The Buckeye Book Fair features an extraordinary lineup of authors and illustrators whose books spark imaginations, challenge minds, and inspire readers across generations. From nationally recognized fantasy writers to celebrated children’s illustrators and true crime reporters, these creators are among the most respected voices in literature today.
I have been applying to be one of the authors selected for the Buckeye Book Fair for a couple years, and this year I was invited to display my books in Wooster on November 2nd. What a wonderful event. Aside from some beautiful books and amazing illustrators, the reading crowd was amazing. A steady stream of avid readers, teachers, librarians, and administrators flowed through the hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There was even a line at the door before they opened the hall to guests.
The Buckeye Book Fair does it right–they supply visitors with a catalog in advance and copies of the catalog are also available at the door. The catalog shows all of the books for sale, the prices, and a short blurb about each author. It also highlights some of the speaking events and author workshops happening throughout the day. They also have events the week prior (author tours, speaking engagements, workshops for youth).
The fair handled all sales so the authors could focus on talking with the readers. Authors were supplied with a table and were even provided breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks throughout the day at no charge. All of the books were high quality and a mix of traditionally published, small press, and independently published books.
Pictures of some of my favorite books seen at the Buckeye Book Fest are below.
Valor Wings, Sam Subity
Little Pilgrims Progress (Illustrated) by Helen L. Taylor and Jose Sutphin
The Tangled Mysteries by Merrill Wyatt