McKinney Literary Fest

McKinney Literary FestAugust 23-24, 2025

McKinney Literary Fest

The McKinney Literary Fest is a North Texas celebration of local authors, illustrators, and readers! This event exists to connect our community of readers and writers, foster literary growth, and celebrate the craft of storytelling.

We are actively planning for our second annual Literary Fest, scheduled for August 23-24, 2025 at the new McKinney City Hall. Join us to meet authors, participate in a reading, join a panel discussion, explore downtown McKinney, and more!

Interested in viewing photos and details from last year's Literary Fest? Explore our online exhibit showcasing the First Annual McKinney Literary Fest.

Attendees

If you’re interested in attending as a general spectator or non-published author, check back this summer! We’ll open general event registration this summer. The application below is only for authors wishing to participate through panels, readings, or book sales.

Now Accepting Author Applications

The author application period for the 2025 McKinney Literary Fest is now open. Applications are due by 5 p.m. April 25, 2025. Apply by completing our online McKinney Literary Fest Author Application.

Event Planning Timeline:

  • February 17: Application period opens
  • April 25: Application period closes
  • May 16: Selections announced
  • May 30: Author agreements and $25 registration fee due
  • August 23-24: 2nd Annual McKinney Literary Fest

Eligibility:

To be eligible, you must: 

  • Reside in one of the following Northeast Texas counties:
    • Anderson, Bowie, Cass, Cherokee, Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Delta, Denton, Ellis, Fannin, Freestone, Grayson, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hill, Hopkins, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Lamar, Limestone, Marion, McLennan, Morris, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Panola, Rains, Red River, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Tarrant, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt, Wood
  • Be self-published, published by an independent publisher, or have published works through traditional publishing methods. 
  • Be willing to meet with fellow authors from the local area and interact with readers on both August 23 and 24, 2025 in McKinney, TX.

Why is there an Application?

We learned a lot last year! The application process will allow us to proactively collect author information that will:

  • Help us sort/group authors into specific genres
  • Organize and maximize our available space
  • Aid in the advertising of the event

How will Authors be Selected?

The McKinney Public Library staff will review submissions and make selections. Our goal is to provide space for authors of a variety of genres. Factors that will go into the selection process include the overall diversity of genres, target ages of readers, format, subject matter, etc. If participation response exceeds capacity, authors who reside in McKinney and adjacent communities will be prioritized.  

Authors under the age of 18 are welcome to apply and participate with parent/guardian permission.

Questions?

Please email literaryfest@mckinneytexas.org and we’ll get back to you!