Books By the Bay, Northwest Florida’s premier outdoor book festival, is seeking authors, poets, editors, graphic designers, cover artists, illustrators, agents, literary professionals, and new and used book vendors to participate in its2025 festival. The one-day, free event is slated for March 29 at Pensacola’s Museum Plaza, 120 Church Street, behind the Pensacola Museum of History. The inaugural 2024 festival “drew rave reviews from “attendees and exhibitors alike,” according to a spokesperson from the event organizer, Emerald Coast Writers, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Books By the Bay’s planning committee is also seeking applications from authors to read from their latest book at the festival. The event focuses on literary appreciation and will feature a wide range of genres from children’s books to memoirs, romance to fantasy, and nonfiction to historical fiction, even graphic novels and comic books. The day’s events will include author signings, book sales, stage performances, children’s activities and the return of the popular haiku slam. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with local authors, national bestselling authors, literary experts, and publishers, including New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Cantrell, and tech advisor for “I am Legend,” “Transformers,” and “Army Wives,” Paul Sinor. Professional exhibitor booths, vendor,and author tent spaces range from $100 to $125. Local authors may rent two-hour time slots in the authors’ signing tent.
“Last year, our first year, was incredibly well received and we were given wonderful feedback from vendors and attendees alike,” according to Event Director Tonya Dalhaus. “This year we’re going to be even bigger and better with a new screenwriting competition sponsored by Tallahassee Writers Association, and the addition of food trucks, a children’s activity area, and a practice-your-pitch session for aspiring authors to learn from experts in publishing.”
For information about volunteering, acquiring space or participating as an author, literary professional or sponsor, contact Dalhaus via email BooksByTheBayFest@gmail.com or by phone at 850-270-8806, or visit the website www.booksbythebay.info or follow on Facebook at Books By the Bay.
Books By the Bay is sponsored by Emerald Coast Writers, Inc. (formerly West Florida Literary Federation (WFLF) which began in 1986 when a group of literary-minded residents worked with twelve community groups to found WFLF. The group’s mission has been to bring people together who are interested in the literary heritage of the region and to promote literary efforts through programs, workshops, awards, publications, and related activities. In 1987, WFLF was incorporated by the State of Florida as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The group rebranded as Emerald Coast Writers, Inc. in 2023.
