Jay Street fest will feature local authors

PHOTOGRAPHER: Kelly de la Rocha

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Local literary talent will be showcased on the Jay Street pedestrian mall Saturday during the Jay Street Book Festival.

Sixteen authors will assemble from 2 to 5 p.m. to sign and sell their books, and The Troy Bookmakers will offer informal self-publishing workshops.

Featured authors include Erin Billings, Joseph Bruchac, Norman Cohen, Sharon Swain, Kimberly Perone, Marvin Bubie, Marc Renson, Babette Faehmel, Peggy Morehouse, Gina Peca, Alan Casline, Lyn Miller, Fran Gordon, Barbara Delaney, Ellen Sinese and John Foley.

Jay Street Book Festival

WHEN: 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, rain or shine

COST: Free

“They’re all just fun books. It’s all walks of life — kids’ books, nonfiction, fiction, poetry. I think it’s going to be a great festival,” said Marc Renson, author of “Is the Coffee Fresh?” and owner of Ambition Bistro.

Ambition Bistro, The Open Door Bookstore and Zaria and Bella’s Gift Shop, all on Jay Street, are the event’s sponsors.

During the festival, The Troy Bookmakers will offer an informal overview of how self-publishing works and tips for people who would like to see their book in print.

Self-publishing is becoming increasingly popular, said Jessika Hazelton, manager of The Troy Bookmakers.

“The state of publishing right now makes it difficult to get picked up by a mainstream publisher, and I think also it’s nice for people who are not looking necessarily to do a mainstream book. That being said, we have authors who sell hundreds or thousands of books a year that they’ve self-published, so it can certainly be a way to become successful,” she said.

There is no cost for the workshop or the festival, and both will be held rain or shine.

Renson said he hopes the event will result in a sequel.

“This is like a test pilot to see how people respond to it,” he said. “We hope for it to continue.”