Local Writers Wanted: Share the Spotlight at the Gaithersburg Book Fest

Even in its third year, the Gaithersburg Book Festival is rapidly expanding into a nationally-renowned literary event, but the organizers are looking to stay in touch with their local roots.

If you are a local author who has published a book within the last year, you may be able to speak at the festival during "Local Spotlight Hour."

“The Washington, D.C., area has long been recognized as the most literate region in the country,” said Jud Ashman, Gaithersburg Book Festival chairman and Gaithersburg City Council Member. “So it’s no surprise that we boast a large number of talented authors – both nationally known and up-and-coming – who reside in our area. While the festival has earned an amazing reputation that allows us to attract nationally known authors, we believe it is equally important to showcase some of our lesser-known literary talents.”

Interested authors should download the Featured Author Application and turn it in by Feb. 29.

The festival will be held on May 19.

Last year's event was broadcast live on C-SPAN.

Authors already confirmed for 2012 are nonfiction best-sellers Buzz Bissinger, John Feinstein, Adam Hochschild and Jim Lehrer; fiction authors Jane Green, Tom McNeal, Matthew Norman and Sarah Pekkanen; mystery award-winners Brad Parks, Len Rosen and Steve Ulfelder; and children and young adult favorites Tom Angleberger, Fred Bowen, Andrew Clements, Michael Buckley, Laura McNeal and Matthew Quick.