Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some of the questions most often asked regarding the Best Southwest
Bookfest. Please read throughthe topics for the information you seek; you may click on the
question to go directly to the topic or scroll down to skim all of the information.
Should your question not be answered here, please submit your query to
info@bestsouthwestbookfest.org or call 972-227-1550. Thanks for your interest!

What is the Best Southwest Bookfest?
When and where does the Bookfest take place?
Is there a charge to attend?
How can I become a sponsor?
Can I volunteer?
How can I participate as an author?
How do I get to the Bookfest location?
I’m coming from out of town.  Where can I stay?
How can I pay for reception and meal tickets, vendor space, or simply make a donation?
What is the refund policy regarding workshop cancellations?
How can I get more information on the authors?
When will the authors sign their books?
Is there a limit on the number of books I can get signed?
Can I bring books from home to be signed?
How can I get a Bookfest program?
Is there plenty of parking at the Bookfest?
Will there be activities for children?
I’ve seen details elsewhere that conflict with the information here.  Who’s right?
I am a writer, and I’d like to talk to the authors about my work.
Will they be available for private chats or to evaluate manuscripts.
May I display my books, publicity materials, or informational flyers or brochures without being a v endor?
I’d like to contact one of the authors appearing prior to the Bookfest.How do I do that?

What is the Best Southwest Bookfest?
The Best Southwest Bookfest presented by the public libraries in Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville and Lancaster and the UNT Dallas Campus Library celebrates the written word by presenting excellent and inspiring events for readers, writers and book lovers.  The Bookfest occurs annually in the spring and features local and national authors as well as illustrators, literary agents, and publishers.
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When and where does the Bookfest take place?
The 2008 Bookfest takes place on March 27th, 28th, 29th at the Cedar Hill Recreation Center located at 310 E. Parkerville Road, Cedar Hill, TX 75104.   Please refer to our schedule page for more details.
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Is there a charge to attend?
Admission to most Bookfest events is FREE.  There is a charge to participate in our Friday creative writing workshops (registration required), attend the Friday night dinner (ticket required) honoring featured authors and the Saturday luncheon (ticket required) with Travis Hunter.  To register for any of these events go to FORMS.,
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How can I participate as a sponsor?
If you are interested in becoming a Bookfest sponsor, contact Pat Bonds, President, a 972-291-7323 or pat.bonds@cedarhilltx.com.
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Can I volunteer?
Sure!  We rely on volunteers to make sure our Bookfest runs as smoothly as possible, and we can alway use another interested, hard-working book lover.  To sign up, please read and complete the volunteer form
And thank you in advance.
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How can I participate as an author?
Author appearances at the Bookfest are by invitation only.  The submission of materials does not guarantee selection.  Please consider that an invitation one year does not guarantee that an author will be invited back every year.

If you would like to be considered, please send any or all of the following to Author Selection – Best Southwest Bookfest, P.O. Box 2675, Cedar Hill, TX 75106 – a list of your works, press kit, bio, publisher information, letter of introduction (email versions of these materials will not be accepted). While early submission does not guarantee a spot on the festival roster, it does help 

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How do I get to the Bookfest location?
The Cedar Hill Recreation Center is located at 310 E. Parkerville Road, Cedar Hill, TX 75104. 
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I’m coming from out of town.  Where should I stay?
Best Southwest Hotels include:

  1. Hilton Garden Inn, 800 North Main Street, Duncanville, TX, 972-283-9777
  2. Holiday Inn Express1035 E. Highway 67, Duncanville, TX, 972-298-8000
  3. Best Western 922 E. Highway 67, Duncanville, TX 972-283-3000
  4. Red Roof Inn, 1401 N. Interstate 35, DeSoto, TX 972-224-7100
  5. Ramada Limited, 1439 North Highway 67, Cedar Hill, TX 972-299-0100
  6. Holiday Inn Plaza, 1515 North Interstate 35, DeSoto, TX 972-224-9100

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How can I pay for workshop registration, reception and luncheon tickets, or simply make a donation?
Please send your check, payable to “Best Southwest Bookfest,” to Best Southwest Bookfest; P.O. Box 2675, Cedar Hill, TX 75106.  If you wish to pay by using a credit card click the Bookfest PayPal icon on the form page.  You may also drop off your check and form at any of the participating libraries: Zula B. Wylie Library in Cedar Hill, DeSoto Public Library, Duncanville Public Library, Lancaster Veterans Memorial Library or UNT Dallas Campus Library.  In case of a problem or question contact Leora Kemp, Treasurer, at 972-780-3625 or lkemp@scd.unt.edu.
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What is the refund policy regarding workshop cancellations
REFUND POLICY: Workshop registration cancellations must be requested by March 26, 2008 in order to receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be given after March 26th. Sorry, no refunds will be issued for any Meal Reservations.
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How can I find out when my favorite authors will be appearing?
Please refer to ourand be sure to schedule page check back often for any update or changes
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When will the authors sign their books?
Most authors will be available to sign books at designated times in the Autograph Areas near the Barnes & Noble. Check the schedule. Also note many authors may be available to sign a few books before and after their presentation.
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Is there a limit on the number of books I can get signed?
No.  However, readers waiting to have more than three books signed by a single author may be asked to move to the end of the line. We ask that you respect others in line with you and limit each time to the front of 3 copies. You are welcome to go back to the end of the line and wait for another chance for the author to sign.
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Can I bring books from home to be signed?
Yes, but we encourage you to take a look at what our bookseller, Barnes & Noble, has to offer, too.
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How can I get a Bookfest program?
Printed programs will be available at all Bookfest events. For a complete list of events, which is updated regularly, please refer to our schedule page, and feel free to print it out.
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Is there plenty of parking at the Bookfest?
Yes. There is ample free parking at the Cedar Hill Recreation Center.
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Will there be activities for children?
No.  The 2008 Bookfest does not include programs of interest to children.
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I’ve seen details elsewhere that conflict with the information here.  Who’s right?With such a mixed bag of facts and details associated with the Bookfest, wires sometimes get crossed and incorrect information is distributed.  The most up-to-date information and corrections can be found on this site.
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I am a writer, and I’d like to talk to my favorite authors about my work.  Will they be available for private chats or to evaluate manuscripts?
No. The authors will not be available to evaluate manuscripts.
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May I display my books, publicity materials, or informational flyers or brochures without being an exhibitor?
No.  There will not be any exhibition or booth space available.
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I’d like to contact one of the authors appearing prior to the Bookfest.  How do I do that?
Because we respect the privacy of our participants, we do not give out contact information.
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How can I participate as an author?
Author appearances at the Bookfest are by invitation only.  The submission of materials does not guarantee selection.  Please consider that an invitation one year does not guarantee that an author will be invited back every year.

If you would like to be considered, please send any or all of the following to Author Selection– Best Southwest Bookfest, P.O. Box 2675, Cedar Hill, TX 75106 – a list of your works, press kit, bio, publisher information, letter of introduction (email versions of these materials will not be accepted).  While early submission does not guarantee a spot on the festival roster, it does help.