With the support of the Norristown and Norriton Authors Alliance, the first Local Author Book Fest took place on April 13 in Skippack, providing a connective space for authors
Authors signed up to showcase their work at tables for returning readers or potential new customers.
“We have authors who are writing in all genres, and the books are for all ages. Readers can come and explore all of the books and talk to the authors,” Local Author Book Fest co-organizer and author Jennifer Lane said.
According to Lane the inspiration came from the fact that there was no big event in Montgomery County for local authors.
Lane and her group wanted to create a way for writers and readers to engage with each other “right here in Montgomery [County].”
According to Lane, local author events such as this one bring a unique experience for authors and readers alike.
“Rather than just going to a store, buying a book and taking it home,” Lane said, “you get to interact with the literature in ways that you otherwise wouldn’t.”
While readers get to meet in person with authors they may or may not be familiar with, the local authors have the opportunity to grow their client base and interact with other authors.
“It’s always great to have an opportunity to showcase your work amongst other authors, and it’s also an opportunity to exchange ideas,” publisher Jo Gilley said.
According to author Katie Zaber, she managed to meet new authors that she could network and talk to.
Zaber believes it is easy for authors to find other writers with similar interests in an event like this, leading to “better connections.”
“I love it,” Zaber said. “I’ve already met some new authors that I haven’t met before to network and talk to.”
For independent authors, it can be difficult to get their work into bookstores.
“For [independent] authors and local authors, it costs so much money to try to compete in the mainstream that any event like this is beyond beneficial,” Zaber said.
According to author Amber Werner, fests like this give her an opportunity to “get her work out there” when bookstores are a difficult option.
Lane said the fest connected readers with local author’s work in unique ways.
“Rather than just going to a store and buying a book and taking it home, you get to interact with the literature in ways that you otherwise wouldn’t,” said Lane.
The Local Author Book Fest acted as an instrumental place in the community for local authors to gain traction with a new audience and each other.
With all of the benefits that this event brings, Lane said she hopes to expand for the future.
“I would love to move it later in the year and make it bigger, perhaps have a kid-lit area with face painting, have more genres together, and have a little ‘romance-landia,’” said Lane. “I’m excited about the future of the event and I’m looking forward to next year already.”
Most local authors hoped to sell and promote their work at the fest. No matter what their sales looked like, Lane believes authors got to have a good experience.