Calling all local authors!

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

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 $100 (plus 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.
  • 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.

For planning and promotional purposes, the Featured Local Author offer must close Sunday 30 June 2024.

If this offer is not for you, you are still able to sell your titles through the official Festival Bookshop. Please contact us to learn more.

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.