Space Request Bangor Authors' Fair & Literary Festival - 2026
Who: Any author in Maine with one or more published full length books--both traditionally published and self-published authors are welcomed. This book fair is organized for and by Maine authors in partnership with other organizations. Preference is given to authors with new books, and those in the half of the state closer to Bangor than to Portland (including: Down East, Northern, Midcoast Maine, etc.), and authors who have not participated in the fair recently. We are actively seeking BIPOC authors. Authors willing to participate in multiple elements of the event or who commit to volunteering may also be given preference. 

Generative AI Policy: The Bangor Authors' Collaborative celebrates human creativity and upholds a no Generative AI policy. Books, book covers, or products created in whole or part using generative AI tools or algorithms are not to be sold at this event. This policy does not prohibit the use of assistive AI (e.g., spelling or grammar checkers). 

What: The fifth annual Bangor Authors' Book Fair & Literary Festival is an event to meet the public, sell books, participate in programming, and network with other authors. 

When: Saturday, 12/12/2026, 10 am-3:30 pm, throughout the Bangor Public Library, our valued partner. Last year we hosted ~99 authors and welcomed over 900 visitors. This year we are looking at reconfiguring portions of the event to allow more programming. If accepted, you will get space for a table to sell and sign books, and may have the opportunity to participate in readings and panels throughout the day. Authors should bring their own books to sell as well as a way to accept payments. Most authors should expect to handle their own sales, but authors may also apply separately for retail service with the Briar Patch (Bangor's independent bookstore) which will be handled similarly to most bookstore signings. See last year's Facebook event here: 4th Annual Bangor Authors' Book Fair & Literary Festival.

How: Apply using the form below. Deadline for applications is May 15, 2026. Any applications received after that date may be qualified for the event waitlist. Letters of acceptance should start going out by the end of August. 

Cost: Free, but we request a donation of a book for the raffle (or an equivalent donation) if you have a regular author vendor table.

Organized by: The Bangor Authors' Collaborative (a group which includes founder Christopher Packard to ensure the event's continuation--as always FOR AUTHORS BY AUTHORS!) in cooperation with the Bangor Public Library. Find out more here: https://bangorauthorsfair.org/ 

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Email *
Name (and pen name if applicable--please put pen name in parentheses) *
One full http link to your webpage or social media page where we can quickly see more information about you as an author. Write "none" if none. (Note: If possible please cut and paste the link directly from your browser bar.) *
What Maine town do you reside in? *
Which region best describes your location? *
Were you an author at the Bangor Authors' Book Fair and Literary Festival in previous years? (Please indicate which years if any) *
Required
We are actively seeking to include BIPOC authors (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). Does this describe you? *
What genre are your books in? Please select the ONE that describes the majority of the books you will feature at the fair. *
What year was your most recent book published? *
List any writing or publishing awards you have received.
Are the books you plan to sell traditionally published or self-published? *
If you are not self-published, please list your publisher(s). *
Generative AI Policy: The Bangor Authors' Collaborative upholds a no Generative AI policy. Books, book covers, or products created in whole or part using generative AI tools, programs, or algorithms are not to be sold at this event. This policy does not prohibit the use of assistive AI (e.g. spelling or grammar checkers, voice-to-text etc...). 

Do you attest that the books you are bringing to the Bangor Authors' Book Fair and Literary Festival do NOT have elements (text, graphics, book cover, illustrations etc...) created in whole or part through the use of generative AI tools, programs, or algorithms? 

(Note: Yes, indicates that you have NOT used generative AI, NO indicates that you HAVE used generative AI in the creation of your book.) 
 *
Do you wish to apply for retail services with our partner, The Briar Patch? Please note that authors who utilize retail services will have their own small table and display, but agree to have The Briar Patch exclusively sell their books at the event (similar to a traditional signing). Your table will be close to The Briar Patch’s table so attendees can easily purchase and get their books signed. For those accepted by the Briar Patch for retail services: additional details and questions will be forthcoming to coordinate this relationship.
 *
Are you willing to participate in the short Saturday book fair activities away from your table at the library? (In the past these have included panels, readings, and children's story readings.) *
One of the goals of this event is to build connections among the literary community. Before the fair we hold a Holiday Kick-off Party where authors, writers, publishers, and our local literary partners are invited to network and celebrate the literary arts. At the party, we also award the Bangor Authors' Writing and Art Awards as part of the launch of our official annual charity anthology (i.e., "Rivers of Ink" (2023), "North Woods at Night" (2024), "Echoes in the Fog" (2025), and this year's "Thinning Light"). Find out how to participate in the FREE contest and anthology here.

This party is planned for the evening of Friday, December 11, 2026 in Bangor, Maine. 
Would you be able to attend? *
Is there anything else we should know as we consider your request to participate?
Other Questions
Questions below are not related to Fair selection, but instead share other ways to engage with the Fair and Bangor Authors' Collaborative programs.
Do you have a proposal for a short workshop you would like to facilitate? This year we plan to offer a series of six short (30-60 minute) author or writing-related workshops for 8-10 participants in private classroom-like areas of the library. Participants will be asked to register before the day of the event and workshops will occur throughout the day of the fair. Topics might include: short writing, planning and outlining books, genre-specific topics, marketing, publishing, editing, illustration, getting into bookstores, promotion, how to run a writing circle, or whatever.  

Proposals should include: a brief description of what you would like to facilitate and the general activities you would include in your workshop as well as a brief description of your experience and qualifications in facilitating a workshop on the topic. Past experience leading workshops is NOT required. 

(Note: Ideally workshops should include some active elements and participation by attendees and should not simply be a lecture or talk by the facilitator.) 
Each year we award the Golden Typewriter Award, a service award for those who have made significant ongoing contributions to the literary arts community in the half of the state closer to Bangor than to Portland. 

This honor has been bestowed upon: Gibran Vogue Graham, owner of Briar Patch Books (2023),  Annaliese Jakimides, writer and community advocate (2024), and Andy Lacher, owner of BookStacks (2025). 

Is there anyone you would like to nominate for this award? Briefly explain. (This question is optional)
Each year the Bangor Authors' Collaborative sponsors a Charity Anthology and organizes the Bangor Authors' Writing & Art Awards. A submission to the anthology is an entry into the contest.  Like everything we do, it's free and fun and a great way to connect to the literary arts community. The deadline for submissions for this year's anthology, 'Thinning Light', is April 30th. You can find out more here:  https://12willowspress.com/home/submissions/

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