2027 Authors in Schools Program

The Amelia Island Book Festival’s Authors in Schools Program is rooted in our nonprofit mission to improve literacy, give students the gift of books, and inspire a lifelong love of reading. In partnership with the Nassau County School District, local private schools, and homeschool programs, this countywide initiative brings authors into classrooms to create meaningful literary experiences for PreK–12 students. The program helps launch the annual festival weekend, with school presentations scheduled for Friday, February 26, 2027. Last year, Authors in Schools brought 55 programs to 21 schools, donated 8,500 books, and reached more than 9,000 students.

How the process works:

Application: Each July, we invite authors to apply for the Amelia Island Book Festival’s annual Authors in Schools Program and help us share the joy of reading with students across Nassau County. Applications are due by September 1, 2026. There is no fee to apply; however, authors must submit two copies of each book for committee and school review. Books must be received by September 5, 2026.

Book & Author Selection: From September through October, the Authors in Schools committee shares submissions with participating schools. School media specialists, literacy specialists, and educators review the books and identify selections that best support their curriculum goals, student interests, and school needs. The committee then works to match authors with schools based on scheduling and program fit.

Authors will be notified of application decisions in late October or early November.

At that time, the Authors in Schools committee will also share details about book selection, grade level, and school assignments. For selected authors, the festival purchases the chosen book for each participating student and delivers books to schools at the end of January, giving students time to read, engage with the story, and prepare for the author visit.

Please note that the festival is unable to provide honoraria or reimburse transportation or lodging expenses for selected authors.

Festival weekend events require a separate application, so authors who would like to participate in additional events, including the Book Expo on February 27, 2027, should apply separately.

Important Information. Please read completely before continuing, and then click "start my application" to begin the application process.

REQUIRED: To complete your application, you must provide the following:

1. Include two JPG images with your online application: an author headshot and the book cover for the book submitted with this application.

2. Mail two copies of your book to the address provided. Books must be received by September 5, 2026. Submitted books become the property of AIBF and will not be returned.

Please note: If you submit more than one book for consideration, you must complete a separate application for each book.

Send your books to:

AIBF/Authors in Schools Literacy Program

PO Box 15286

Fernandina Beach, FL 32035

Please Note:

There is no fee required to apply for this program.
Applying does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
AIBF will not consider incomplete applications or applications that do not follow these requirements.
The deadline for receiving the completed applications and the books is September 1, 2026.
AIBF will notify you of the decision on your application via email on or before November 10, 2026.
Authors in Schools will be held on Friday, February 26, 2027, during the school day, 8 am-3 pm. Authors should plan to be available to present during these times.
If selected, AIBF cannot provide an honorarium or reimburse transportation or lodging expenses.However, AIBF will purchase the selected book for each student in your presentation.
If you are selected, you agree to actively promote your participation in this program and tag/mention the Amelia Island Book Festival in your social media posts and any other marketing activities undertaken by you.

Thank you for helping us share the gift of books, strengthen literacy, and inspire a lifelong love of reading in students across our community. We look forward to learning more about you and your work.

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