Writing may often feel like a solitary pursuit, but in today’s publishing world, no author truly succeeds alone. Networking—whether with fellow writers, industry professionals, or readers—is one of the most powerful tools an author can use to grow, learn, and thrive.
One great resource for authors are local bookstores! Many independently-owned bookstores have a shelf dedicated to local authors. They are usually happy to stock books by local authors and I’ve been asked to sign copies for my local bookstores as well!
There are a few bookstores near me that go above and beyond stocking local authors. One has a monthly series of workshops they hold for local authors to help them hone their craft and also to teach authors how to market themselves to readers. They also hold local book fairs and festivals and encourage authors to come and sell their book themselves! These book festivals are a great place to meet other local authors and to talk shop with them about local marketing opportunities. They are also a great place to meet new readers!
This local author group also has its own podcast! They interview local authors to help them promote their work to the reading community. I recently sat down with the host, Amy Watkins, for an interview with the Rock, Paper, Write podcast. You can listen to that episode here. Amy also invited me to the Wheaton Arts Parade to sell my books with some other Kensington Row Bookshop authors. The Kensington Row Bookshop also organizes the annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival. It’s such a supportive bookstore.
For authors, networking isn’t about self-promotion alone—it’s about building authentic relationships that provide growth, support, and opportunity. The more you engage with your writing community, the stronger your career foundation becomes. So, go out and make some new friends and sell some books!
It’s always a great time to immerse yourself in the literary world, but September seems to be an especially busy month if you want to celebrate books. Get ready to mark your calendar because whether you want to find a new read from an indie author, or you want to collect a signature from a well-known author, September gives you multiple chances to grab some new books for your TBR pile.
Organized by the Library of Congress, the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. brings together a wide range of authors, journalists, and intellectuals to discuss literature and current affairs. With free events and a large roster of authors, this festival is a must-attend for book lovers.
Highlights:
Diverse Program: From fiction and memoirs to history and science, there’s something for everyone.
Author Signings: Meet bestselling authors and get your books signed.
Free Admission: All events are free to attend, making it accessible to everyone.
Panels & Discussions: Topics range from politics to personal stories and more.
FrightReads Book Festival is an all-ages event, dedicated to horror, sci-fi, mystery, paranormal and thriller books in Maryland! Featuring Celebrities, guest authors and tons to do! Old Scratch Press member Gabby Gilliam will be selling books at this event!
Free & Open to the Public: Kids 12 and under are free. Adult tickets need to be purchased.
Highlights:
Panels & Discussions: Topics cover everything from contemporary fiction to publishing trends.
Costume Contest: Categories for both children and adults.
Special Guests: Cosplayers, celebrities and more.
Film Festival: Screening 4 spooky films all afternoon.
One of the largest and most anticipated literary events in New York, the Brooklyn Book Festival offers nine days filled with book signings, panels, and performances. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the literary scene in the heart of Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Book Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year! BKBF is dedicated to celebrating diversity in literature, so they aim to develop original programming that is hip, smart, diverse, and inclusive. They also present free, literary, cultural events at the BKBF Day & Literary Marketplace, Virtual Festival Day, and the family friendly Children’s Day. Additionally, BKBF presents Bookend events in venues across NYC and on-line, which are overwhelmingly presented free to the public.
Highlights:
Children’s Day: September 20 is all about young readers.
Diverse Program: From fiction and memoirs to history and science, there’s something for everyone.
Panel Discussions: Topics on writing, editing, and publishing.
This event, hosted by the Frostburg University Center for Literary Arts, brings together editors and publishers with writers and educators of the local community. This event celebrates the writers, publishers, and readers of small press and independent publishing. The weekend features a poetry slam, readings, roundtable discussions, practical “how to” sessions, and a small press book fair in Frostburg, Maryland. Two Old Scratch Press members (David Fulcher and Gabby Gilliam) will be reading and selling books at this event!
Highlights:
Free & Open to the Public: Many of the events are free, making it an accessible event for all.
Friday 9/26: Indie Lit Kickoff Reading featuring Lee Horikoshi Roripaugh at Main Street Books (2 E. Main St.), 7 PM
Followed by rock and roll with The Downstrokes at the Deep End (16 W. Main St.)
Saturday 9/27: Panels, workshops, and readings in City Place (14 S. Water St), Mountain City Traditional Arts (25 E. Main St.) and the Frostburg Public Library (65 E. Main St.), 11-5
Poetry Slam: Thursday night @7, sponsored by Savage Mountain Punk Arts.
Book Signings & Readings: Hear authors read from their works and engage in discussions.
Workshops and Panels for Readers and Writers: Learn the ins and outs of writing and publishing.
Poetry & Fiction: Events covering a wide range of genres and literary styles.
Don’t see anything local to you? Bookreporter has a calendar with even more upcoming festivals.
These festivals offer fantastic opportunities to hear from both bestselling authors and indie authors, attend workshops, and get involved in the global literary community. Mark your calendars for these exciting events, and let me know which ones you’re most excited to attend!
OLD SCRATCH PRESS 