Search and book authors for your next literary event

Are you organizing a literary event or reading?

Browse our nationwide network of vetted authors/illustrators for author visits, discussions, and readings

Find an Author

We make it simple for you to source and book authors/illustrators for:

School, daycare, or educational institution

Libraries

Corporate employee resource groups

Non-profit organizations

Indie bookstores

Book an Author’s free Institution Profiles allows you to showcase your institutions, define your preferences, and list your requirements.

Step 1:

Create your profile

In a few easy steps, institutions can create a free profile to begin browsing and connecting with national and local vetted authors.

Step 2:

Find your author, your way

Search the database of authors and narrow down options based on criteria such as budget, genre, and availability.

Search by categories:

In-person
Readings

Virtual
Readings

Books

Gifts

Discover by the values you care most about:

Meet featured authors near you

Shop the bestsellers, and buy directly from the creators

Step 3:

Book directly, with satisfaction guaranteed

Negotiate scope and manage bookings directly on the platform, with money back guarantee.

FAQ: Common Institution Questions

How do I find an author that fits my event’s theme?

At Book an Author, you can search for an author based on your specific requirements, such as genre, location, keywords, and service or product types.

What is the process for booking an author?

Booking an author is easy with Book an Author.

1. Start by searching for an author based on your specific requirements, such as genre, location, keywords, and service or product types.

2. Next, send an inquiry with your detailed requests. The author or creator will be notified and prompted to accept your booking inquiry.

3. You can finalize any scope details using our convenient and secure in-app chat. All messages are encrypted for maximum security.

4. Finally, confirm the booking by making the payment.

You can manage all your events anytime through the dashboard.

Can we request a specific topic or genre from the author?

Yes, you can! When you book an author through Book an Author, you first submit your requirements and requests through the booking inquiry form. This allows the author to review your event’s details before accepting the booking. Once the author accepts the inquiry, you can discuss the details through our in-app chat.

Are there any cancellation fees if we need to cancel the event?

To protect both the author and the institution, we have implemented the following cancellation policy:

• If an event is canceled by the institution 7 days or more before the event date, the institution is eligible for a full refund.

• If an event is canceled by the institution between 7 days and 72 hours before the event, the institution may receive a partial refund (up to 75% of the event fee plus the travel fee, if travel is refundable).

• If an event is canceled by the institution within 72 hours of the event, no refund will be provided.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. If you believe a full refund is warranted, please contact founders@bookanauthor.com, and we will be happy to assist you.

What happens if the author cancels or reschedules?

Book an Author is committed to ensuring institutions are fully satisfied with our service. We do not allow authors to reschedule events, as the event date must be chosen by the institution.

However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, so we allow both parties to cancel the booking if necessary.

If an author cancels the booking, regardless of the reason or notice period, the institution will receive a full refund, including any travel fees. If the institution wishes to reschedule the event, it can initiate a new inquiry with the same or different author(s) or date(s).

If an author cancels a booking within 30 days of the event, the author’s account will be reviewed by the Book an Author management team. Authors who cancel more than three events within a month will be removed from the Book an Author platform.

Institutions can always reach out to Book an Author for scheduling support. If you receive a cancellation within 30 days of the event and need help finding a backup author, we can assist. Please email founders@bookanauthor.com for assistance.

How far in advance should we book an author?

Depending on the scale of the event and the popularity of the author, booking in advance helps ensure that both the institution and the author have sufficient time to prepare for a successful event. It’s best to book 3-6 months in advance for high-demand authors. Some authors may even be booked up to a year in advance for appearances during special holidays!

Book an Author makes it simple to book ahead. You can check the author’s availability directly with the interactive calendar. If you have special requirements or requests, include them in your inquiry. The convenient chat function allows you and the author to coordinate schedules, arrange logistics, and finalize the scope. You can manage your event at any time through your dashboard.

Are there additional fees beyond the booking price (e.g., travel, accommodations)?

The fees displayed in the listings are the base or minimum price, meaning it is the lowest amount the author or creator will charge for the service. If your event requires travel, accommodation, or special arrangements, you can request them through the event inquiry form or the in-app chat. The author will then adjust the price of the event before you accept and pay. As an institution, you never pay a finder’s fee.

Can we book an author for multiple events or sessions?

Yes, you can! Each event day is treated as a separate event. You can send multiple inquiries to the same or different authors and manage all your events through your dashboard.

Is there a contract involved in booking an author?

There is no contract requirement, but both the institution and the author may share their contract template if either party requires one. We have conveniently provided a sample contract template from Book an Author linked here.

You can share the contract through the event inquiry form or send it at any time via the in-app chat.

What support does Book an Author provide in organizing the event?

Book an Author is committed to making author visit bookings easier for everyone. Our primary goal is to maintain a professional literary community and network using the latest cutting-edge technology. We’re here to assist you with any disputes involving our members—please reach out to us at founders@bookanauthor.com.

Organizing the event remains the responsibility of both you and the author.

If you have any suggestions or comments about Book an Author services, please feel free to contact us.

Payment Processing, Disputes & Fund Release Policy

At Book an Author, we are committed to creating a safe, transparent, and reliable booking experience for both institutions and authors.

Upfront Payment & Money-Back Guarantee
All events booked through the platform require upfront payment by the institution. This ensures the author’s availability is secured and allows Book an Author to provide administrative support and protection for both parties. If an issue arises that materially impacts the successful completion of the event, institutions are eligible for a money-back guarantee in accordance with our dispute resolution process.

Fund Distribution to Authors
Booking fees are released to the author, minus Book an Author’s commission, 14 days after the scheduled event date or when the institution marks the booking as complete—whichever occurs first.

Dispute Triage & Resolution
If a dispute is raised regarding the event, Book an Author will temporarily hold the funds while we review the matter. Our team will triage disputes by:
• Collecting information from both the institution and the author
• Reviewing booking details, communications, and event expectations
• Assessing whether the event was delivered as agreed

Funds will be released or refunded once the dispute has been resolved in alignment with our platform policies.

Why Payments Must Be Made on the Platform
Processing payments through Book an Author is essential to maintaining trust and accountability. Platform payments:
• Protect institutions with payment security and refund eligibility
• Protect authors by confirming booking legitimacy and payment availability
• Enable Book an Author to intervene, mediate, and resolve disputes fairly
• Ensure accurate records, tax documentation, and compliance

Payments made outside of the platform are not eligible for Book an Author’s support, protections, or dispute resolution services.

By booking and paying through Book an Author, all parties agree to these terms and acknowledge that platform payment is a core part of delivering a secure, professional, and equitable experience for everyone involved.