Meet the Author Fair: Call for Submissions

Are you a published author based in the Chicagoland area?  

If so, we invite you to apply to participate in our local author fair on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10am-1pm. It’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your books and connect with book lovers in our community.

  • Online applications will be accepted from December 1 – January 15 (The application form appears at the bottom of this page)
  • Accepted authors will be notified by March 15, 2026

Application & Eligibility Criteria

  • Priority will be given to authors residing in Northbrook.
  • Authors must currently reside in the Chicagoland area to be eligible.
  • Manuscripts will not be accepted; authors must be edited and published or self-published.
  • Authors must send one review copy of their book to the Library by January 15 to be considered, unless the book is already in the Library's collection. If you have published multiple books, please send your most recent title.
  • Promotional material will not be considered.
  • Preference will be given to authors whose books have been professionally reviewed.
  • The selection committee reserves the right to accept or refuse any applicant at its discretion.

Please note

  • Authors must be present at the event to participate.
  • Each author will be provided with one full or half table, a chair, and a name tag.
  • Authors are responsible for their table setup. Library staff will not be available to assist authors with setup, breakdown, or any issues with devices/technology that the author brings.
  • Display space is limited to the table surface. No standing displays or banners are permitted.
  • Authors can sell their books at this event (at or below retail price).
  • Sales are limited to authors' books only; no other merchandise is permitted.
  • Authors are responsible for all aspects of receiving payment for book sales. Library staff cannot assist or provide change, and the library does not have an on-site ATM.
  • The library will not provide reimbursement for travel or expenses, pay authors for participation, or include their book in the library collection.
  • A selection of authors from various genres and age groups will be chosen to provide attendees with a diverse experience.
Table size preference

Note: table size preferences are not guaranteed. Authors will be notified of their assigned table size in their acceptance email.

  • I understand that I must supply a copy of my book to the Northbrook Public Library as part of the application process. 

  • I understand that if selected to participate in the Meet the Author Fair, I am responsible to supply my own books to sell and that library staff will not be available to help with sales. 

  • I will be responsible for providing change, providing a card reader, or accepting money via an online payment platform (e.g., Venmo, Square, etc.). 

  • I understand that the books I sell must be offered at or below retail price and not any higher.

If you check this box, we will review the book you submitted for possible inclusion in our Local Collection. Submitting your book for review does not guarantee the book will be added to the collection. Learn about our Local Collection