BLACK AUTHORS FESTIVAL @SAG HARBOR 2027 - Community Author Honoree Application - 2027 - $175.00

Application Fee: $175 | Application Deadline: January 31, 2027
Festival Date: Saturday, August 7, 2027
Venue: Breakwater Yacht Club | Sag Harbor, New York
Theme: BLACK INK

YOUR LITERARY LEGACY DESERVES TO BE SEEN.

The Black Authors Festival invites published authors to apply for the distinction of Community Author Honoree at the 5th Annual Black Authors Festival @Sag Harbor, presented under the 2027 theme, BLACK INK.

This opportunity is designed for authors who have published a body of literary work and demonstrated a meaningful commitment to community service, advocacy, mentorship, education, or initiatives that positively impact others. Whether independently published or published through a traditional or major commercial publishing house, eligible authors are encouraged to submit their work for consideration.

The Community Author Honoree distinction recognizes the intersection of literary achievement and community impact. We believe an author's influence extends beyond the pages of a book. It is reflected in the ideas they share, the lives they touch, the knowledge they preserve, and the contributions they make to their communities.

One applicant will be selected by the Black Authors Festival selection committee to receive the Community Author Honoree distinction and recognition at the 2027 Festival. This is a competitive, selective opportunity for an author whose literary contributions and community engagement demonstrate distinction, purpose, and a commitment to making a difference.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

We invite applications from published authors who can demonstrate:

• A Published Body of Work: Applicants must have at least one published book, whether independently published or released through a traditional or major commercial publisher. A demonstrated body of work, continued literary development, and a commitment to sharing knowledge are encouraged.

• Meaningful Community Service: Applicants must demonstrate a record of service, volunteerism, mentorship, advocacy, educational initiatives, charitable work, or other substantive contributions that benefit a community.

• Literary Merit and Purpose: Applicants should be able to articulate the purpose, significance, and impact of their work, including how their writing informs, inspires, educates, preserves culture, or encourages meaningful dialogue.

• Community Impact: Strong applications will demonstrate how the applicant has used their platform, professional experience, literary work, or personal resources to contribute to positive change.

• Professionalism and Representation: The selected honoree must be prepared to represent their literary work and community contributions with professionalism and participate in the Festival's recognition activities as communicated by the organizers.

Authors across genres and disciplines are welcome to apply, including fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry, children's literature, historical writing, inspirational works, educational publications, and other literary forms.

WHAT MAKES THIS OPPORTUNITY DISTINCTIVE?

The Community Author Honoree distinction places the spotlight on an author whose literary work and community service demonstrate a shared commitment to purpose, legacy, and impact. It provides an opportunity to bring greater visibility to an author's accomplishments within a distinguished gathering of writers, cultural figures, industry professionals, and readers.

The selected applicant will receive formal recognition as the 2027 Black Authors Festival Community Author Honoree, with details regarding the recognition and participation arrangements communicated directly to the recipient.

This is not simply an opportunity to display books. It is an opportunity to present the story behind the work, the service behind the platform, and the purpose behind the author's literary journey.

COMMUNITY AUTHOR HONOREE BENEFITS

The selected 2027 Black Authors Festival Community Author Honoree will receive a distinguished recognition experience designed to celebrate their literary accomplishments, amplify their voice, and acknowledge their commitment to community service.

The honoree will receive:

• Complimentary Festival Admission for Two: Admission for the honoree and one guest to attend the 5th Annual Black Authors Festival @Sag Harbor on Saturday, August 7, 2027.

• Formal Honoree Award: An official Black Authors Festival award recognizing the recipient’s literary contributions and demonstrated commitment to community impact.

• Exclusive Author Marketplace Opportunity: The opportunity to showcase and sell copies of at least two published book titles at the Festival, providing direct exposure to attendees and an opportunity to connect with prospective readers. The honoree is responsible for supplying their books and managing sales and transactions.

• Official Acceptance Address: Up to two minutes to deliver an acceptance speech during the designated Festival recognition segment, offering an opportunity to share their appreciation, literary journey, and commitment to community service.

This distinction celebrates the power of authorship beyond publication by recognizing an individual whose work, service, and influence reflect the enduring value of Black literature and community engagement. The selected honoree will join the 2027 Festival’s celebration of literary excellence under the theme BLACK INK.

APPLICATION FEE AND SELECTION PROCESS

The application fee is $175.00 and is required for an application to be considered. The fee covers the submission and review process and does not constitute payment for an honor, guarantee acceptance, or guarantee Festival participation.

The Black Authors Festival selection committee will review eligible submissions and select one applicant for the Community Author Honoree distinction. Selection is based on the merits of the application, the applicant's published work, demonstrated community service, literary purpose, and overall alignment with the Festival's mission.

NOTE: Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance or selection. The application fee is nonrefundable, regardless of the outcome of the selection process or whether an applicant chooses to withdraw their submission.

Application requirements, eligibility criteria, submission procedures, and selection details are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Black Authors Festival. Applicants are responsible for reviewing the current requirements and submitting complete, accurate information.

SELECTION NOTIFICATION

The selected applicant will be notified by email no later than Tuesday, June 15, 2027. Applicants are responsible for providing a valid email address and monitoring their inbox, including spam and junk folders. Additional instructions, acceptance requirements, and details concerning Festival participation will be provided to the selected applicant.

READY TO SUBMIT YOUR WORK?

If your literary journey reflects a commitment to both authorship and service, we invite you to submit your application for consideration. Tell us about your published work, the communities you serve, and the impact you strive to make.

One author will be selected. One literary journey will be recognized. One community voice will take its place among the honorees of BLACK INK 2027.

Apply through the official Black Authors Festival website: www.blackauthorsfestival.com.

Please note: The $175 application fee is nonrefundable. Submission does not guarantee acceptance, selection, an award, or participation in the Festival.

Disclaimer: Speakers, honorees, special guests, event details, and programming are subject to change without prior notice. The Black Authors Festival reserves the right to modify the event schedule, programming, and featured participants as necessary.