CALL FOR AUTHORS: The Books by the Banks 2010 author selection team is currently accepting authors’ submissions to participate in the 4th annual Books by the Banks scheduled for Saturday, October 2, 2010 from 10am to 4pm at the Duke Energy Convention Center.

The application process is quick and easy. Here’s how authors are selected to participate.

• The Books by the Banks author selection team is comprised of book and media professionals in the Cincinnati area. The goal of the team is to create a festival with a balance of genres, audience age ranges, and interests.
• Selected books must be available through Joseph-Beth Booksellers regular distribution procedures. Self-published books are rarely considered and books of poetry will not be included at this time.
• The selection team will review the submissions and extend invitations to participate as selections are made. Submissions will be accepted through May 15, 2010 and invitations to participate will be sent by July 15, 2010.

To apply to participate as an author, log onto www.booksbythebanks.org and then click on “Authors” from the menu at the top of the homepage. If you have further questions, please leave a voicemail at 513-369-6947 or e-mail booksbythebanks@cincinnatilibrary.org .

The 4th annual Books by the Banks: Cincinnati USA Book Festival will be held October 2, 2010 at the Duke Energy Center in downtown Cincinnati. Presented by the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, University of Cincinnati Libraries, The Mercantile Library, Cincinnati Magazine, and Joseph-Beth Booksellers, it is the joy of reading and books that brings these organizers all together.

Many organizations from both sides of the river are collaborating along with the organizers to grow the event into a major regional book festival for the Greater Cincinnati area. Other libraries collaborating on Books by the Banks that help bolster regional interest include Boone, Campbell and Kenton county public libraries; Cincinnati State Technical and Community College; and Northern Kentucky University Steely Library. Each year the event continues to build on its success. Last year’s event resulted in a 30% rise in attendance over the previous year and a 106% increase in book sales.