The 5th Annual Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival Author Registration

Join us for THE 5th ANNUAL FREDERICKSBURG INDEPENDENT BOOK FESTIVAL!

The Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival is a one-day outdoor event held in beautiful Fredericksburg, VA. Featuring  indie-authors writing in a variety of genres, food and drinks, the event attracts  2,000 book lovers and fans every year. 

Saturday, OCT 2, 10am to 4pm

Prices:

Registration: Single Exhibitor—$125; Multi-exhibitor—$150; Publishers/Writers Groups—$350.

FAQs

Where is the festival being held?

On Sophia Street between Hanover and Charlotte. Riverfront Park is currently under renovation. The City of Fredericksburg told us that if the park is ready for use by the Oct. 2 date, they are going to move us off the street and into the park. We do not know what this means for table placement; however, the City said they would work with us to ensure the festival runs smoothly.

What does that mean?

We might have to change the map at some point.

What are the hours?

The festival is scheduled from 10 am to 4 pm. Exhibitors can start loading in at 9 am. Exhibits are expected to remain set up until 4 pm.

What exactly will I be provided?

Each space is 10x10.

Single Exhibitors will be given one (1) six-foot table and two (2) chairs to use throughout the day. (100 square feet).

Multi-Exhibitors will be given one (1) six-foot table and two (2) chairs to use throughout the day. (100 square feet).

Publishers/Writers Groups will be given two (2) six-foot tables and three (3) chairs to use throughout the day. (100 square feet).

How many people can share a space?

Single Exhibitor: Maximum of one (1) exhibitor.Multi-exhibitor: Maximum of two (2) exhibitors.Publisher/Writers Groups: Maximum of five (5) exhibitors (in person. You can bring books from your stable of authors or other writers in your group).

Can I pick who I share the 10x10 space with?

Only if you pay for a multi-exhibitor space or a publishers/writer's groups space. We will not tolerate splitting Single Exhibitor spaces. If you split a Single Exhibitor space, you will be asked to leave and you will not be granted a refund.

Why are you limiting the number of people who can share a space?

1. To provide as many options for potential customers without saturating the market.

2. To provide affordable options for Exhibitors.

I have to cancel. Can I get a refund?

Refunds are given up to 30 days before the event. So, no refunds after September 20, 2021.

Should I bring anything else?

This is a rain or shine event. We recommend that you bring your own canopy. 

Can I bring a canopy that is larger than 10x10?

No. Market Square has limited space. If you bring a canopy that is larger than 10x10, you will encroach on your neighbor's space. The City of Fredericksburg requires that you use sand bags or some other method to anchor your canopy. All canopies are subject to inspection by the Fredericksburg Fire Marshal, and if you are found in violation, you will be asked to take down your canopy or leave. There will be no refund.

I don’t have a business license. Can I still exhibit?

YES! The Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival will purchase an umbrella license. This will cover any and all exhibitors who do not have one of their own. Just make sure you check the right box in the Registration Form,

What can I sell?

Exhibitors can sell books, graphic novels, magazines, and anything having to do with reading, literacy, publishing, or book arts.

I have bootleg comics, books, DVDs, etc . . . Can I sell them?

No.

C’mon.

No.

Don’t you want the table registration? 

Not that bad.

What about adult materials?

We are a family-friendly event. We strongly discourage exhibitors from selling materials of a sexually explicit or obscene nature and outright forbid sexually explicit materials to be displayed. We realize this is a subjective topic, but we have the utmost confidence in our ability to judge. As such, we reserve the right to eject violators, without refund, at our discretion.

Someone is selling a book that I find offensive. 

You have the right to be offended. Books and other materials sold by exhibitors do not reflect the beliefs and opinions of the Fredericksburg Book Festival LLC.

Can I bring food or beverages into the park?

Yes. Pack out what you pack in.

I don’t like where my table is. Can I move?

No. You chose the spot for your table.

But that table is empty. Can we move there?

No. Some Exhibitors might arrive late. If there is a last minute cancellation, we might move people, but this is done at our discretion. Moving on your own without asking permission can potentially lead to ejection without refund. 

Is electricity available?

No.

Do you supply wifi?

No wifi is available at this time. Check out www.yourkarma.com.

How many books do you recommend that I bring to sell?

We can’t really comment on this. The amount of materials you bring to sell is entirely up to you.

But what if I don’t sell enough copies of my book or enough of my materials to cover the cost of the table and food and travel?

We cannot control how many people are interested in what you’re selling. In addition, while recouping costs is an important part of being an exhibitor, the festival is also set up as a celebration of books and literacy. Authors are encouraged to use this as an opportunity to network with other authors, provide giveaways, and come up with creative tactics to market your work to the public.

I’m worried that it might rain and my books/materials will get wet. What should I do?

Since this is a rain or shine event, we recommend you bring a canopy. The Fredericksburg Book Festival cannot be held liable for any materials that are affected by the wind, rain, sun, or other weather or factors beyond our control.