New in 2026: OWA Featured Authors

Dear OWA Members,

Imagine your book reaching thousands of readers at one of the region’s biggest literary events.

For the first year ever, the Ohio Writers Association is launching the Featured Author Program for the 2026 book festival season (including the Columbus Book Festival and possibly others), and we’re inviting our Writer and Patron members to apply!

Don’t have a book but want to help? Let us know if you can volunteer at the booth or serve on the review panel by replying to this email.

Selected books will be displayed and sold at the OWA booth, alongside our Anthologies, giving authors the opportunity to introduce their work to the thousands of readers who attend book festivals each year. Because booth space is limited, OWA will review submissions and select up to 10 books that best represent the quality, professionalism, and diversity of writing within our community.

When reviewing submissions, we’ll consider elements such as:

• Cover design

• Book description

• Reviews (Total number and overall rating)

• Overall appeal to festival attendees

• OWA participation

Even if your book isn’t selected for the booth, eligible submissions may still be included in our online Featured Book List on the OWA website. This list will be promoted during the festival through QR codes at the booth, helping readers discover even more talented OWA authors.

If you are an active OWA Writer or Patron member and have a book published within the past two years, we encourage you to apply and share your work with the wider reading community. (Be sure you are logged in, and your membership is active.)

Not a Writer or Patron member yet? Writer Memberships start at just $35 per year, making it easy to join and take advantage of opportunities like this.

Important Dates

• Application deadline: April 24th, 2026 (11:59 PM)

• Selected authors notified: Early-May

• Grove City Book Festival: May 9th (Tentative)

• Columbus Book Festival: July 11–12, 2026 (Confirmed)

We can’t wait to showcase the incredible work being produced by writers across our community.

Apply now and let your book take the spotlight!

Warmly,

The Ohio Writers Association

Apply Today