Please read the following criteria, then either download the attached application and mail it or complete it online. A submitted application means you are agreeing with the criteria set forth below.

1. This is a family-oriented event open to Arizona authors. No sexually explicit, pornographic, or gratuitously violent entries are acceptable.
2. Authors must have a physical book to sell. There is no limit to the number of titles you may offer for sale. Authors may also sell any “tie-in” products, such as stuffed animals, jewelry, journals, etc., but their primary product must be a book.
3. Authors are required to donate one book to be used in a raffle for attendees.
4. Authors are responsible for processing their sales and for following all state and local policies regarding collecting and remitting sales tax. aztaxes.gov
5. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than August 1, 2025. Space is limited. Registration will close even if it prior to the August 1, 2025 deadline, once all spaces are filled.
6. Due to limited space and feedback from last year’s attendees regarding a lack of variety in the books being offered, authors will be vetted by genre on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a particular genre is filled, any author wishing to participate in the festival whose book(s) falls within that genre will be put on a waiting list.
7. Apply early and be as specific as you can when listing your book(s) genre(s). If you write in multiple genres, list the ones that are most important to you first.
8. Authors will be notified of their acceptance as applications are processed and payment will be due at that time. You will receive an invoice from The Holland Center via Square that you may pay by check or credit card.
9. Authors must complete their own application, even if sharing a table or tent with another author.
10. Tables come in two options.
    1. The author brings a 6 ft. table and linens at a reduced fee. Table linens must reach the floor in the front so that boxes, wagons, or any other supplies you bring with you are hidden from view. These tables may not be shared. Chairs will be provided.
    2. The author rents a 4 ft space on an 8-foot table supplied by The Holland Center. This rental includes the linens. There will be another author in the remaining 4 ft space. If you rent a 4 ft space and know the author with whom you want to share, please note their name on your application. If you rent a 4 ft space and you do not designate the author with whom you are sharing, the festival organizers will make the table assignments. Where possible, you will be paired with an author in a different genre. Chairs will be provided.
11. Even if renting a table, authors may bring their own table coverings and decorations. However, no open flames, confetti, or glitter are allowed and no electricity is provided to the tables. Advertising, signs, and banners may only be placed on the tabletop (not to exceed 2 feet in height) or taped to the front of the table unless there is a wall behind your table. However, nothing may be hung on the walls.
12. We have added a third option this year to accommodate more authors. We will be using outside space. Authors may bring a 10 by 10 tent that may be shared with up to 3 other authors. You will also need to bring your own table(s), chair(s), and table coverings. All authors sharing a tent will need to complete an application, however, only the tent owner will be charged. It is up to the tent owner to collect money from those sharing if desired.
13. Festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will be allowed into the building to set up your table beginning at 8:00 a.m. Friday setup may also be available. Authors must stay until the end of the festival, regardless of sales activity. If an author breaks down early, they will not be eligible for participation in the 2025 festival.
14. Authors must provide an author photo (headshot-face/shoulders only) in 300 dpi resolution in jpg or png format, book covers in jpg or png format, the genre in which they write, and a short (100 words or less) biography via the Google doc that will be sent to you once you are accepted into the festival. Please ensure the book covers you submit are the books you wish to promote. This information is used to advertise your participation on the website, on social media, and in the festival program.
15. Authors will cover all costs of participating in the Desert Foothills Book Festival, including, but not limited to, travel, lodging, meals, shipping, sales, business license fees, and sales tax remittance.
16. Authors are encouraged to promote their participation in the festival on social media and any other marketing avenues they have available to them. The more we all promote, the larger our number of attendees will be.
17. Applications will be reviewed for compliance with the festival guidelines.
18. If your application is accepted, you will receive an email containing an invoice for payment directly from The Holland Center. Payment may be made by check or credit card. Payment must be received no later than two weeks from the date the invoice is issued. FAILURE TO MAKE PAYMENT BY THE DEADLINE WILL RESULT IN YOUR SPOT BEING FORFEITED.
19. Applications will be accepted until August 1, 2025, or until all genres, tables, and tent spaces are filled. Any applications received after everything has been filled will be put on a waiting list. If we get a cancellation, the waiting list will be contacted in the order in which the applications were received.
20. A refund will be issued for cancellations occurring on, or before, August 15, 2025, and will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Cancellations after August 1, 2025, are nonrefundable.