Since I’m a Chair for the Texas Book Festival, I get asked by writers how they can be invited to appear at the festival. The fact is that although the staff does a great job of finding wonderful authors, they can’t know about everyone, even though they’ve been out talking to publishers for months. So, if you haven’t been contacted by now, it’s up to you to let them know about your book.
And you can do that. Or you can have your publicist or publisher do it for you.
Just go online to the Festival site and you’ll find out how.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
You have to have had a book published in the 18 months prior to the start of the Festival.
Your book can’t have been self-published.
You or your publicist will have to send in copies of your book, a press kit, an author bio and more.
And if you want to be considered to speak or be on a panel, act now. It’s best if you submit all your material before June 1st. Authors are already being lined up and preference is given to those who act early.
And, just to let you know, I have absolutely nothing to do with who gets chosen. That’s done by a committee. I don’t even choose who appears at the Austin Museum of Art, the event that I chair.
The Texas Book Festival is a huge event – and that means many authors participate. If you want to be one of them, go online and find out how.
5 years ago
Nice tip and lead. I'm going to check out the website. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Helen! Sounds like a fabulous opportunity and a lot of fun. For me, not this year...but maybe before my youngest niece graduates from Austin...
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you come into town, Conda!
ReplyDeleteThe TBF is a huuuuge event. It takes over the capitol and streets around it. My events are off site (by a couple of blocks) at the Austin Museum of Art. Great speakers, usually with slides.
Sounds like a great opportunity - thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNA Sharpe
http://nasharpe.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing. Why does the organisation decide against self-published authors?
ReplyDeleteIn Quest of Theta Magic
Enid, I'm not real sure. I believe it has to do with getting the books there for selling & signing. Everything goes through Barnes & Noble, unless you're signing in the vendor booths, say with Sisters in Crime or an independent seller.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info! A bit far for me, but sounds like a lot of fun.
ReplyDelete--Lisa
http://authorlisalogan.blogspot.com
Thanks for the info Helen. I'm on it!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte Phillips
Hacksaw
markandcharlottephillips.com
Best of luck, Charlotte! Would love to get to see you.
ReplyDelete