Only the morning session (9:15 AM - 2:00 PM) requires registration to attend. 

The afternoon session (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM) is open to the general public to browse tables and attend panels and presentations. 

Both sessions are free to attend.

Celebrate local literary voices at Indie Author Day 2025!

Saturday, November 15th, 2025 at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Central Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203

Indie Author Day is part of a nationwide celebration connecting independent writers with their local libraries and writing communities. Whether you’re a published author or just starting your journey, this free event is for you!

This year’s program includes expert-led presentations, networking opportunities, and a vibrant afternoon tabling session featuring local authors and literary professionals.

Morning Session

9:15 AM – 2:00 PM in the Mason O. Damon Auditorium of the Central Library, entrance on Clinton Street.
Registration is required to attend the morning session. This registration is for audience members only—not for the afternoon tabling.

9:30 Welcome and opening remarks
9:45 Beta Reading: The Inside Scoop by Valerie Gee & Katelin Pickard, co-owners of Writer Island
10:00 When to Trust Humans Over Machines: Understanding What Editors Can Do and What AI Cannot by Jennifer Borgioli Binis of Schoolmarm Advisors
10:30 Demystifying the Publishing Landscape: Traditional, Hybrid, and Self-Publishing by Hannah Gordon of Gordon Publishing
11:15 Break
11:30 HONEST GHOST! Authentic Writing and Fantastic Subjects by Mason Winfield of Haunted History Ghost Walks, Inc.
1:00 Morning Session Closing Remarks, closing of Auditorium.
1:00-2:00 (Second Floor) Break, Social Hour, Author Table set up for Afternoon Session. Please note: Downtown dining options are limited on Saturdays. Attendees attending the full day are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch or plan their meal in advance. No food will be provided during this break.

Afternoon Session

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM on the Second Floor of the Central Library.
Attendance to these events is free and open to the general public, registration is not required. Note that multiple events will be occurring at the same time in different areas.

Second Floor, Exhibit Space
2:00 - 4:00 Tabling and networking

Second Floor, Central Meeting Room
2:00 Writing Together: Finding Accountability, Motivation and Connections with Shut Up & Write Buffalo by John Bowers, Tediyra Barton-Harris, Elaine Grant, Dr. Chirantana Mathkari, Michael Neumann, and Annette J. Wacha
2:30 Transforming Buffalo into the Multiverse by Travis Carlson of Pan-American Film Division

Second Floor, Collections Gallery Conference Room
2:00 Finishing Your First Novel (Turning Your Idea into a Story) by Evangeline Williams
2:45 How to Get Away With (Writing) Murder by Gary Earl Ross
3:15 Horror: It's Not Just Teens Getting Killed by Liam Burke, Rebecca Cuthbert, and Pauline Chow

Second Floor, TechKnow Lab
2:00 Branding Your Empire by Tori Einher of Unscripted Chaos
2:30 Creating Your Literary Magazine (As an Extension of the Self) by Jared Benjamin of Variety Pack Zine

Interested in hosting a table during the afternoon session?

We're bringing back indie author book sales! Tabling is open to local and indie authors, artists, designers, marketers, influencers, publishers, editors, and others connected to the local and indie literary community. Only book sales by local and indie authors are permitted.

Request form for hosting a table (link). This is not the same as registering to attend the morning session.

Morning session registration is below, click on the "Begin Registration" button. You do not need to register if you are only attending the afternoon session.

Questions? Please contact TechKnow Lab Librarian Jacqueline Hovey at 716-858-7384 or email hoveyj@buffalolib.org.

Individuals in need of an accommodation may contact the ADA Coordinator at access@buffalolib.org within 7 days of the program.