Calling all local authors!

We look forward to supporting Whitsunday authors with a number of exclusive opportunities:

  • Sell your titles through the official Festival Bookshop and get listed on our website. Please contact us to learn more.
  • Volunteer
  • Consider our Featured Local Author offer (below).

Are you a local author?

For the purposes of our Festival, a ‘local author’ is defined as:

  • Someone who was born or lived in the Whitsundays and/or who currently is based in the region between Mackay and Townsville; and
  • Someone who has published a story or book and it is available for sale.

The Offer

Local authors who purchase a 3-day Festival ticket can pay an additional $110 (inc GST) — our special 2024 offer normally $250 plus GST — to become a Featured Local Author and receive the following benefits:

  • Have your nominated titles available for sale through the Festival Bookshop at Festival venues (payment terms and stock delivery will be confirmed directly with the Bookshop).
  • Meet the author book signing opportunities during the Festival program.
  • Receive a maximum 200-word listing in the printed program and Festival website.
  • Listed on the Festival website including links to your own website and social media.
  • Included in the Festival’s national media campaign and press releases.
  • Individually profiled in at least one Festival social media post.
  • VIP red carpet access with preferred up-front seating at Festival events and an exclusive invitation to a reception with Festival speakers.
  • Option to complete an Expression of Interest to be considered as one of five showcased local authors at the Festival’s closing event on Sunday 8 September – the Local Author Long Lunch.

Step 1: Book your 3-day ticket

This offer is open to all local authors who have purchased a 3-day Festival ticket. When registering for your Festival ticket, please add on and purchase the Featured Local Author Offer.

You will be required to upload a copy of your booking confirmation to the form below.

Purchase ticket »

Step 2: Complete the Featured Local Author form

Thank you for taking the time to provide the following information. Once received, a member of the Festival team will be in touch to organise next steps.

*Required information.