Be Featured at Jax Book Fest 2026
Jax Book Fest is Jacksonville Public Library's biggest, BOLDEST celebration of authors, authorship, and the written word—held annually at the Main Library in Downtown Jacksonville. Join us at Jax Book Fest from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, for a chance to meet new readers and sell and sign copies of your book(s) alongside three New York Times bestselling authors.
Authors of all genres are welcome to apply.
Open Call for Local Authors June 1 - 30
There is no fee to apply or to table but space is limited. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Apply now:
Jax Book Fest Call for Local Authors
Those selected will be notified of their acceptance by July 10, 2026.
Author Selection Criteria
The primary, but not in totality, criteria for selection are:
- Authors must reside in the Jacksonville area (Duval, Nassau, Clay, St. Johns, Baker, Union, and Bradford Counties in Florida, and Camden, Charlton, and Glynn Counties in Georgia)
- Public demand and interest
- Critical reviews
- Presentation and readability
- The author’s or artist’s reputation and significance
- Reputation and standing of the publisher
- Availability of the information or material elsewhere
- Local or national significance of the author, artist or topic
- Compatibility of the e-material with our digital platforms or quality of the physical format
- The author must represent and warrant full ownership and/or legal rights to publish all material in the book(s), including artwork.
Note: Space is limited. Rejected applicants may be placed on a waitlist. In the event that an accepted author is not able to attend the Jax Book Fest, authors on the waitlist will be notified. Should you not wish to be placed on the waitlist, please let us know.
Individuals or groups directly related to the advancement of the work of writers/illustrators and/or publishing are encouraged to apply for our sister event, Jax Book Fest presents: Writer's Day on August 22. Examples include: writers groups, professional literary associations, professional editors, and small or independent publishers. For more information, email [email protected].
What to Expect as an Exhibitor
Details Regarding Setup
Setup will take place from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on the first three floors (Conference, Ground and 2nd Floor) of the Main Library. You will be assigned a floor and table number and provided with a floor plan. A six-foot rectangular table (and two chairs) will be provided to each author. Exhibitors may begin breaking down their booths at 4 p.m. Note: Library staff and volunteers will not be available to help set up or break down booths. Please plan accordingly.
Staff and/or volunteers will be on the floor and available to provide directions.
We cannot guarantee access to electricity. Free public Wi-Fi is available.
If you are selected as a Jax Book Fest author, you will be asked to sign a waiver, which will be emailed to you in advance. You can print and bring the signed document with you or sign it on site, during check in. We will have copies.
What to Bring
Authors are responsible for bringing, storing, and selling their own books and other materials.
We recommend bringing at least 5 – 10 copies of your book(s). If you think you will sell more, bring more. You are also responsible for bringing your own cash and/or card readers for book sales. Note: The Library cannot make change for exhibitors and no banks located downtown are open on Saturday.
Please bring tablecloth(s), signage, and any other materials needed for an attractive booth space.
Authors are strongly advised to bring a second person to speak to visitors and transact sales on your behalf if you wish to attend Lit Chat programs or other presentations during the Fest. Library staff and volunteers are not allowed to man tables or conduct transactions.
Parking at the Fest
Free street parking is available on Saturdays. Parking is also available in the garage at the corner of Main Street and 33 W. Duval Street. Note: During special events, there is a $5 cash charge for parking and there is no validation for Library customers.
Supporting Local Authors All Year Long
Jacksonville Public Library strives to make the work of Jacksonville-area authors more accessible to the reading public. To that end, we offer monthly Writer's Lab workshops, Lit Chat author talks, free self-publishing tools, and curated collections all to highlight and help encourage local authorship.
Click the links below to find out more:
- Donate Your Book to the Local Author Collection
- Market your Book to the Library (if you would like the Library to purchase your book)
- Learn how to give us your e-book at Self-Publishing your e-Book with the Library
- Find other Jax authors in the #ReadLocal Collection on BiblioBoard Library
- Attend an upcoming Writer's Lab workshop or Lit Chat author program
- Watch past Lit Chat Interviews on YouTube or listen on our Completely Booked podcast
Get featured in an upcoming Lit Chat or Writer's Lab
- Review our policy for Library Programs for the Public and complete a Suggest a Program Form
- If you have questions about the form, please email us at [email protected].
