Author Application
If your application is accepted, this information will be used to create your author profile, and social media posts, as well as to send you your payment after the festival is over. Please make sure all of your information is complete, accurate and free of typos and grammatical errors.
Filling out this application does not guarantee acceptance into the book festival.
What to know about the festival before you apply...
Date: Saturday, October 4th, 2025 10am - 3pm
Location: Dover High School Gym, 520 N Walnut St, Dover, OH 44622
This location is wheelchair accessible.
Who may apply?
This festival is open to both independently published and traditionally published authors, who have at least 1 book published in physical form.
Single Point of Sale: The festival committee will be handling all book transactions at a single point of sale at the festival exit. This means that you can focus on talking to attendees and signing books. We will be using Square which means attendees will be able to purchase books with cash, credit or debit card, or mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Limit of 3 Book Titles
Because we are handling the inventory and sale of the books we are limiting authors to a maximum of 3 titles for the committee to promote and sell at the festival. We recommend choosing your most recent titles.
Book Sourcing: To make this festival welcoming to both independently and traditionally published authors, we are offering two methods for sourcing your book.
For self-published authors/those sourcing their own books: you will be responsible for providing your own books to the festival at least 10 days prior to the start of the event. The festival staff will handle the sales of the book and all extra copies will be returned to you following the event. You will receive a check within a reasonable time after the event for any books you sold.
For traditionally published authors who would prefer that we source the books directly from the publisher/distributor: the books must be available for at least a 40% discount from the list price, along with 60+ days for return credit and payment. In this case the committee will be responsible for purchasing the books and returning unsold copies, and profits made from books sale will go toward improving the festival for 2025.
Is there a fee to have a table at the festival? There is no fee to participate in the festival.
How are applicants selected?
Application does not guarantee a table at the festival. The committee will review applications and will notify authors who have been accepted.
Variety: We are looking to represent many different genres at the festival. We are committed to hosting both independently published and traditionally published authors.
Recency: We do place more weight on books that have been published in the last 3 years, however we will consider authors with older publications as well.
Submit a review copy of your latest book: The committee will need to review your most recent publication in order to make selections. This will ensure multiple genres will be present for readers. All applicants will need to send 1 copy to the address below by June 30th. This book will not be returned and may be used as a raffle prize at the festival.
Deadline for Application: Applications must be received by June 15th.
Deadline to send review copy of book: Must be received by June30th.
Please mail your copy to:
Canal Town Book Festival
Dover Public Library
525 N. Walnut St.
Dover, Ohio 44622
If you have questions: please email Mallory Thompson at canaltownbookfest@doverlibrary.org
Contact and Payee Information
Contact and Payee information is not public, and will only be used for the purpose of communicating with you, and paying you.
Legal Name:
Please type the name we should write on your check.
Phone Number:
Email:
We use email as our primary method of communication. Please use an email that you check regularly.
We will send your acceptance notification via email as well as important information regarding the festival.
Snail Mail Address:
Your check will arrive to this address. If your address changes after you have been accepted please contact us to update.
Book Information
The pictures and summaries will be used on you online profile and on social media to promote your work. Pricing will be printed in the booklet and on price list signs at the festival. Technical information like ISBN's, pricing and quantity estimates will be used to set up our inventory system for our single point of sale. Please make sure all information is correct.
You are limited to 3 books.
Book #1
Cover Image (.jpg or .png)
Title
Price
ISBN (type "none" if you don't have one)
Estimated Quantity
How will we source your book?
Summary
Book #2
Cover Image (.jpg or .png)
Title
Price
ISBN (type "none" if you don't have one)
Estimated Quantity
How will we source your book?
Summary
Book #3
Cover Image (.jpg or .png)
Title
Price
ISBN (type "none" if you don't have one)
Estimated Quantity
How will we source your book?
Summary
Author Profile Information
Your photo, bio and links will be used on you online profile and on social media to promote your work.
Double check your spelling and grammar. (I am a terrible editor, sooooo basically your bio will have all of the flaws you submit now. But fear not, if you notice something amiss after your profile is posted you can contact me with the changes that need to be made.)
Author Photo (.jpg or .png)
Author Name / Pseudonym / Super Hero Identity
Author Bio (in 1-3 short paragraphs)
Snippet (One sentence that conveys who you are as a writer. This is for social media.)
Links: Please make sure your links work before you submit your application.
Your Author Website URL
Social Media URL #1 (Instagram, Twitter(X), Facebook, Goodreads, Tiktok)
Social Media URL #2 (Instagram, Twitter(X), Facebook, Goodreads, Tiktok)
Author Panels and Story Times
Are you interested in participating in an author panel or reading sharing your children's book during the event?
If you would like to present a panel please describe the topics you are interested in talking about.
Please limit yourself to 3 topics.
If you are interested in reading for story time please list the title of the book you would like to read.
Panels typically have 3 authors presenting on on a topic together.
Spots for panel participation are super limited. The committee will review topics and select panels of authors that we think will work well together. If you were not selected for a panel this time please don't take it personally. With so many talented authors to choose from it is a really difficult choice to make. You are welcome to submit your panel ideas again in the future.
An error occurred. Try again later
Your content has been submitted!