Since 2021, Exeter City of Literature has hosted an annual Book Market in the heart of the city, partnering with independent bookshops across Devon to deliver an inspiring celebration of literature and reading culture.

Each edition brings together over a dozen indie booksellers, our dedicated Author Tent featuring free public talks, engaging literary activities (including bibliotherapy, a wheelchair-powered letterpress, creative writing workshops, and face painting), alongside locally sourced food and book-themed refreshments. Drawing thousands of visitors in a single day, the event provides a vibrant platform for literary discovery and community engagement.

Key Dates & Timeline

• 11 January 2027: Deadline to submit author nominations/expressions of interest.
• February 2027: Official confirmation of all author slots and programming schedule.
• Sunday, 13 June 2027: The Book Market (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM BST).

Eligibility & Profile of Authors

We are seeking authors who meet the following criteria:

• Traditionally published in fiction or non-fiction.
• Confident, engaging public speakers fluent in English.
• Available on-site in Exeter, UK on Sunday, 13 June 2027.

What We Offer Selected Authors

• Speaker Fee: Direct compensation for their panel/talk appearance.
• Book Sales: On-site book sales managed by our partner indie booksellers (for titles available in the UK).
• Exclusive Display: A feature spot in our signature Penguin Book Vending Machine (for authors published by Penguin).
• Marketing & PR: Inclusion across all official print and digital marketing campaigns.
• Social Media Spotlight: Dedicated posts celebrating the author and their work across our digital channels.
• Host Hospitality: Dedicated event-day support and a warm Exeter welcome.

How to Apply
Contact here to apply:projects@exetercityofliterature.com

https://www.exetercityofliterature.com/current-projects/the-book-market