Indie Author

Indie Author Showcase Application Form


Are you an independent author eager to share your literary creations and your writing process? We invite you to apply to participate in the Oakville Public Library's inaugural Indie Author Showcase.

At the Indie Author Showcase, selected authors will have the unique opportunity to engage with the Oakville community, sharing insights into their writing and publishing journeys while promoting their book titles. Additionally, there may be a chance for a brief book reading session. If your work is chosen, OPL will proudly add a copy to our collections.

Event Details

Date and Time: Sunday, April 21, 2024, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Venue: Central Branch, 120 Navy Street, Oakville

Application Deadline

The Program Development team at OPL will carefully review each submission. While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, please note that space is limited, and confirmation of acceptance will be communicated to selected authors.

Criteria 

  1. Recent publication: Authors must have published a work within the last three years. Additionally, OPL must be able to acquire a print copy of any title submissions for inclusion in our collection.

  2. Independently published: Authors must be self-published or be represented by a small independent publisher(s). Priority consideration will be given to authors that live and/or work in Oakville.

  3. Availability through library vendors: Works should be purchasable through a reputable library vendor such as White Hots Inc. and Library Bound Inc. for inclusion in our collection.

Promotional Opportunities 

  • Local author recognition: Upon acceptance, the library will review material to determine whether the submissions meet local author eligibility criteria. If these criteria are met, the library will catalogue the material indicating the book is authored by a local writer, and a distinctive local author sticker will be affixed to the front of the submission.

  • Marketing opportunities: If you are looking for marketing opportunities to promote your book, please contact the library’s marketing department: oplmarketing@oakville.ca


Writer Information (Please fill out the following fields)


Program Development and Delivery Policy
Inclusion Policy
Collection Development Policy
Intellectual Freedom Policy

  • Publication must be within the last 3 years.
  • Content of published works must align with the OPL’s Intellectual Freedom Policy and OPL’s Collection Development Policy, Inclusion Policy, Program Development and Delivery Policy.
  • OPL bears no obligation for any further marketing or promotion of material published by selected authors.
  • Inclusion in the event is based solely on the criteria set forth in this document and is at the discretion of staff.
  • I understand that OPL does not endorse any authors or books.
  • Authors are permitted to sell their book(s) at the program. The author is solely responsible for the delivery, display and sales of any books including providing change to customers for cash sales. The author must bring their own Moneris machine if they want to sell books by debit or credit. The library cannot participate in the selling of books.
  • All books must meet the selection criteria as outlined in OPL’s Collection Development Policy.
  • The book is the author’s original work and property.
  • The author’s submitted work does not contravene any Canadian legislation and copyright laws.
  • OPL may use the work, or image of the work, to promote the collection.
  • Donations of material become the property of OPL and will not be returned.
  • Books may be removed from the collection at the library’s discretion, according to the Collection Maintenance Guidelines. Books will not be returned to authors.