Giddings Public Library and Cultural Center

Submission FAQ

How long will it take me to complete the online application? The online application is divided into four parts and will take about 10 minutes to complete (provided you've already written an author bio and a book summary). For your convenience, you'll receive an emailed copy of your application. 

How many books can I send for consideration? Each author may submit a single book for festival consideration. The selection committee reads and reviews many books during each festival cycle; to make the review process manageable, please submit only one book. 

If I'm driving through Giddings, may I drop my book off in person? Absolutely. We'd love to meet you! 

If I'm not selected for the festival, can you send my book back to me? Books submitted as part of the application process are considered a donation to the library whether they're accepted for the festival or not. We catalog each book (create a computer record), and make it available for check out during the reviewing process.

How do I know you received my book? Within one week of the library receiving the book, it will appear here, in the library's online catalog. If you don't see your book within two weeks after you mailed it, you may call the library and verify that we received it.

Will you accept an e-book? E-books won't work for festival submissions; a physical copy must be mailed.

I don't have a "new" book. Can I still apply to be a festival author? Books for festival consideration must be new to the festival (not submitted for festival consideration in the past). 

How are books reviewed by the selection committee? Reviewers utilize a rubric when reviewing books. Reviewers give a numerical score based on eight criteria. After all books have been reviewed by the committee, an average score for each book is calculated. 

What are the eight criteria in the book-review rubric? For each of the below categories, reviewers answer "strongly agree" (5 points); "agree" (4 points); "disagree" (3 points); or "strongly disagree" (2 points). The highest score for a single review (5 in all categories) is 40. The lowest score for a single review (2 in all categories) is 16. 

1. Book is free of typos, errors, and editorial mistakes

2. Book is appropriate for its stated audience

3. Book is well written

4. Book has a professional layout and design

5. Book inspires thoughtful reflection or examination of the topic presented

6. Book is a good addition to its genre

7. I would read other books written by this same author

8. Fiction--Plot makes sense and is easy to follow;  or Non-fiction--Book is organized and easy to understand

When will I find out if I'm selected to participate? The selection committee will review books until May. Then we'll calculate total scores and notify authors of acceptance in July.

How much does it cost to attend the festival? The festival does not charge authors to participate, nor do we keep a portion of your book sales. You're responsible for your own transportation and lodging. We provide Thursday evening refreshments, Friday breakfast and lunch, and a light breakfast Saturday. 

Can I sell my books at the festival? Yes! Authors are encouraged to sell their books at the festival. (Only books may be sold; no other items may be sold.) You may sell your entire portfolio of books at the festival, even if you did not submit them for festival consideration. The festival does not keep a portion of book sales. Authors are responsible for all financial exchanges regarding their books. The festival will not make change, take payments for authors, offer buyer receipts, etc. 

2025 Author schedule of events

Thursday, Sept. 25, 9A-3P: School visits (optional)

Authors are scheduled to visit local schools (within a 40 mile radius of the library). Authors may visit multiple classrooms throughout the day and give presentations on various book-related topics. Past topics have included the writing process, where to find story inspiration, how to outline, character development, and the importance of editing. 

Thursday, Sept. 25, 10A-5P: Table set up (optional)  

Authors may arrive and set up their tables early in preparation for the author reception and book festival.

Thursday, Sept. 25, 5:30-7:30P: Author reception (optional)

The library is closed to the public to allow authors time to mingle with one another. During this time, authors visit each other's tables, enjoy refreshments, and spend time together. The committee will present the Reviewers' Choice Award to the author whose book earned the highest average review score.

Friday, Sept. 26, 8A: Festival-orientation breakfast (required)

Join your fellow authors, library staff, and the festival committee for a brief orientation to prepare you for the next two days of festival fun!

Friday, Sept. 26, 9A-5P: Festival (required)

Lunch is included for participating authors. Authors will have a table inside the library for book sales and will have the opportunity to connect with members of the community. Local students attend the festival on school field trips. Authors accepted for the festival are expected to attend both festival days.

Saturday, Sept. 27: 9A-2P: Festival (required)

Breakfast is included for participating authors. Authors will have a table inside the library for book sales and will have the opportunity to connect with members of the community. Authors accepted for the festival are expected to attend both festival days.