Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates of the 2025 Charleston Literary Festival?
The Festival will present programs between November 7 and 16, 2025.
When will the lineup of amazing authors participating this fall be announced?
A preliminary lineup of speakers will be announced in June with the full roster of speakers being released in early September.
Where does the Festival take place?
Charleston, SC is the home of the Festival and live events are presented at Dock Street Theatre in the historic downtown area. All events are held within easy walking distance of local amenities such as boutique hotels, great shopping and plentiful restaurants.
What is the format of the Festival?
Most events revolve around intimate conversations between authors and interlocutors and include a 10-15 minute Q & A opportunity with audience members. Programs last about an hour and only one event is scheduled at a time, so you never have to miss a speaker.
The Festival program is carefully curated on the basis of literary excellence and critical acclaim. Our aim is to share and discuss innovative stories and ideas that stem from recent and classical books, and to inform, enrich and entertain.
Is seating general admission or reserved?
Seating at Dock Street Theatre is general admission.
Approximately how many authors will take part in the Festival?
We anticipate that over 50 authors and interlocutors, most of whom are writers, will participate in the 2025 Festival.
How do I apply to become a speaker at Charleston Literary Festival?
The majority of presenting authors appearing at the festival are by invitation only, however, we do consider unsolicited submissions on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to submit yourself as a speaker for the Festival please fill out our Author Submission Form.
The Festival program is carefully curated based on national and international literary excellence, resonance, and relevance.
Please note:
We do not hold book signings or books sales for authors not included in the Festival programming
We do not offer author or vendor booths
We do not have children’s programming
We do not include self-published books in our programming
Where can I buy the authors’ books?
There will be a pop-up bookstore at Dock Street Theatre during the Festival which will have the most recent works of all the Festival speakers, plus some previous titles and related materials available for purchase.
What about getting books signed?
Signings will take place following most in-person events. Some authors may sign book plates in advance. You may bring your own copy to be signed, as well.
How do I become a sponsor of the Festival?
To become a Festival sponsor, please contact Suzanne Pollak, our Director of Development, at suzanne.pollak@charlestonliteraryfestival.com. Check out our Sponsor Brochure HERE.
How do I donate to the Festival?
There are many ways to support the Festival. Gifts, regardless of size, ensure that the Festival continues and makes it possible to broaden event access to students and others through free and reduced-price tickets. Click here to go to our Donate page and donate to the Festival via our website. Or alternatively, contact Suzanne Pollak, our Director of Development, at suzanne.pollak@charlestonliteraryfestival.com.
How do I find the Charleston Literary Festival on social media?
Stay connected with us and follow our social media channels on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Our social media will keep you up to date with the latest Festival announcements.
Can you use enthusiastic volunteers? I’d love to get involved.
Yes! We love volunteers! Please fill out our Volunteer Interest Form HERE.
Is the organization a registered charity?
Yes. The Charleston Literary Festival is presented by Charleston to Charleston, Inc., an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation organized in 2016 under the laws of the State of South Carolina.
I have more questions. What should I do?
Please send an email to enquiries@charlestonliteraryfestival.com with your questions and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Special note for 2025:
The safety and well-being of our speakers and patrons is our number one priority. We have developed health and safety protocols for our 2025 Festival that follow the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as guidance from the State of South Carolina and the City of Charleston.