Powerhouse Roster of Fiction, Mystery and Thriller Authors
Set to Take the Stage May 16
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The Gaithersburg Book Festival brings together authors of all genres. In this issue of the newsletter, we are showcasing our powerhouse roster of fiction and mystery/thriller authors whose new and upcoming works are already generating industry buzz. This year’s featured writers include best‑selling novelists, award winners, and emerging voices whose books span everything from sweeping historical sagas to high‑stakes suspense. Among the featured fiction authors include:
~ Literary Fiction ~
 Susan Coll’s eighth novel is "The Literati." Her previous works include the USA Today best-selling "Real Life and Other Fictions," "Bookish People," and "The Stager," a New York Times and Chicago Tribune Editor’s Choice. Her novel, "Acceptance," was made into a television movie starring Joan Cusack. Her work has appeared in publications including The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, Moment Magazine, NPR.org, and Atlantic.com. She is the events advisor at Politics and Prose Bookstore.
 Sara Goodman Confino is the best-selling author of six novels: "Don’t Forget to Write," "Good Grief," "Behind Every Good Man," "She’s Up to No Good," "For the Love of Friends," and the upcoming "Off the Record." After spending more years than she’s willing to publicly admit teaching high school English and journalism, she is currently writing full time and trying to make a living off of the crazy stories in her head. She lives in Montgomery County, Md., with her husband, two sons, two miniature schnauzers, and a goldfish that seems to be vying for the world record of longest living fish. When she’s not writing or frantically parenting, she can be found on the Peloton, at the beach, or at a Bruce Springsteen concert, sometimes even dancing onstage. Sara will be presenting "Good Grief."
 Lacey N. Dunham’s novel "The Belles" was named a Best Book of 2025 by Library Journal and Crime Reads. A Poets & Writers Magazine 2025 Writer to Watch, Lacey has received writing fellowships from the Elizabeth George Foundation, the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the Sewanee Writers Conference, and Catapult. Her forthcoming novel, "Fall of the House of Graystone" (2027), is a sapphic southern gothic Grey Gardens set against an early-'90s backdrop of moral panics. She lives in Washington, D.C., with too many books, but only two cats.
 Sheri Joseph’s novel, "Angels at the Gate," has just been published. Her previous books are the novels "Where You Can Find Me" and "Stray," and a cycle of stories, "Bear Me Safely Over." Her short fiction has appeared in numerous literary journals including The Georgia Review, Kenyon Review, Virginia Quarterly Review and Prairie Schooner. She has been awarded a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship and the Grub Street National Book Prize, as well as numerous residency fellowships including MacDowell and Yaddo. She lives in Atlanta, where she teaches in the creative writing program at Georgia State University.
 Jason Mott, a best-selling author, has a B.F.A. in Fiction and an M.F.A. in Poetry, both from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He is the author of two poetry collections and five novels. Jason’s fourth novel, "Hell Of A Book," released in June 2021, was the winner of the 2021 National Book Award for Fiction. His most recent novel, "People Like Us," a follow-up to "Hell of a Book," was a Late Night with Stephen Colbert Book Club selection.
 Sam Sussman grew up in the Hudson Valley. He graduated with a B.A. from Swarthmore College and a Masters in Philosophy from the University of Oxford and has lived in Berlin and Jerusalem. His writing has been recognized by BAFTA and published in Harper’s Magazine. Sam has taught writing seminars in India, Chile, and England and participated in the PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature. He lives in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan and his native Hudson Valley. Sam will be presenting "Boy from the North Country."
 Jung Yun was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Fargo, N.D. She received her M.F.A. in English and Creative Writing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is the author of "O Beautiful," which was a New York Times Editors’ Choice, a New York Times Group Read, and a San Francisco Chronicle Book of the Year. Her debut novel, "Shelter," was longlisted for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize. Jung will be presenting "All the World Can Hold."
~ Mystery/Thriller ~
 Dan Fesperman began writing about dangerous and unseemly people and places as a foreign correspondent for the Baltimore Sun. Now traveling on his own dime, his 14 critically acclaimed novels of intrigue and suspense draw upon that experience. His books have won two Dagger Awards in the U.K., the Dashiell Hammett Prize, and a Barry Award, and have been selected for Best-of-the-Year lists by USA Today, Oprah Daily and The New York Times Book Review. His latest novel, "Pariah," was published in July by Alfred A. Knopf. He lives just north of Baltimore.
 Alex Finlay is the best-selling author of several acclaimed novels, including the 2024 national best-seller, "If Something Happens to Me." His work regularly appears on best-of-the-year lists and has been translated into 25 languages and sold around the world. Nearly all of Alex’s books have been optioned or are in development for film and television. Alex will be presenting "The Anniversary."
 Sujata Massey was born in England to parents from India and Germany, grew up in St. Paul, Minn., and lives in Baltimore. She was a features reporter for the Baltimore Evening Sun before becoming a full-time novelist. The first Perveen Mistry novel, "The Widows of Malabar Hill," was an international best-seller and won the Agatha, Macavity, and Mary Higgins Clark Awards. Sujata will be presenting "The Star from Calcutta."
 Nick Petrie is the author of nine novels in the Peter Ash series, most recently "The Price You Pay." His debut, "The Drifter," won both the ITW Thriller award and the Barry Award for Best First Novel, and was a finalist for the Edgar and the Hammett Awards. A husband and father, he lives in the Milwaukee area. Nick will be presenting "The Dark Time."
L ori Rader-Day is the Edgar Award-nominated and Agatha, Anthony, and Mary Higgins Clark award-winning author of "Wreck Your Heart," "The Death of Us," "Death at Greenway," "The Lucky One," "Under a Dark Sky," and others. Lori earned a Master of Arts in Creative Nonfiction from Ball State University and a M.F.A. in creative writing from Roosevelt University. She lives in Chicago, where she co-chairs the crime fiction readers’ event Midwest Mystery Conference and teaches creative writing at Northwestern University.
 Jennifer van der Kleut is an award-winning former journalist of both print and online publications including WJLA, the Washington, D.C. affiliate of ABC7 News. A graduate of San Jose State University, she spent most of her life in the San Francisco Bay Area before moving to the Northern Virginia suburbs, where she currently lives with her husband and two sons. For nearly a decade, she was the lead singer of the Bay Area-based band SweetDuration, performing with artists like Jason Mraz, Big Country, Chantal Kreviazuk, and Stabbing Westward. When she’s not writing, she loves going to the beach with her family, going to concerts with her girlfriends, and getting lost in the pages of a good book. Jennifer will be presenting "The Better Mother."
~ Fantasy/SciFi ~
 Gretchen Powell Fox is the award-winning author of "Smoke and Scar" and "Splintered Kingdom," the first two books in the epic romantic fantasy trilogy, "Shattered Crown." Initially self-published, the series has earned numerous accolades, including a Best of #BookTok designation and publishing deals in Spain, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia, before being picked up by Simon & Schuster’s newest imprint, Scarlett Press. Gretchen lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two wild, wonderful children.
 Jenn Lyons is a twice-nominated Astounding Award finalist who lives in Atlanta, with her husband, a rebellious cait sìth, and a nearly infinite number of opinions on everything from Sumerian mythology to the proper way to make a martini. After 30 years as a graphic artist, art director, and video game producer (in that order), Jenn now happily splits her time between game development and novel writing. Her geek roots run deep, beginning with first edition Dungeons & Dragons in grade school and continuing today with an ever-evolving roster of hobbies—recent obsessions include pyrography, stenography, and medieval occult manuscripts. Jenn will be presenting "Green & Deadly Things."
 Michelle Maryk graduated from Cornell University and also attended the Yale Writer’s Workshop. She has been a full-time voiceover artist, as well as a commercial and comedic actor, for over 25 years. "The Found Object Society" is a novel of speculative suspense and her debut. She is also a dual citizen of Sweden and the U.S. Fun fact: Michelle starred in an atrocious horror movie with Oscar-winner Cliff Robertson written by… her dad.
 George Packer is an award-winning author and a staff writer at The Atlantic. He has written many books, including "The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America" (winner of the National Book Award) and, most recently, "Last Best Hope: America in Crisis and Renewal." He is also the author of two previous novels and a play, and is the editor of a two-volume edition of the essays of George Orwell. George will be presenting "The Emergency."
~ Historical Fiction ~
 Chanel Cleeton is The New York Times best-selling author of 20 books, including Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick "Next Year in Havana." Originally from Florida, Chanel grew up on stories of her family's exodus from Cuba following the Cuban Revolution. Her passion for politics and history continued during her studies in England where she earned a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Richmond, The American International University in London and a Master's degree in Global Politics from the London School of Economics & Political Science. Chanel also received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Chanel will be presenting "The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes."
S tephanie Cowell has been an opera singer, balladeer, founder of Strawberry Opera and other arts venues including a Renaissance Festival in New York City. She is the author of "Nicholas Cooke," "The Physician of London," "The Players: A Novel of the young Shakespeare," "Marrying Mozart," "Claude & Camille: A Novel of Monet," "The Boy in the Rain," and "The Man in the Stone Cottage: A Novel of the Brontë Sisters." Her work has been translated into several languages and adapted into an opera.
 Stephanie Dray is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of historical fiction. Her award-winning work has been translated into many languages and tops lists for the most anticipated reads of the year. She lives in Maryland with her husband, her history books, her extremely furry Ragdoll, and an endless parade of foster kittens. Stephanie will be presenting "A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams."
 Sadeqa Johnson is a New York Times best-selling author of five novels. Her most recent novel, "The House of Eve," was an instant New York Times best-seller, Reese’s Book Club selection, Target Book Club pick, nominated for a NAACP Image Award and a 2023 Goodreads Choice award finalist. Sadeqa will be presenting her upcoming novel, "Keeper of Lost Children," which was published earlier this month.
 Sharon Kurtzman worked in television marketing before pursuing her dream of becoming a writer. She earned her M.F.A. in Fiction from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and her undergraduate degree from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. "The Lost Baker of Vienna" was inspired by the war and postwar experiences of her own family, who were Holocaust survivors. Sharon lives in North Carolina with her husband; they have two adult children.
~ Horror ~
 Christina Henry is a horror and dark fantasy author of 19 novels. Her most recent work is "The Place Where They Buried Your Heart." Her short stories have been featured in several anthologies, including "HOWL: An Anthology of Werewolves from Women-in-Horror." She enjoys running long distances, reading anything she can get her hands on, and watching movies with samurai, zombies, and/or subtitles in her spare time. She lives in Chicago with her husband and son.
 Alma Katsu is The New York Times best-selling author of nine novels, including "The Hunger" and, most recently, "The Fervor." Her books have won or been nominated for the Stoker, Locus, Goodreads, and Shirley Jackson awards and made best books lists at NPR, Library Journal, Oprah, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and more. Her next novel, "Fiend," has been optioned for a TV series.
~ Romance ~
 Sarah Adler, a USA Today best-selling author, writes romantic comedies about lovable weirdos finding their happily ever afters. She lives in Frederick, Md., with her husband, daughter, and a very mischievous cat named Noodle. When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her spreading the gospel of reformer Pilates and attempting to course-correct an ill-advised late afternoon nap with an equally ill-advised late afternoon coffee, as she is incapable of ever learning a lesson. Sarah’s fourth book, "Wild Goose Chase," will be published on July 28, 2026, and is available for preorder. Sarah will be presenting "Finders Keepers."
 Madeline Bell grew up in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Columbia University. Writing as Christine Calella, she is the author of two Young Adult novels, "The Final Curse of Ophelia Cray" and "Liar's Kingdom." Like any rom-com heroine worth her salt, she is a lovably clumsy New Yorker with an office job in a creative field. Madeline will be presenting "The Austen Affair."
 Audrey Ingram is the author of "A River Runs South" and "The Group Trip." She is a graduate of Middlebury College and Georgetown University Law Center, and practiced law in Washington, D.C., for 15 years. When not writing, she can be found digging in her garden or hiking in the Blue Ridge mountains. An Alabama native, Audrey currently lives in Virginia with her husband and three children. Audrey will be presenting "The Summer We Ran."
 Matthew Norman lives in Baltimore with his wife and two children. His latest novel, "Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon," is out now. His previous novels include "Charm City Rocks," "All Together Now," "Last Couple Standing," "We’re All Damaged," and "Domestic Violets." He holds an M.F.A. from George Mason University.
For an updated list of authors in all genres, visit the GBF website.
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Poetry Contest Entries Due February 20
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Only a few days are left for high school students to submit poems to the Gaithersburg Book Festival's annual poetry contest. This year's topic is "What is Humanity?"
Winners will be unveiled at the Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 16, 2026, at 10:15 a.m., followed by an open mic reading from students and audience members. First and second place winners will receive $250 and $100, respectively. Third place and fan favorite winners will receive $50 and $25, respectively.
To participate, students must be enrolled in grades 9-12 at a public or private school, or be in a homeschool program, for the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, entrants must reside in Maryland, Virginia or the District of Columbia.
Full contest entry rules can be found on the GBF website.
Poems must be submitted electronically by midnight ET on Friday, February 20, 2026.
Submit here.
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Are you interested in participating in the 2026 Gaithersburg Book Festival?
If so, mark these deadlines on your calendar:
February 1-28
February 20
March 1
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Exhibitor Application Window Open
February 1-28
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Whether you’re an author, poet, publisher, literary non-profit, rock star food vendor, or have a business that relates to reading or the book industry…the Gaithersburg Book Festival provides you with a great opportunity to connect with nearly 20,000 book lovers.
As an exhibitor or vendor, you’ll have your own space for the day where you can interact with thousands of attendees and showcase your work, literary-related wares, services and programs.
Applications will be accepted online until February 28, 2026.
Again this year, exhibiting author applications will not be accepted on a first-come, first served basis. Applications will be juried by a subcommittee of the Gaithersburg Book Festival Committee.
All applicants will receive notification of their acceptance or rejection by March 13, 2026. Judging criteria will be included in the application.
All applications for vendor opportunities must be filled out online. No paper copies will be accepted.
There will be a $10 non-refundable fee to apply. The application fee for accepted vendors will be credited toward the total vendor fee.
If you have any questions about the application process for 2026, please email GBF staff.
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Workshop Proposals Due by March 1
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Calling all experienced writing teachers, professors and literary coaches – share your skills and passion for the written word and storytelling as a 2026 Gaithersburg Book Festival workshop leader! We are now accepting proposals from professionals in the literary community to lead in-person writing workshops for adults, teens and children.
We welcome workshop ideas across genres and formats. Past sessions have explored poetry, personal essays, short stories and novel writing, comic book creation, songwriting, and publishing and book marketing strategies.
Whether you specialize in flash fiction or memoir, graphic novels or grammar, we’re eager to see proposals that are specific in scope, age-targeted and designed to engage participants in 45–55 minutes of literary exploration.
The Workshop Selection Committee evaluates proposals based on:
- Teaching experience of the workshop leader
- Topic appeal and relevance to our audience
- Diversity of offerings across genres and age groups
Selected workshop leaders may choose between a $100 stipend or a complimentary exhibitor booth at the Festival.
Proposals are due March 1, 2026, and selected presenters will be notified by early April.
Submit your proposal here.
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Pratt Library Poetry Contest Deadline March 1
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Enoch Pratt Free Library and Poet Lore are hosting a free poetry contest for Maryland residents age 18 and older sponsored.
Entries are due March 1, 2026.
The winning poem will be published in Poet Lore and celebrated at a public reading. For complete guidelines click here.
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Introducing GBF Bingo: Your Spring
Reading Challenge
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The GBF is launching a new way to enjoy books and earn prizes: GBF Bingo!
Readers of all ages – keep track of books you read from Sunday, March 1 through Saturday, May 16, 2026, and write the book title and author in 4 matching squares on the bingo card. Then submit your completed card at the Festival on May 16 to claim your prize! Complete all 16 squares and earn a special prize!
For contest rules and to download your GBF Bingo Card, visit the GBF website.
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Welcome New
2026 Sponsors
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~ Partners ~
DoubleTree by Hilton Washington DC North/Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg Parks, Arts & Recreation Corporation
Politics and Prose Bookstore
~ Festival Sponsor ~
CaringMatters
Maryland State Arts Council
Montgomery Community Media
Web Mobile Image, LLC
~ Literary Sponsor ~
Frederick Book Arts Center
Montgomery History
VisArts
Warrior Canine Connection
Sponsoring the Gaithersburg Book Festival is a great way to show that you support the community and the literary arts, while gaining visibility with our attendees, who are among the region’s best-read and most well-educated individuals.
Learn more about how to become a festival sponsor.
Email GBF staff to discuss your sponsorship
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Official Bookseller
& Partner
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~ Partners ~
~ Festival Sponsor ~
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Subscribe to the GBF Newsletter
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