Welcome to the GADML Book Fest!
Celebrate your love of books and literature on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 12 - 4pm. Readers, writers, and fans of stories are invited to visit with local authors, browse local vendor crafts and goods, and join in on programs for all ages.
If you are an author or vendor, please read the guidelines/information below and apply to participate in our Bookfest event by Tuesday, September 1, 2026. You will be contacted about your selection status by Thursday, September 3 via email.
Guidelines
To reserve an exhibit space at the GADML Book Fest, your offerings must involve selling or promoting books, book-related products or services, encouraging reading, or hosting a literary or educational activity.
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All materials must be professionally displayed.
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Vendors are responsible for bringing and setting up their own supplies, including display items and payment systems.
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To reserve a table at GADML Book Fest fill out the application in its entirety to be considered.
Vendor Selection Criteria
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Product/Service Quality & Relevance
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Alignment with the standards of the organization.
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Uniqueness, innovation, or differentiation from competitors.
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Consistency and reliability of products/services.
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Professionalism & Presentation
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Professionally presented booth/table.
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Clarity in communication and responsiveness.
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Accuracy and completeness of the application.
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Competitive pricing relative to market standards.
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Transparency in pricing structure and cost breakdown.
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Relevance to the community and event.
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Legal definition of obscene materials.
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Competence, popularity, local interest, and reputation of seller, author, creator, producer, performer, and/or publisher.
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Products you may sell
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Books: used, new, authors, rare, antiquarian, unusual, pulp, first editions, etc.
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Vinyl LP records
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Comic Books
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Creative Arts
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Board Games
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Some local non-book-related companies may participate on a per-case basis
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The selection committee will evaluate applications and acceptance will be based on these criteria to ensure vendors align with organizational goals and standards. You will be contacted by email about your selection status by Thursday, September 3.
Schedule of Events
Introduction to TTRPG Character Creation with Modern Explorer's Guild
Silent Reading Room - 1pm
Authors and Vendors:
Abigail Rowann
Abigail is a fantasy writer and illustrator taking the stories in her head and bringing them to life through her artwork.
Andrew Halldorson Book Restoration & Rare Books
Professional restoration services for antiquarian books, paper restoration; also, a professional dealer in rare books since 1996.
Andy T. Hanson
Andy T. Hanson is an author of sci-fi, fantasy and general fiction. Published by 4 Horsemen Publications, Andy's novels deliver a level of excitement and thrills one won't soon forget.
Angie Dickinson
Angie Dickinson is an author of young adult fiction, specializing in historically-inspired fantasy, mystery, and fairy tales. Her novels Truth Cursed and, recently released, The Star-Blessed were released with Enclave Publishing. She loves to interact with readers, and makes her home in Michigan with her family.
APlus Designs By Alexis
APlus Designs By Alexis brings the magic of reading to life with handcrafted, literary-inspired products that spark joy and connection. From bookmarks to mugs, each piece is designed to celebrate stories and enhance every reader's journey.
Artsy Fartsy
Meet Kassie, a K–8 Art teacher and the creative heart behind Artsy Fartsy! Discover whimsical felt prize ribbons, watercolor paintings, and handmade bookmarks sprinkled with bookish quotes and bright colors. Stop by to say hello, browse the collection, and share in the festival fun!
Barbara Hagler
Come meet local children’s author, Barbara Hagler. Her Hope Farm Series and Hope Farm Adventures chapter books celebrate kindness, perseverance, and trusting God with who we are. Children love the animal characters in Henrietta’s Hope, Luca Loves, Julia’s Joy, Speedy Steve the Rocket Rabbit, Buddy & Bully Goat and A Pack of Alpaca.
Bevin Cohen, Small House Farm
Bevin Cohen is an award winning author, herbalist, owner of Small House Farm and co-host of the popular Seeds & Weeds podcast. He lives and works at Small House Farm with his wife, Heather, on their family homestead in Sanford, Michigan. A passionate food and garden writer, Bevin travels across the country offering workshops and lectures on the benefits of living closer to the land and developing a deeper connection with the food we grow and the plants around us. He is the author of more than ten books, including "Herbs in Every Season" and "Grow Great Vegetables". Shop books by Bevin and other herbal goodies from Small House Farm. Learn more about Small House Farm at www.smallhousefarm.com or visit www.bevincohen.com.
Chapter & Garden Candle Co.
Chapter and Garden brings the love of books beyond the page with small-batch, bookishly inspired candles. Designed to evoke cozy reading nooks, favorite stories, and quiet moments, our products help create an inviting environment for reading while giving our customers a unique way to celebrate the joys of reading.
Clint Chico
Clint Chico is a local author and HS media arts teacher, and the parent of LGBTQ kids.
D & G's Candle Jamboree
D & G's Candle Jamboree sells locally hand-poured upcycled candles! Made from only thrifted or donates vessels each candle is crafted with love from 100% soy wax and scents infused with essential oils!
Denver Wilson
Denver Wilson is a Michigan author whose novels blend mystery, adventure, suspense, science fiction, and the unexplained. Known for fast-moving stories, memorable characters, and intriguing twists, he invites readers to explore lost worlds, hidden histories, strange mysteries, and extraordinary possibilities. Meet the author and discover your next adventure
Echo No More Coaching
Echo No More Coaching, founded by author Dr. Karolina James, offers books and resources empowering parents navigating high-conflict co-parenting, family court, narcissistic abuse recovery, and raising twice-exceptional (2e) children. Her work transforms complex, overwhelming experiences into practical strategies for documentation, advocacy, healing, and confident parenting. www.echonomorecoaching.org
Elaiyna Hope
Have you ever thought, "I must be the only one?" Elaiyna Hope's Christian devotional book for teens, "Felt That", fights the lie that we must struggle alone. If we are courageous enough to admit we have all "Felt that" before, we will find the answers and community we always wanted.
Eric B. Willis
Eric B. Willis, a genealogist, historian, author, and publisher, writes and publishes nonfiction books and articles that intersect genealogy, memoirs, and history. As the owner of Panoply House of Publishing, Willis specializes in producing quality nonfiction books, including history, memoir, educational, and inspirational.
Essential Acres Apparel
Essential Acres Apparel specializes in unique and creative ways to express your personality through clothing and accessories.
Friends of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library
The mission of the Friends of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library is to support, strengthen and enlarge the scope of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library's services and facilities for the enrichment of the entire community.
Friends of Roethke Foundation
The Friends of Roethke Foundation seeks to promote, preserve, and protect the literary legacy of Theodore Roethke, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, by restoring his family residences in Saginaw, Michigan, for cultural and educational opportunities.
Jeff Bond
Jeff Bond is a Midland-based author of popular fiction. The Pinebox Vendetta, a thriller set at his alma mater Yale, won gold in the 2020 Independent Publisher Book Awards. All three of his Third Chance Enterprises adventure titles received Kirkus stars, with two named to its Best 100 Indie Books of 2021.
Let's Go to Book Club
At Let's Go to Book Club, we believe that every romance story deserves a happy ending just like the characters we adore. That's why we bring you an irresistible collection of new and gently loved contemporary romance books, perfect for avid readers and hopeless romantics alike.
But we're more than just books. We're a community that celebrates the romance reader lifestyle. From cozy sweatshirts that keep you warm during late-night reading marathons to mugs made for that perfect cup of coffee, from bookmarks that cherish your favorite chapters to stickers that express your bookish passions, we've got it all.
Every purchase from Let's Go to Book Club supports your love for the genre and connects you with a growing community of like-minded readers. Whether you're building your bookshelf or your wardrobe, we're here to make sure you fall head over heels in love again and again.
Author Lora Avery
Lora Avery is a Christian author and speaker recognized for her Spirit-led wisdom and transformative teaching. Her devotional book, “Wilderness Paths and Desert Streams,” has won multiple awards. Her children’s book, “The Biggest Why,” won the 2026 Children’s Picture Book of the Year in the Christian Market Book Awards.
McKenzie Catron | Author & Artist
McKenzie is a wheelchair-bound, autistic, twenty-eight-time award-winning YA fantasy author of the "Numina Parable" series, co-author of "A Traveler's Guide to The Lucky Gryphon: Recipes & Regalings," and children's book writer specializing in Own Voices stories featuring disability, chronic illness, mental health, neurodivergence, and service dog representation.
Megan Farison
Thirty-three-year-old Megan has the life she's always wanted: a loving husband, two beautiful children, a meaningful career as a church music director, and, most recently, her dream home. Then, on April 8th, 2019, she's confronted with the news that her former high school band director has been arrested for child sexual abuse. The police are asking for anyone with information about the teacher to come forward, and Megan has plenty. But choosing to help the police means facing her own past, and that won't be easy since she doesn't believe she was a victim of abuse.
Megan has won the 2026 Best Memoir for Indies Today Book Awards as well as having an Honorable Mention in Life Stories/Memoir for the 33rd Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
Michigan's State Stone
Carrie Will is a local author that has written a children's book about the history of the Petoskey stone. From how they are created, the journey to the great lakes, when they became a state stone and who it was named after. A must for anyone interested in Michigan.
Modern Explorer’s Guild
We are just passionate about games. If you need Magic the Gathering product and supplies, board games, gift cards or are just here to window shop, we are happy to have you visit! Plus, if you're in the Great Lakes Bay region, we host Magic the Gathering tournaments, D&D campaigns and board game nights in our guild hall gaming space.
Rayne Lopez-Gamboa
Rayne Lopez-Gamboa is the author of 4 poetry books. She writes about challenging topics like depression, anxiety, shame, religion, and racism. Her goal is to cause self reflection and urge critical thinking. She recreates complex emotions with her prose and hopes to comfort those who identify and feel the same—cultivating rebellious hearts along the way.
Roselle Bead Co
Born from book club nights and creativity around a kitchen table, Roselle Bead Co sells beaded bookmarks, pens, keychains, and badge reels. Customers can also create their own beaded items at the Bead Bar. With over 200 focal beads to choose from, there is something for everyone!
Roxy Storm
Roxy Storm is a contemporary romance author who writes Michigan based romance books with a touch of darkness.
Teresa Currie, Little House Cards and Crafts
Little House Cards & Crafts offers handcrafted paper and hand-sewn treasures for book lovers, writers, teachers, and life-long learners. Shop school-subject fabric baskets with coordinating Post-it pads, book-themed treat boxes, and teacher appreciation gift-card holders—unique creations perfect for gifting, encouraging, and letting someone know “you’re on my mind.”
Wandering From Reality
Wandering From Reality offers a variety of hand-crafted magnetic bookmarks, bookmarks featuring original watercolor and acrylic paintings, and mini book earrings/keychains displaying beloved book covers for all ages. Perfect for daydreamers, cozy readers, and gift-givers alike.
Zackary R. Main
Zackary R. Main is a published author who writes fiction and fantasy mixed with comedic, suspenseful and meaningful content. Buying one of his books means being whisked away on an incredible journey that you'll never regret.