Author Application Guidelines

Please read all of the following information before applying!

What is the time-frame for applications?

June 30 – December 15, 2022.

How is an author considered?

To be considered, the author’s book(s) must:

• be available through a national distributor (e.g., Ingram)
• be coded as returnable through the distributor and have an ISBN and a bar code

Authors with books published between April 2022 and April 2023 will receive first consideration.

Should a self-published author apply?

Self-published titles and works published through a vanity or joint venture press, a subsidy publisher, a print-on-demand service, or by the author of the book, will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Is there a required form to complete?

Yes!  To be considered for attending the SOKY Book Fest, please complete the electronic application form.

What else is needed?

If the author is accepted for the SOKY Book Fest, we will need:

• At least one copy of the author’s most recently published book (as of April 1, 2022) or an ARC
• A book cover image from the most recently published title.
• An author headshot for promotional purposes.

All materials become the property of the SOKY Book Fest and cannot be returned.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

When will authors be contacted about participating in the 2022 Book Fest?

Invitations to participate will go out on a rolling basis from August 1, 2022 through December 14, 2022—or until all available author slots are filled.

What are the expectations of authors, if selected?

All participants must be available to sign books from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Authors may take breaks, and lunches will be provided.  Authors of children’s, middle grade, or young adult books (elementary through high school audiences) will be required to participate in Children’s Day. They must be available to sign books from 9am to 2pm on Friday, March 24, 2023.

Some authors may be invited to do a reading or participate on a panel.

Are authors paid?

Due to limited funds, SOKY Book Fest will not cover travel expenses nor pay honoraria to most presenters.  By submitting an application, you are indicating that you or your publisher will pay for your Book Fest-related expenses unless separate arrangements have been made with the Book Fest organizers.

Who decides which authors are invited?

The Southern Kentucky Book Fest is a partnership of WKU Libraries, Warren County Public Library, and Barnes & Noble Booksellers. The invitation decision will ultimately be made by the members of the SOKY Book Fest partnership. The goal of the partnership is to create a festival with a roster of authors that blends genres, audiences, age ranges and interests.  Authors will be chosen based on applications and by direct invitations to authors who do not apply, but whose presence would enhance the event.

The partnership reserves the right to accept or reject any applications, at its sole discretion.  All decisions are final.

What happens if an author cannot attend once accepted?

Cancellations must be sent in writing to the coordinator no later than 1 month prior to the event date.