Got questions? We’ll try to give you answers. This section has been updated as of June 15, 2023
Can’t find an answer you need? Contact us with any other questions you may have.
General FAQ
The next BIBF is at the Florence Filberg CENTRE in DOWNTOWN COURTENAY, on October 14, 2023.
Don’t live in the Comox Valley? Here’s how to find it!
From South of Courtenay:
Come in from the Mid-Island Highway (19) on Exit 117, follow to Courtenay, and turn left onto Cliffe Avenue (T-intersection)
or the Oceanside Route, which becomes Cliffe Avenue (19a).
Follow Cliffe to 3rd Street, and turn RIGHT to go into the upper parking lot of Florence Filberg Centre. To access the lower parking lot (for mobility and level-entry parking) take Cliffe to 2nd Street, turn Right, the RIGHT again onto Anderton Avenue.
From North of Courtenay:
Taking the Mid-Island Highway (19) to Exit 117, follow the route to Courtenay and turn left onto Cliffe Avenue (T-intersection),
or the Oceanside Route (19a), follow to intersection of Headquarters Road and North Island Highway. Stay straight on the Old Island Highway and follow as it turns into 5th Street, and crosses the 5th Street Bridge. IMMEDIATELY after the bridge, turn RIGHT onto Anderton Avenue, to access the lower level parking lot, or, approx 50metres after the bridge, turn right into the upper level parking lot.
This event is all about connecting authors and audiences. If you love books, or maybe want to write books, or want to meet authors , this is the place for you! Also not too early to start your Christmas shopping for friends who like reading.
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Yes. There is on-site wifi, and there is also Shaw hotspot wifi.
This festival is a market-style event where the public is invited to come and meet authors, peruse their books and other wares, and purchase books directly from authors. There will be live music, snacks, and a children’s zone.
Attendee FAQ
Many of the authors will have the ability to accept credit/debit cards, many will also accept eTransfers or cheques, but ALL will accept CASH.
THERE IS NO ATM at this location. There ARE walking distance ATMs at:
A small canteen with baked goods and beverages will be run by a local ladies church auxiliary. Any profits they make will be funneled to local charities.
Yes, there will be an opportunity for authors to sign up to read their works. If you are familiar with the Upper floor of the Florence Filberg Centre, this will be in the Soroptimist’s Lounge, at the top of the stairs.
We will select two dozen authors to read in 5 or 10 minute segments.
Author/Participant FAQ
Absolutely. We support authors of all publishing varieties. If you have a book, you are welcome to join in.
You may be eligible to rent a table – Please email JP at contact@bigislandbookfest.com for more information. You ARE welcome to come and network with our authors, share and learn about them, at our Networking Jam.
This will be a family event – as long as no adult-only covers or adult-only titles are displayed, yes.
At this time, we are welcoming authors from throughout Vancouver Island, all the Gulf Islands, and the Sunshine Coast.
Readers from EVERYWHERE are welcome!
Yes. We had plans to run a book shop but response was underwhelming so we have cancelled that.
Yes. Only authors who are available at the event to connect with fans and other writers are eligible to do a reading, or have their excerpt read.
Book Shop participants are not eligible for readings.
YES! We can find you a volunteer to read your book excerpt for you (this is for the Listening Room only) . We encourage you to provide your reader with an honourarium or small gift of some sort, and we can connect you for a brief rehearsal period, to ensure the reader is presenting you as you wish.
Unfortunately, you must supply your own Square set up. We highly recommend this, as very few people carry cash and there is no onsite ATM. Square connects to your smartphone or tablet, and is very easy to use.
We may hold a workshop in early September for those who wish to get basic and more in-depth training. We recommend setting up your Square account and ordering the card reader/tap unit before then.
Square only charges when you actually make a sale – they charge a reasonable set up fee and no monthly fees. There is a one time fee for the equipment.
Another alternative is accepting eTransfers. You can set up your bank account to “auto-accept” so you don’t have to deal with passwords, or have a standard one that you ask everyone to use.
Yes. We may be offering a workshop on Square in the late summer or early fall. Date TBA. This workshop is designed to help new square users get started. If you want to participate, we recommend setting up your Square account and ordering the card reader/tap unit before then. You may contact us, as we may have a recording of a previous workshop we could send you. Email contact@bigislandbookfest.com with Square Help in subject line.
We’re in favour of a festive approach! Have fun with your table. Keep in mind that you’ll have a neighbour, so don’t use anything that may infringe upon them.
We would like each table to have a floor length table cloth (any colour is fine, we like it bright!)
The Author’s Networking Jam is for authors who are registered to sell at the Festival, and trade reps and sponsors.
As it IS for networking, we have a limited number of tickets available for purchase non-registered authors. If you are a local author, even if you’re just working on your first book, and would like the opportunity to connect with working authors, please email JP – Decisions about the Friday Jam are still being made, and tickets will not be given out until September so you have time. Contact@bigislandbookfest.com with your enquiry.
