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2027 Black Authors Festival Applications - Scroll Down & Select
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BLACK AUTHORS FESTIVAL
2027 COMMUNITY LEADER HONOREE APPLICATION
Preserving Our Stories. Protecting Our Voices. Advancing Our Legacy.
Are you a Black author, literary leader, educator, journalist, entrepreneur, community leader, or cultural visionary whose work has made a meaningful contribution to literature, literacy, education, media, culture, or the advancement of Black communities?
Have your words inspired, educated, challenged, illuminated, documented, or empowered others?
Have you devoted your work to preserving authentic Black stories, expanding access to knowledge, advancing literacy, cultivating intellectual excellence, or ensuring that future generations inherit a literary and cultural record that reflects the richness, complexity, brilliance, resilience, and diversity of Black life?
Do you believe that writers have a fundamental role in shaping how communities understand themselves and how history is remembered?
Do you believe in intellectual freedom?
Are you committed to protecting the freedom to read, write, create, publish, question, research, and think freely?
Do you believe that Black voices, Black histories, Black scholarship, Black literature, and Black cultural expression must be protected from censorship, erasure, distortion, and exclusion?
If so, the Black Authors Festival invites you to submit an application for consideration as a 2027 Community Leader Honoree.
THE 2027 BLACK AUTHORS FESTIVAL
The Black Authors Festival recognizes extraordinary Black authors and distinguished individuals whose professional, literary, intellectual, educational, entrepreneurial, journalistic, community, or cultural contributions have had a meaningful impact on the advancement and preservation of Black literature and culture.
Our honorees represent individuals whose work has:
Advanced Black literary excellence;
Contributed to literacy and education;
Preserved important histories, narratives, and cultural traditions;
Expanded the visibility of Black authors and intellectuals;
Strengthened communities;
Challenged prevailing narratives;
Encouraged intellectual inquiry and independent thought;
Created opportunities for emerging generations;
Contributed to journalism, media, scholarship, entrepreneurship, or cultural leadership; and
Demonstrated a sustained commitment to the advancement of Black people, Black literature, and Black cultural expression.
The Festival proudly champions our theme: Black Ink, a national intellectual freedom initiative dedicated to protecting the fundamental freedom to read, write, create, publish, and think without censorship.
AN UNPRECEDENTED LITERARY OPPORTUNITY
Your Manuscript. A Major Literary Industry Conversation.
As part of the 2027 Community Leader Honoree experience, eligible applicants may have the opportunity to participate in a specially curated literary industry experience featuring Mark Gottlieb, Executive Vice President and Literary Agent at Trident Media Group.
Mark Gottlieb is a nationally recognized literary agent who has represented and negotiated publishing, translation, audiobook, film, television, and subsidiary rights agreements for authors across the publishing industry.
Selected participants will have the opportunity to have their manuscript or literary project presented for consideration and professional discussion before Mr. Gottlieb, subject to the terms, format, submission requirements, scheduling, and selection parameters established by the Festival and participating literary professional.
Important Notice
Presentation of a manuscript does NOT constitute a guarantee of:
Literary representation;
A publishing contract;
An advance;
A book deal;
Acquisition by a publisher;
Editorial representation;
Film, television, audiobook, translation, or subsidiary rights representation;
Media coverage;
Festival selection; or
Any other commercial or professional outcome.
The opportunity is intended to provide qualified participants with exposure to a distinguished publishing industry professional and an opportunity to receive professional perspective regarding their literary work.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must satisfy the eligibility requirements established by the Black Authors Festival.
Applicants must be of African descent, and the literary work or body of work submitted for consideration must authentically engage Black stories, perspectives, histories, cultures, communities, experiences, or intellectual traditions.
The Festival reserves the right to request additional information or documentation reasonably necessary to evaluate an applicant's eligibility, literary accomplishments, professional record, community contribution, and alignment with the Festival's mission.
SELECTION PROCESS
Submission of an application constitutes a request for consideration. It does not guarantee selection as a Community Leader Honoree.
Each application will be reviewed in accordance with the Festival's established selection process.
The Black Authors Festival Selection Committee will evaluate submissions based upon factors that may include, but are not limited to:
Literary accomplishment;
Quality and significance of the applicant's work;
Professional achievement;
Contribution to literacy and education;
Community impact;
Cultural contribution;
Intellectual and literary significance;
Preservation of Black history, culture, or lived experience;
Commitment to intellectual freedom;
Alignment with the mission and values of the Black Authors Festival; and
Overall contribution to the advancement of Black literature and culture.
Applicants selected for further consideration may be referred to the Advisory Council and may be invited to participate in an interview or additional review process before a final determination is made.
Selection decisions are made at the discretion of the Black Authors Festival pursuant to its established selection procedures and all decisions are final.
APPLICATION FEE AND NON-REFUNDABLE PAYMENT TERMS
ALL APPLICATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE.
The application fee is required in order to submit an application for consideration.
The application fee is consideration for the administrative processing, review, evaluation, selection process, and associated resources devoted to the applicant's submission. The fee is not a payment for acceptance, an honor, a speaking engagement, media exposure, literary representation, publishing services, or any guaranteed Festival opportunity.
Payment of the application fee does not guarantee:
Selection as a Community Leader Honoree;
Admission to any Festival program;
An interview;
A speaking opportunity;
A panel appearance;
Media coverage;
Literary representation;
Presentation before Mark Gottlieb or other Festival Dignitaries;
A publishing contract;
A book deal;
Commercial opportunities; or
Any other particular outcome.
Once an application has been submitted and the applicable fee has been paid, the application fee shall not be refunded solely because the applicant is not selected, withdraws from consideration, changes their mind, becomes unavailable, disagrees with a selection determination, or otherwise does not receive the outcome for which the applicant hoped.
Selection Notification
Only applicants selected for advancement in the honoree selection process will be contacted by the Black Authors Festival. Submission of an application does not create an obligation for the Festival to provide individual status updates or notifications to applicants who are not selected to proceed.
Applicants should therefore understand that the absence of communication from the Black Authors Festival constitutes notification that the applicant has not been selected to advance in the process, unless otherwise expressly communicated by the Festival.
The Festival appreciates the time, consideration, and literary contributions of all individuals who submit an application.
APPLICANT ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT
By submitting an application and remitting the required application fee, the applicant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions governing the 2027 Community Leader Honoree application process, including the non-refundable and non-transferable nature of the application fee.
The applicant further acknowledges that submission of the application and payment of the applicable fee constitute the applicant's express agreement to be bound by the applicable application terms and conditions, subject to applicable law and final review by counsel.
The applicant represents that they have had a reasonable opportunity to review the application requirements before submitting payment and that they are responsible for obtaining clarification from the Black Authors Festival regarding any provision they do not understand before submitting the application and payment.
Questions concerning eligibility, application requirements, participation, Festival programming, manuscript submission, scheduling, or other matters should be directed to:
The Black Authors Festival Team - Email: info@blackauthorsfestival.com
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit questions before payment and application submission. Failure to seek clarification before submitting an application shall not create an obligation on the part of the Festival to provide a refund where the applicant subsequently disagrees with a stated application term.
NO REFUND FOLLOWING UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICATION
The applicant expressly acknowledges that an unsuccessful application does not constitute grounds for a refund.
An applicant who submits an application after acknowledging the non-refundable nature of the application fee may not subsequently demand or pursue a refund solely because the applicant was not selected.
The applicant further acknowledges that the Festival incurs administrative, personnel, professional, technological, communications, evaluation, scheduling, and other expenses in connection with the application and selection process regardless of the ultimate outcome of an individual application.
Accordingly, the applicant expressly accepts the risk that the application may not result in selection and agrees that such outcome shall not create a refund obligation on the part of the Black Authors Festival.
PROHIBITION AGAINST FALSE OR BAD FAITH REFUND CLAIMS
An applicant shall not knowingly submit false information, materially misrepresent the circumstances surrounding an application or payment, initiate a knowingly improper payment dispute, or otherwise engage in deceptive or bad faith conduct for the purpose of obtaining a refund to which the applicant has expressly agreed they are not entitled.
Any knowingly false, fraudulent, deceptive, or materially misleading representation made in connection with a refund demand, payment dispute, chargeback, or other attempt to recover a properly retained application fee may constitute a material breach of the applicant's agreement with the Black Authors Festival and may result in the Festival pursuing any remedies available to it under applicable law.
Such remedies may include, where legally available and appropriate:
Contesting an improper chargeback or payment dispute;
Recovery of amounts improperly withheld or reversed;
Recovery of demonstrable damages;
Recovery of reasonable costs and expenses to the extent permitted by law;
Injunctive or other equitable relief where appropriate;
Civil claims arising from breach of contract or other legally cognizable misconduct; and
Referral to appropriate authorities where the Festival reasonably believes that conduct may constitute unlawful activity.
Nothing in this provision shall be construed as creating or asserting criminal liability where none exists under applicable law. Any determination concerning potential criminal conduct rests with the appropriate governmental authorities.
FESTIVAL PARTICIPATION
Applicants selected as a Community Leader Honoree agree to comply with the applicable Festival participation requirements, deadlines, submission procedures, professional standards, event policies, and reasonable instructions communicated by the Black Authors Festival.
Selection as an honoree does not create an entitlement to a particular speaking position, panel assignment, media appearance, schedule, placement, accommodation, promotional treatment, or other Festival benefit unless expressly confirmed by the Festival in writing.
The Festival reserves the right, consistent with applicable law and its published policies, to modify programming, scheduling, speakers, venues, presenters, literary industry participants, or other Festival components when circumstances require.
MANUSCRIPT PRESENTATION TERMS
Where the Festival offers an eligible applicant an opportunity to submit a manuscript or literary project for presentation to Mark Gottlieb or another participating literary professional, the applicant acknowledges that:
Submission does not guarantee that the manuscript will be selected for presentation.
Presentation does not guarantee representation.
Presentation does not guarantee a publishing contract.
Presentation does not guarantee acquisition or commercial publication.
The literary professional retains independent discretion regarding any subsequent communication or professional relationship with the applicant.
The Festival does not control the independent professional decisions of participating literary agents, publishers, editors, or other third parties.
The applicant remains responsible for ensuring that submitted materials are their own work or that they possess all necessary rights and permissions to submit such materials.
The applicant should retain appropriate copies of all submitted materials.
Any separate professional relationship arising between an applicant and a literary agent, publisher, editor, or other third party shall be governed by any separate agreement entered into between those parties.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF VOLUNTARY APPLICATION
By completing and submitting this application, the applicant acknowledges that they are voluntarily seeking consideration by the Black Authors Festival and that they have independently determined that the opportunity is appropriate for them.
The applicant further acknowledges that:
I have read the application requirements and participation terms.
I understand that the application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
I understand that payment does not guarantee selection or any particular Festival opportunity.
I understand that failure to receive the outcome I desire does not entitle me to a refund.
I understand that I am responsible for contacting the Black Authors Festival before submitting my application if I have questions concerning these terms.
I understand that by submitting my application and payment, I am agreeing to the applicable terms and conditions governing the application process, subject to applicable law.
I understand that knowingly submitting a false, deceptive, or bad-faith refund claim or payment dispute may expose me to legal consequences and the Festival to pursue remedies available under applicable law.
APPLICANT CERTIFICATION
By clicking “Submit Application and Pay Application Fee,” the applicant represents and acknowledges that:
The information provided in the application is truthful and accurate to the best of the applicant's knowledge;
The applicant has reviewed the eligibility requirements;
The applicant understands that selection is not guaranteed;
The applicant understands that the application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable;
The applicant understands that payment does not guarantee selection, recognition, participation, literary representation, manuscript presentation, or any other specific benefit;
The applicant has had the opportunity to contact the Black Authors Festival with questions before submitting payment;
The applicant agrees to the applicable terms and conditions governing the application;
The applicant understands that submitting payment after reviewing these terms constitutes acceptance of those terms, subject to applicable law; and
The applicant understands that knowingly providing materially false or misleading information or pursuing an improper refund or payment reversal may result in the Festival exercising any rights and remedies available under applicable law.
Questions before submitting? Contact The Black Authors Festival Team: info@blackauthorsfestival.com
Applicants must agree to the terms and conditions.
An Elevated Marketplace for Authors, Creators, Entrepreneurs & Luxury Brands
Early Bird Vendor Participation Fee: $375 - Tuesday, June 1, 2027
Regular Vendor Participation Fee: $650 Wednesday, June 2, 2027
Vendor Space Is Limited | Acceptance Is Selective
Vendor Opportunity
Thank you for your interest in becoming a vendor at the Black Authors Festival. The Black Authors Festival is more than a literary event. It is a curated cultural experience designed to attract authors, readers, professionals, entrepreneurs, tastemakers, community leaders, collectors, and an upscale audience that values quality, originality, excellence, and meaningful experiences.
All Vendor Participation Fees Are Nonrefundable
This applies regardless of:
Acceptance or non-acceptance
Change of mind
Change in business circumstances
Travel difficulties
Personal scheduling conflicts
Failure to attend
Failure to arrive on time
Failure to participate
If an application is declined, the vendor participation fee will not be refunded. If an accepted vendor subsequently cancels, fails to appear, arrives after the setup deadline, or otherwise fails to participate, no refund, no transfer date, and no credit will be issued.
The applicable vendor participation fee covers participation in the Festival marketplace if the applicant is accepted.
IMPORTANT
Payment of the vendor participation fee does not guarantee acceptance. All applications are subject to review and approval by the Black Authors Festival
Our marketplace is intentionally curated.
We are seeking authors, entrepreneurs, artisans, luxury brands, service providers, publishers, creators, and businesses whose products and services complement the quality and spirit of the Black Authors Festival. We are not simply filling vendor tables. We are curating an experience.
Festival Discretion
The Black Authors Festival reserves the right to:
Accept or reject any application
Limit the number of vendors in a category
Limit competing or duplicate product categories
Determine vendor placement
Adjust vendor placement when necessary
Determine the final vendor lineup
Establish Festival operating procedures
Remove a vendor who violates Festival policies
Decline products that do not meet Festival standards
Acceptance into a previous Black Authors Festival does not guarantee acceptance into a future Festival. Each Festival is independently curated.
Selective Vendor Acceptance
The Black Authors Festival is a curated, premium experience, and vendor space is intentionally limited.
We do not automatically accept every business that applies.
Applications may be evaluated based upon:
Product or service quality
Brand presentation
Professional website
Digital presence
Product pricing
Audience alignment
Brand reputation
Originality
Professionalism
Product category balance
Available space
Overall contribution to the Festival experience
The Festival may also limit the number of vendors offering similar products or services to maintain a diverse and engaging marketplace.
PLEASE NOTE:
Submitting an application and paying the vendor participation fee does not guarantee acceptance.
The Black Authors Festival reserves the sole discretion to approve or decline an application.
Sales & Revenue Disclaimer
The Black Authors Festival provides vendors with an opportunity to introduce their brands, products, books, services, and businesses to Festival guests.
However:
The Festival Does Not Guarantee Sales
The Black Authors Festival is not responsible for:
The amount of merchandise sold
The number of customers visiting a booth
Vendor revenue
Vendor expenses
Unsold inventory
Customer purchasing decisions
Vendor profitability
Each vendor is solely responsible for the success of their own sales experience
Vendors are encouraged to arrive prepared with:
Sufficient inventory
Multiple payment options
A professional sales strategy
Promotional materials
Business cards
Special offers
An engaging customer experience
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Please Read Carefully
The applicable $375 Early Bird or $500 Regular Vendor Participation Fee is NONREFUNDABLE.
No refund or credit will be issued due to:
Non-acceptance
Cancellation
Failure to attend
Travel difficulties
Personal emergencies
Scheduling conflicts
Failure to arrive on time
Failure to meet setup requirements
Failure to participate
Required Festival Contribution
Every accepted vendor must contribute at least one item valued at $150 or more to be raffled during the Festival.
Required Raffle Contribution
One item minimum retail value: $150
The donated item should be representative of your brand and of meaningful value to Festival guests.
The donated item must be provided according to the Festival's stated deadline and submission instructions.
Insurance & Liability
Each vendor is responsible for protecting their own:
Merchandise
Inventory
Equipment
Cash
Electronic devices
Displays
Personal property
The Black Authors Festival is not responsible for loss, theft, damage, or disappearance of vendor property.
Vendors are responsible for any injury, damage, claim, or loss arising from their products, services, booth, equipment, employees, representatives, or activities, to the extent permitted by law.
The Festival may require proof of insurance or additional documentation for certain vendors or product categories.
Professional Presentation Standards
Because the Black Authors Festival caters to an elevated audience, all vendors are expected to maintain a polished and professional presentation.
Vendors agree to:
Maintain a clean and attractive display
Dress appropriately and professionally
Keep products organized
Remain courteous and welcoming
Refrain from aggressive sales tactics
Respect neighboring vendors
Respect Festival staff and volunteers
Keep their assigned area clean
Remain within their assigned vending space
Avoid obstructing walkways
Follow Festival instructions
Remove all merchandise and materials at the conclusion of the event
The Festival reserves the right to request removal of any product, display, signage, or material it determines to be inappropriate, offensive, unsafe, misleading, or inconsistent with Festival standards.
Sales, Taxes, & Business Requirements
Each vendor is responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing their business.
This may include:
Sales tax collection
Business licensing
Food permits
Health requirements
Product labeling
Insurance
Professional credentials
Payment processing
Customer receipts
The Black Authors Festival does not assume responsibility for a vendor's legal or regulatory compliance.
Late Arrival
Any vendor arriving after 12:00 PM will not be permitted to set up and will not receive a refund.
Vendor Equipment & Supplies
Unless otherwise specified, vendors are responsible for bringing all materials necessary to create and operate their vending experience.
Vendors should bring:
Vending table
Tablecloth
Tent/canopy, if applicable
Professional signage
Product displays
Products/inventory
Business cards
Promotional materials
Payment-processing equipment
Extension cords/power supplies, if needed
Chairs, if desired
Any additional equipment necessary for operation Electricity is not available, please make sure all of your operations can function without electricity
Out-Of-Town Vendors
We recognize that some of our vendors will travel from outside the local area. Out-of-Town Vendors are those from other states, not upstate, NYC, etc. For qualifying out-of-town vendors, the Black Authors Festival will provide:
One Vending Table Only
Out-of-town vendors remain responsible for:
Table covering
Signage
Displays
Chairs
Products
Payment equipment
Promotional materials
Tents/canopies, when applicable
Electrical equipment
Any other necessary vending supplies
Local & Regional Vendors
Local and regional vendors are responsible for providing their own vending table and complete setup.
The fee entitles me to one meal.
SELECTION PROCESS
Submission of an application constitutes a request for consideration. It does not guarantee selection as a Community Leader Honoree.
Each application will be reviewed in accordance with the Festival's established selection process.
The Black Authors Festival Selection Committee will evaluate submissions based upon factors that may include, but are not limited to:
Literary accomplishment;
Quality and significance of the applicant's work;
Professional achievement;
Contribution to literacy and education;
Community impact;
Cultural contribution;
Intellectual and literary significance;
Preservation of Black history, culture, or lived experience;
Commitment to intellectual freedom;
Alignment with the mission and values of the Black Authors Festival; and
Overall contribution to the advancement of Black literature and culture.
Applicants selected for further consideration may be referred to the Advisory Council and may be invited to participate in an interview or additional review process before a final determination is made.
Selection decisions are made at the discretion of the Black Authors Festival pursuant to its established selection procedures and all decisions are final.
APPLICATION FEE AND NON-REFUNDABLE PAYMENT TERMS
ALL APPLICATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE.
The application fee is required in order to submit an application for consideration.
The application fee is consideration for the administrative processing, review, evaluation, selection process, and associated resources devoted to the applicant's submission. The fee is not a payment for acceptance, an honor, a speaking engagement, media exposure, literary representation, publishing services, or any guaranteed Festival opportunity.
Payment of the application fee does not guarantee:
Selection as a Community Leader Honoree;
Admission to any Festival program;
An interview;
A speaking opportunity;
A panel appearance;
Media coverage;
Literary representation;
Presentation before Mark Gottlieb or other Festival Dignitaries;
A publishing contract;
A book deal;
Commercial opportunities; or
Any other particular outcome.
Once an application has been submitted and the applicable fee has been paid, the application fee shall not be refunded solely because the applicant is not selected, withdraws from consideration, changes their mind, becomes unavailable, disagrees with a selection determination, or otherwise does not receive the outcome for which the applicant hoped.
Selection Notification
Only applicants selected for advancement in the honoree selection process will be contacted by the Black Authors Festival. Submission of an application does not create an obligation for the Festival to provide individual status updates or notifications to applicants who are not selected to proceed.
Applicants should therefore understand that the absence of communication from the Black Authors Festival constitutes notification that the applicant has not been selected to advance in the process, unless otherwise expressly communicated by the Festival.
The Festival appreciates the time, consideration, and literary contributions of all individuals who submit an application.
APPLICANT ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT
By submitting an application and remitting the required application fee, the applicant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions governing the 2027 Community Leader Honoree application process, including the non-refundable and non-transferable nature of the application fee.
The applicant further acknowledges that submission of the application and payment of the applicable fee constitute the applicant's express agreement to be bound by the applicable application terms and conditions, subject to applicable law and final review by counsel.
The applicant represents that they have had a reasonable opportunity to review the application requirements before submitting payment and that they are responsible for obtaining clarification from the Black Authors Festival regarding any provision they do not understand before submitting the application and payment.
Questions concerning eligibility, application requirements, participation, Festival programming, manuscript submission, scheduling, or other matters should be directed to:
The Black Authors Festival Team - Email: info@blackauthorsfestival.com
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit questions before payment and application submission. Failure to seek clarification before submitting an application shall not create an obligation on the part of the Festival to provide a refund where the applicant subsequently disagrees with a stated application term.
NO REFUND FOLLOWING UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICATION
The applicant expressly acknowledges that an unsuccessful application does not constitute grounds for a refund.
An applicant who submits an application after acknowledging the non-refundable nature of the application fee may not subsequently demand or pursue a refund solely because the applicant was not selected.
The applicant further acknowledges that the Festival incurs administrative, personnel, professional, technological, communications, evaluation, scheduling, and other expenses in connection with the application and selection process regardless of the ultimate outcome of an individual application.
Accordingly, the applicant expressly accepts the risk that the application may not result in selection and agrees that such outcome shall not create a refund obligation on the part of the Black Authors Festival.
PROHIBITION AGAINST FALSE OR BAD FAITH REFUND CLAIMS
An applicant shall not knowingly submit false information, materially misrepresent the circumstances surrounding an application or payment, initiate a knowingly improper payment dispute, or otherwise engage in deceptive or bad faith conduct for the purpose of obtaining a refund to which the applicant has expressly agreed they are not entitled.
Any knowingly false, fraudulent, deceptive, or materially misleading representation made in connection with a refund demand, payment dispute, chargeback, or other attempt to recover a properly retained application fee may constitute a material breach of the applicant's agreement with the Black Authors Festival and may result in the Festival pursuing any remedies available to it under applicable law.
Such remedies may include, where legally available and appropriate:
Contesting an improper chargeback or payment dispute;
Recovery of amounts improperly withheld or reversed;
Recovery of demonstrable damages;
Recovery of reasonable costs and expenses to the extent permitted by law;
Injunctive or other equitable relief where appropriate;
Civil claims arising from breach of contract or other legally cognizable misconduct; and
Referral to appropriate authorities where the Festival reasonably believes that conduct may constitute unlawful activity.
Nothing in this provision shall be construed as creating or asserting criminal liability where none exists under applicable law. Any determination concerning potential criminal conduct rests with the appropriate governmental authorities.
FESTIVAL PARTICIPATION
Applicants selected as a Community Leader Honoree agree to comply with the applicable Festival participation requirements, deadlines, submission procedures, professional standards, event policies, and reasonable instructions communicated by the Black Authors Festival.
Selection as an honoree does not create an entitlement to a particular speaking position, panel assignment, media appearance, schedule, placement, accommodation, promotional treatment, or other Festival benefit unless expressly confirmed by the Festival in writing.
The Festival reserves the right, consistent with applicable law and its published policies, to modify programming, scheduling, speakers, venues, presenters, literary industry participants, or other Festival components when circumstances require.
MANUSCRIPT PRESENTATION TERMS
Where the Festival offers an eligible applicant an opportunity to submit a manuscript or literary project for presentation to Mark Gottlieb or another participating literary professional, the applicant acknowledges that:
Submission does not guarantee that the manuscript will be selected for presentation.
Presentation does not guarantee representation.
Presentation does not guarantee a publishing contract.
Presentation does not guarantee acquisition or commercial publication.
The literary professional retains independent discretion regarding any subsequent communication or professional relationship with the applicant.
The Festival does not control the independent professional decisions of participating literary agents, publishers, editors, or other third parties.
The applicant remains responsible for ensuring that submitted materials are their own work or that they possess all necessary rights and permissions to submit such materials.
The applicant should retain appropriate copies of all submitted materials.
Any separate professional relationship arising between an applicant and a literary agent, publisher, editor, or other third party shall be governed by any separate agreement entered into between those parties.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF VOLUNTARY APPLICATION
By completing and submitting this application, the applicant acknowledges that they are voluntarily seeking consideration by the Black Authors Festival and that they have independently determined that the opportunity is appropriate for them.
The applicant further acknowledges that:
I have read the application requirements and participation terms.
I understand that the application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
I understand that payment does not guarantee selection or any particular Festival opportunity.
I understand that failure to receive the outcome I desire does not entitle me to a refund.
I understand that I am responsible for contacting the Black Authors Festival before submitting my application if I have questions concerning these terms.
I understand that by submitting my application and payment, I am agreeing to the applicable terms and conditions governing the application process, subject to applicable law.
I understand that knowingly submitting a false, deceptive, or bad-faith refund claim or payment dispute may expose me to legal consequences and the Festival to pursue remedies available under applicable law.
APPLICANT CERTIFICATION
By clicking “Submit Application and Pay Application Fee,” the applicant represents and acknowledges that:
The information provided in the application is truthful and accurate to the best of the applicant's knowledge;
The applicant has reviewed the eligibility requirements;
The applicant understands that selection is not guaranteed;
The applicant understands that the application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable;
The applicant understands that payment does not guarantee selection, recognition, participation, literary representation, manuscript presentation, or any other specific benefit;
The applicant has had the opportunity to contact the Black Authors Festival with questions before submitting payment;
The applicant agrees to the applicable terms and conditions governing the application;
The applicant understands that submitting payment after reviewing these terms constitutes acceptance of those terms, subject to applicable law; and
The applicant understands that knowingly providing materially false or misleading information or pursuing an improper refund or payment reversal may result in the Festival exercising any rights and remedies available under applicable law.
Questions before submitting? Contact The Black Authors Festival Team: info@blackauthorsfestival.com
Applicants must agree to the terms and conditions.
Vendor Assistant
We strongly recommend that vendors bring a Vendor Assistant to help manage their booth and provide continuous coverage throughout the festival. While an assistant is not required, vendors are not permitted to leave their tables unattended at any time.
A Vendor Assistant can help greet guests, answer questions, manage transactions, restock merchandise, and provide coverage when the primary vendor needs to step away.
Please plan accordingly. Vendors are solely responsible for the security of their merchandise, equipment, and personal belongings. The Black Authors Festival is not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged, or unattended property. Vendor assistant tickets may not be purchased without matching a registered vendor.
SELECTION PROCESS
Submission of an application constitutes a request for consideration. Vendor Assistants MUST accompany a Vendor.
APPLICATION FEE AND NON-REFUNDABLE PAYMENT TERMS
ALL APPLICATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE.
The application fee is required in order to submit an application for consideration.
The application fee is consideration for the administrative processing, review, evaluation, selection process, and associated resources devoted to the applicant's submission. The fee is not a payment for acceptance, an honor, a speaking engagement, media exposure, literary representation, publishing services, or any guaranteed Festival opportunity.
APPLICANT ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT
By submitting an application and remitting the required application fee, the applicant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions governing the application process, including the non-refundable and non-transferable nature of the application fee.
The applicant further acknowledges that submission of the application and payment of the applicable fee constitute the applicant's express agreement to be bound by the applicable application terms and conditions, subject to applicable law and final review by counsel.
The applicant represents that they have had a reasonable opportunity to review the application requirements before submitting payment and that they are responsible for obtaining clarification from the Black Authors Festival regarding any provision they do not understand before submitting the application and payment.
Questions concerning eligibility, application requirements, participation, Festival programming, manuscript submission, scheduling, or other matters should be directed to:
The Black Authors Festival Team - Email: info@blackauthorsfestival.com
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit questions before payment and application submission. Failure to seek clarification before submitting an application shall not create an obligation on the part of the Festival to provide a refund where the applicant subsequently disagrees with a stated application term.
NO REFUND
An applicant who submits an application after acknowledging the non-refundable nature of the application fee may not subsequently demand or pursue a refund.
The applicant further acknowledges that the Festival incurs administrative, personnel, professional, technological, communications, evaluation, scheduling, and other expenses in connection with the application.
PROHIBITION AGAINST FALSE OR BAD FAITH REFUND CLAIMS
An applicant shall not knowingly submit false information, materially misrepresent the circumstances surrounding an application or payment, initiate a knowingly improper payment dispute, or otherwise engage in deceptive or bad faith conduct for the purpose of obtaining a refund to which the applicant has expressly agreed they are not entitled.
Any knowingly false, fraudulent, deceptive, or materially misleading representation made in connection with a refund demand, payment dispute, chargeback, or other attempt to recover a properly retained application fee may constitute a material breach of the applicant's agreement with the Black Authors Festival and may result in the Festival pursuing any remedies available to it under applicable law.
Such remedies may include, where legally available and appropriate:
Contesting an improper chargeback or payment dispute;
Recovery of amounts improperly withheld or reversed;
Recovery of demonstrable damages;
Recovery of reasonable costs and expenses to the extent permitted by law;
Injunctive or other equitable relief where appropriate;
Civil claims arising from breach of contract or other legally cognizable misconduct; and
Referral to appropriate authorities where the Festival reasonably believes that conduct may constitute unlawful activity.
Nothing in this provision shall be construed as creating or asserting criminal liability where none exists under applicable law. Any determination concerning potential criminal conduct rests with the appropriate governmental authorities.
FESTIVAL PARTICIPATION
Applicants selected agree to comply with the applicable Festival participation requirements, deadlines, submission procedures, professional standards, event policies, and reasonable instructions communicated by the Black Authors Festival.
Selection does not create an entitlement to a particular speaking position, panel assignment, media appearance, schedule, placement, accommodation, promotional treatment, or other Festival benefit unless expressly confirmed by the Festival in writing.
The Festival reserves the right, consistent with applicable law and its published policies, to modify programming, scheduling, speakers, venues, presenters, literary industry participants, or other Festival components when circumstances require.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF VOLUNTARY APPLICATION
By completing and submitting this application, the applicant acknowledges that they are voluntarily seeking consideration by the Black Authors Festival and that they have independently determined that the opportunity is appropriate for them.
The applicant further acknowledges that:
I have read the application requirements and participation terms.
I understand that the application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
I understand that payment does not guarantee selection or any particular Festival opportunity.
I understand that failure to receive the outcome I desire does not entitle me to a refund.
I understand that I am responsible for contacting the Black Authors Festival before submitting my application if I have questions concerning these terms.
I understand that by submitting my application and payment, I am agreeing to the applicable terms and conditions governing the application process, subject to applicable law.
I understand that knowingly submitting a false, deceptive, or bad-faith refund claim or payment dispute may expose me to legal consequences and the Festival to pursue remedies available under applicable law.
APPLICANT CERTIFICATION
By clicking “Submit Application and Pay Application Fee,” the applicant represents and acknowledges that:
The information provided in the application is truthful and accurate to the best of the applicant's knowledge;
The applicant has reviewed the eligibility requirements;
The applicant understands that selection is not guaranteed;
The applicant understands that the application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable;
The applicant has had the opportunity to contact the Black Authors Festival with questions before submitting payment;
The applicant agrees to the applicable terms and conditions governing the application;
The applicant understands that submitting payment after reviewing these terms constitutes acceptance of those terms, subject to applicable law; and
The applicant understands that knowingly providing materially false or misleading information or pursuing an improper refund or payment reversal may result in the Festival exercising any rights and remedies available under applicable law in addition to barring the applicant from future events.
Questions before submitting? Contact The Black Authors Festival Team: info@blackauthorsfestival.com
Applicants must agree to the terms and conditions.
Share Your Story. Elevate Your Voice. Connect With Readers.
The Black Authors Festival invites accomplished Black authors to apply for consideration for a curated Book Talk featuring [Your Name], an intimate literary experience designed to place authors and their work at the center of meaningful conversation.
Selected authors will have the opportunity to:
Discuss their book and the ideas, experiences, and perspectives that shaped it;
Share their literary journey, creative process, and inspiration;
Engage directly with readers through thoughtful conversation;
Introduce their work to a distinguished literary audience; and
Contribute to the celebration, preservation, and advancement of Black literary excellence.
This is more than a traditional author appearance. It is an opportunity to bring your story into the conversation, connect your work with readers, and contribute to a broader celebration of the written word and the voices that shape our communities.
Curated Selection
Book Talk participants are carefully selected at the sole discretion of the Black Authors Festival based upon the Festival's programming objectives, literary considerations, relevance to the Book Talk, and overall alignment with the Festival's mission.
Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance or participation. Only authors selected to advance in the selection process will be contacted by the Black Authors Festival.
Applicants should not interpret submission of an application or payment of any applicable application fee as an offer, acceptance, invitation, or guarantee of participation.
End the evening in style! Join us for an unforgettable All White After Party on the waterfront at Breakwater Yacht Club in beautiful Sag Harbor. Come dressed in your finest white attire and enjoy an evening of music, dancing, delicious food, fellowship, and fabulous waterfront views surrounded by an incredible community of authors, professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, and festival guests.
This is more than an after party—it’s a celebration of Black excellence, culture, connection, and community.
Good People. Good Music. Great Vibes.
Saturday, August 7, 2027 | Breakwater Yacht Club | Sag Harbor, New York
Tickets: $100 | Includes Food
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