple Entertainment Stages and large Food Court
- Approximately 40,000 visits over two days
Featured Author Incentives
- Participation on one-to-two 60-minute panel discussions to speak about your newest title, or an interactive children’s program
- 30-minute book signing session
- No tabling required
- Bio and book description on festival website and event program
- Books sold on your behalf in the Official Festival Bookstore by NYT-reporting sellers
- Modest honorarium and invitation to the Festival Preview Party
