Book festivals are some of the best places to learn more about the publishing industry and the value of your story. When the idea for the Unwanted book first began to percolate, I heard from so many people who said that I, Linda Smith, should write a book about my experiences. While I did think that people could benefit from hearing my story and that of Christopher, our family, and our love, I didn’t yet truly understand everything involved in bringing a book to print. Visiting book festivals, meeting authors and publishers, and learning about the industry sparked my interest even more and eventually led to making the Unwanted book a reality.

Whether you’re an aspiring author or a dedicated reader, these events have something to offer everyone. Here are some exciting literary festivals taking place around the world in August 2019:

 

National Book Club Conference

The 17th annual NBCC will take place on August 2-4, 2019 at the InterContinental Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. Often referred to as “literary bliss,” this festival is one of the premier events featuring contemporary Black literature. The event highlights African American authors and readers with a busy schedule of panel discussions, book club meetings, and face-to-face author meet-and-greets.

 

Rocky Mountain Book and Paper Fair

Organized from August 2-3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado, this festival highlights rare and antique books. The Denver Mart will host displays featuring book arts, preservation technologies and exhibitors from across the country. This year’s festival will have a particular focus on the mystery genre, with guest speakers, authors, and antiquarians participating in one of the largest festivals focusing on rare books and ephemera.

 

The Soulful Chicago Book Fair

This free, outdoor event will take place on Chicago’s 61st Street on August 3, 2019. With a special focus on Black writers and fans of Black literature, the festival takes pride in being a “celebration of literacy and literary arts” in the African Diaspora. In 2018, over 4500 people attended the annual event, which featured 85 different exhibitors.

 

Beijing International Book Fair

This annual Chinese book fair brings hundreds of thousands of Chinese and international guests each year to this international festival. The event will take place from August 21-25, 2019 at the China International Exhibition Center. The fair will include many professional activities as well as an illustration exhibition and a children’s book festival.

 

Mississippi Book Festival

Held at the State Capitol in Jackson, Mississippi, this event includes over 150 authors and 40-panel discussions. The event is free and open to the public and will take place this year on August 17, 2019.

 

Leimert Park Village Book Fair

Voted one of Los Angeles’ best annual book festivals, this event will take place at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza on August 24, 2019. With a special focus on African American authors and literature, the event brings over 200 authors and poets every year and attracts over 5,000 guests.

 

About Linda Smith

Linda Smith is a fearless and tenacious non-profit fundraiser, author and motivational speaker. She is a survivor of child abuse, a philanthropist who has raised over one billion dollars for charity, and a disability advocate inspired by her son, Christopher, who was born with Down syndrome. Her incredible journey and brave heart will be detailed in her upcoming book, Unwanted.

Contact [email protected] to connect with Linda for information regarding speaking opportunities, disability resources and Las Vegas fundraising efforts.