Calling all local writers! San Mateo County Libraries is thrilled to present our first ever Indie Author Fest (IAF), aimed at fostering creative community and celebrating the work of independent writers across the Peninsula and beyond. 

Interested in connecting with your fellow writers? Want to learn more about Bay Area writing groups like Golden State Romance Writers, Mystery Writers of America NorCal, Horror Writers Association SF, and Women Who Submit? Maybe you’re hoping to find a writing accountability buddy. Or it might be you want first dibs on the Local Author Book Fair.

Indie Author Fest welcomes all local independent writers, aspiring and seasoned alike. To participate in the opening Writers’ Hour, you must register here. Writer registration ends on Friday, September 1st. NOTE: Registration has closed for the Writer’s Hour. Feel free to attend the rest of the Indie Author Fest: Book Fair and Reading from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. 

Indie Authors Fest Event Schedule

• 12:30 PM: Writers’ Hour: Socializing

  • Get to know other local writers and writing organizations while exploring our book fair.

• 1:00 PM: Writers’ Hour: SMCL Resources Presentation

  • This presentation will highlight Indie Author Project and Biblioboard, two of SMCL’s tools for indie writers. Bring any questions you might have for a brief Q&A.

  • Note: Registration Is Required for Writers' Hour Events

• 2:00 PM: Doors Open to the Public

• 2:05 PM: Readings and Book Fair

  • The rest of the afternoon will be open to all, with ongoing readings, book sales, signings, and more opportunities to get to know the writers around you. Come when you can and stay as long as you’d like! While our reading schedule and waitlist is currently full, stay tuned for more opportunities to share your work with the SMCL community.

  • Reading Schedule

    • 2:05: Women Who Submit

    • 2:25: Horror Writers Association SF

    • 2:45: Golden State Romance Writers

    • 3:05: Mystery Writers of America NorCal

    • 3:25: 5-Minute Intermission

    • 3:30-4:30 Readings from Individual Writers (Order TBA)

• 4:30 PM: Book Fair Clean-Up! Last Chance for Sales, Signings, and Networking

• 5:00 PM: The Inaugural SMCL Indie Author Fest Is Closed!