Bookfair Overview

An annual showcase of hundreds of exhibitors, the AWP Bookfair is the nation’s largest marketplace for independent literary presses and journals, creative writing programs, writing conferences and centers, and literary arts organizations. Secure an exhibit space for your press or organization to reach thousands of writers, readers, teachers, and literary tastemakers. The bookfair runs concurrently with AWP’s annual conference and is open to all registered conference attendees.

AWP operates the bookfair on as close to a break-even budget as possible. We do this—and keep our rates as low as possible—in support of smaller organizations and presses, to help them collaborate and reach conference attendees. We look forward to seeing you on March 4-7, 2026, for #AWP26, where you can celebrate literary community, conduct business, and enjoy Baltimore!

Purchase Your #AWP26 Bookfair Exhibit Space!

Organization contacts were sent an email inviting them to exhibit with us for #AWP26 on May 28th, 2025. Exhibitor invitation emails are no longer needed as the rolling launch selection process is complete, and you can purchase directly through the link above.

Meet the #AWP26 Partner Bookstore, The Ivy Bookshop

We’re excited to announce The Ivy Bookshop as our #AWP26 partner bookshop! The Ivy Bookshop is a community gathering space anchored by a vibrant bookstore in Baltimore’s historic Mt. Washington neighborhood. They believe in books as tools of connection between people, and invite you to gather– whether by finding a hidden gem of a book with a bookseller in the shop, strolling through their abundant outdoor spaces with your book and a picnic, or joining them at an author event where books come alive as conversations about the things that make life meaningful. Learn more about The Ivy Bookshop on their website, and visit them in the #AWP26 Bookfair at Booth 531.

#AWP26 Bookfair Exhibit Space Packages

Bookfair Booth Package

$975 (early-bird rate available until November 25, 2025 / $1,100 beginning November 26, 2025) includes the following:

10′ x 10′ space (100 sq. ft. with 8′ high back drape)
two 6′ x 2′ draped tables, two chairs, one wastebasket
one printed bookfair ID sign
two exhibitor all-access badges covering full conference registration (BSAs)
listing on the online exhibitor list and floorplan
four author signings

Bookfair Table Package

$675 (early-bird rate available until November 25, 2025 / $800 beginning November 26, 2025) includes the following:

4′ x 7′ space (28 sq. ft. with 3′ high back drape)
one 6′ x 2′ draped table, two chairs, one wastebasket
one printed bookfair ID sign
two exhibitor all-access badges covering full conference registration (BSAs)
listing on the online exhibitor list and floorplan
four author signings

Beginning March 2, 2026, onsite pricing will be available.
Bookfair Booth Package $1,500
Bookfair Table Package $1,000

Managing Your Exhibit Space

All exhibit space is self-managed in the Exhibit Space Management Center of your AWP user account. If you do not have Exhibit Space Management access, please contact your organization’s primary contact. If you are unsure of your organization's primary contact, please contact awp@awpwriter.org. The Exhibit Space Management pages will be available when attendee registration for #AWP26 launches.

Rolling Launch

Exhibit space locations are self-selected using a tiered system based on cumulative years of exhibiting with AWP. Exhibitors who have purchased their space will receive an email and code allowing them to choose their space within their assigned selection window. After the rolling launch, the selection code will no longer be necessary, and new exhibitors may purchase packages and select locations at any time. Selection periods begin at noon eastern / nine pacific.

Rolling Launch Schedule

Category	Selection Starts	Selection Ends
15+ Years	July 9	July 17
10+ Years	July 18	July 24
5+ Years	July 25	August 4
Previous	August 5	August 8
First Time	August 9	August 10
Open Selection	August 11	----->