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NON-PROFIT STATUS 501(c)(3)
We have always been dedicated to helping authors advance their careers. In 2025, we took that commitment one step further and became a 501(c)(3) organization. With the help of donations and grants we plan to create programming that allows both our published authors and our unpublished writers gain access to opportunities to advance their careers. Connecticut Book Festivals asks its members not to donate but to help us find donors, sponsors and other opportunities to make this organization grow stronger and better for all its members.
If you know someone, an organization, or have visited this page to donate please contact:
Andrea Petitte (andrea@connecticutbookfestivals.com)
or
Luca DiMatteo (luca@connecticutbookfestivals.com)
(Auto donation form is under construction)
WHY ARE WE HERE
Some years ago Andrea Petitte and Luca DiMatteo were both sitting at a book signing event waiting for reading to walk in and buy books. The two authors struck up a conversation about the insanity of the whole process of getting book signings. Not much came from that first meeting. The following year they found themselves back in the same location again lamenting about how to sell more books. This time both were armed with ideas. Together, they began to focus on original and creative strategies and concepts and formed Connecticut Book Festivals.
Today Andrea and Luca have taken the next steps with Connecticut Book Festivals as they are now a non-profit organization, continue their high-quality venue, book signing events, are creating educational programing, and have taken on unpublished writers as well as growing their published author membership.
They continue to believe that every author should have the same opportunity to succeed in the industry. That is why they search endlessly for professional partners who are honest and offer valuable service to their membership.
Andrea and Luca believe the possibilities for Connecticut Book Festivals are endless if they and the authors just keep showing up.
ABOUT US
We Write Books.
We Are Authors.
We Understand People.
We are much more than just a book signing events company. We are an author-run organization dedicated to finding high-quality venues throughout the State of Connecticut. We are committed to not charging author members to participate in book signing events. We continue to search for innovative and original ways for our members to sell their creative works. Additionally, we strive to contract with others to offer author-members exceptional opportunities to increase the sales of their books and further their careers. We are also committed to helping those who dream of becoming published authors through our associate membership program.
How We Work
We work hard to compile Connecticut’s most extensive list of authors. Thanks to a combination of positive word of mouth by authors and successful book signing events, we continue to add new author members from all Connecticut counties. It is our goal to have book signing events throughout the entire State. Participating in an event in your backyard, where you’re best known, is always a plus. Authors living in the county where the event is hosted get the first option, and then participation is open to the entire membership.
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Selling books is every author’s dream. Connecticut Book Festivals holds this as our first core
principle. We are dedicated to finding creative and original ways to help authors sell more
book and further their careers.
Being an author doesn’t have to be a voyage of solitude. Connecticut Book Festivals is proud to
bring authors together to network and form lifelong friendships. Building a strong author
community is our second core principle.
Meeting fellow authors, readers, and others related to the book industry should be exciting. Creating a positive experience and having fun is our third core principle.
Sell Books, Make Friends, Have Fun
Upcoming Events
Wish to participate in an event. Please contact Luca or Andrea, or visit the event below to sign up.
Authors UncorkedFri, Oct 17Watertown
WRITER SNEAK PEEKS: NorwalkThu, Oct 23Norwalk
WRITER SNEAK PEEKS: New HavenFri, Oct 24New Haven
Norwalk Author CelebrationSat, Nov 08Norwalk Public Library
Book Blast at The University of BridgeportSat, Nov 15Bridgeport
Westbrook Outlets Holiday BlowoutSat, Dec 20Westbrook
The Month's Events
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"The opportunity to read my work in front of a room filled with readers and fellow authors created a sense of connection that both sparked inspiration and validated all the hard work." Phil
"Co-hosting the event, I had not intended on reading anything that night but the writers and feedback were all so inspiring, I couldn't resist. I am so glad I did. What a wonderful event. Thank you to everyone who made this a spectacular success." Matt
"I usually don't write a testimonial on our website, but, like Matt, I was so moved by the words from each author. They took us through so many different emotions and scenes. What an amazing evening. So much new and wonderful talent on the horizon." Luca.
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EVENT TESTIMONIALS
"Thank you!! It was a great event! Thank you for coordinating everything." Robin A.
"Ed and I did amazing. Def would like to do that particular event again. Thank you." Sky
"Thank you again Luca and Andrea and everyone else for making yesterday a success and meaningful experience for everyone!" Sandi Y.
"I don’t think anyone realizes the amount of time and effort you put into these things to make them so efficient. I think was the best event I’ve ever had as far as a group event." Greg D.
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OUR SUPPORTERS
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Top 50 Podcasts in the Country
SEASON 2 STARTS SEPT 1, 2025
The Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast
Jed Doherty, the host of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, is widely recognized by his stage name, Jedlie, and is an enthusiastic and passionate advocate for children's literature and literacy. As the host of the acclaimed "Reading With Your Kids Podcast." His original podcast mission was to help families grow closer through reading. Now, inspired by countless adults, parents, educators, and young readers, Jed is expanding his mission to include all genres in his newest endeavor “The Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast.”
Connecticut
Indie Authors
Billie Kowalewski
Every Child Reader
The Children’s
Book Council
Meet our Professional Partners
For more information on each of our Professional Partners, please click on the RESOURCES header above.
CONNECTICUT BOOK FESTIVALS PROUDLY JOINS THE FIGHT AGAINST BANNING BOOKS
STATS ON BANNED BOOKS
821
Attempts to censor Library Books and Materials
2452
5813
unique titles were challenged for censorship in 2024
Total book titles targeted for censorship in 2024
10 MOST CHALLENGED BOOKS
1. All Boys Aren't Blue
2. Gender Queer
3. The Bluest Eye
4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
5. Tricks
6. Looking for Alaska
7. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
8. Crank
9. Sold
10. Flamer
We Are All Creatives!
It’s our life ambition to make the world colorful and stand out! We can use your help. If you know of a venue, let us know. We will be glad to go and vet it. The more book signings we have the more opportunities we have to sell books. Let us know if you can pitch in!
The removal or use of any proprietary ideas, photos, concepts, and/or anything else on this website is prohibited by law and subject to the full force and affect of the laws of the State of Connecticut without prior notice. This is a warning to that effect.