The Festival
The Independent Author Book Festival is a new type of literary event, designed for, and exclusive to, independently published authors. By definition this is any author who has contributed in part or in whole to the expenses involved in the production of their work, and who use print-on-demand methods for at least some of their publishing reach.
Planned to begin in 2020, the first events were of course delayed, but in 2023 we began with small scale book fairs to prove the concept. The Spring 2025 event will see the model expand to a one-day book fair, an evening networking event and a one-day book festival with subjects selected to meet the information needs of the independent author and to cater to readers of indie books.
Staged in the cosy setting of Commemoration Hall in the Cambridgeshire market town of Huntingdon, the fair benefits from excellent rail and road connections whilst maintaining the small-town intimacy and country appeal of the East Anglian fen lands.
What Makes Us Different
There are multitudes of literary festivals and events happening across the country, so what makes the Independent Author Book Festival different?
Principally it is our authors who are the key ingredient. Even now, almost two decades after the advent of modern, print-on-demand techniques and distribution pathways, most book fairs and festivals steadfastly ignore, and some actively bar, independent authors from attending.
The traditional publishers, be they large or small, strive to ensure that the invitation lists are kept to their authors, and even in the situations where festivals do permit indies, they tend to treat them in a subtly 'different' way.
Rather than rail against a 'closed-shop' we decided to simply host our own events.
The 2025 inaugural event will be a 2-day combined fair/festival celebrating indie authors and the supporting services, contractors and companies who make this pathway possible.
So come and join your fellow indies at an event that promises to be collegiate and welcoming to all..
The Indie Author Book Fair was the most positive and vibrant book event I’ve ever been involved with. Apart from the excellent organisation, it was in a great location, enjoyed terrific footfall throughout the day, a wonderful collegiate spirit among the authors and fabulous book sales.
Georgia Rose, Exhibiting Author.
The Indie Author Book Fair is not only an excellent initiative but vital for independent authors, narrators and speakers to be seen and heard and make the connections which will not only propel us forward individually, but bolster the industry as a whole.
Anja Mujic, Poet and Guest Panellist
It was the most wonderful opportunity to learn from indie authors and share with them from a narrator's point of view what it takes to create an audiobook. We all learnt a lot!
Philip Battley, Voice-over Artist and Guest Panellist
The indie author book fair in Huntingdon was a brilliant event, from the venue, tucked into such a pretty town centre, to the visitors who generously supported us with an enthusiasm for the stunning artisan books on display.
There is always a great camaraderie within the indie author community and this event provided a great opportunity for networking and a free exchange of information and support. The panel forum was an opportunity for indie relevant learning and I relish the prospect of an expanded festival event in the future.
Angela Cairns, Exhibiting Author
WHAT'S ON
Saturday 3rd May - 10:00 - 16:00 Book Fair with 45 exhibiting authors within the main area of Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon Cambs.
Saturday 3rd May 19:00 - 21:30 - Networking evening for indies - Learn More
Sunday 4th May 10:00 - 16:00 - A full day festival featuring 6 x independent author workshops / panel discussions - Learn More