Recap of the Petersburg Book Fest

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There are some author moments you never forget, and being a vendor at the Petersburg Book Festival is officially one of mine.

I came to Petersburg, Virginia, with copies of Muse: Brown Skin — A Dangerous Kind of Love, ready to meet readers, talk about my journey, and hopefully sell some books.

What I wasn’t expecting was to sell out of nearly 60 copies in less than three hours.

Yes. LESS THAN THREE HOURS!

As an indie author, you never really know what to expect when you attend an event. You pack your books. You set up your table. You make sure everything looks good. You smile, introduce yourself, tell people about your story, and hope your work connects with somebody.

Petersburg showed me so much love.

From the moment readers started coming to my table, I could feel the energy. People were friendly, curious, encouraging, and genuinely excited to support Black authors. They asked questions about Muse. They wanted to know about my journey. They purchased books, talked with me, laughed with me, and reminded me why I continue to show up and tell my stories.

And then the books just kept disappearing from my table.

One copy after another.

Before I knew it, nearly 60 books were gone.

Sold out.

In less than three hours.

There Is Nothing Like Black People Supporting Black Authors

That was probably the most beautiful part of the entire experience.

There is something powerful about being in a space filled with Black readers, Black authors, Black businesses, and people who genuinely want to see our stories exist and succeed.

Our stories deserve shelf space.

Our stories deserve readers.

Our stories deserve to be celebrated.

And independent Black authors especially need spaces like the Petersburg Book Festival because we are often building everything ourselves. We write the books. We invest our own money. We market. We travel. We set up the tables. We sell the books. We build relationships with readers one person at a time.

So when our community shows up and says, “I want to support you,” it means more than simply making a sale.

It tells us to keep going.

The Event Was Beautiful

Beyond selling out, I was impressed by the festival itself. The atmosphere was beautiful, welcoming, and full of literary energy.

I loved seeing people walking around discovering authors they may have never heard of before. I loved watching readers leave with books in their hands. I loved seeing authors have the opportunity to introduce their work directly to the people who may become their next loyal readers.

Most importantly, I never felt like I was simply there to sell something.

I felt like I was part of a community.

That matters.

I have spent so much time promoting Muse online, especially through social media, but there is nothing like meeting readers face-to-face. There is nothing like watching someone pick up your book, read the description, look at you and say, “Okay, I need this.”

Those moments never get old.

Petersburg, I Hope to See You Again

Selling nearly 60 copies in less than three hours was incredible, but what I will remember most is how Petersburg made me feel.

Welcomed.

Supported.

Encouraged.

And grateful.

To every reader who stopped by my table, purchased Muse, asked about my books, shared a kind word, or simply took a moment to learn who I was, thank you.

You made this indie author feel incredibly loved.

I truly hope I have the opportunity to return to the Petersburg Book Festival next year. And next time?

I’m bringing more books.

Because clearly, 60 wasn’t enough.

Black authors need Black readers.

Black readers deserve Black stories.

And when our community intentionally supports both, something beautiful happens.

Petersburg, thank you for reminding me of that.

Until next time.

Geri Cohen Biddy

Author of Muse: Brown Skin — A Dangerous Kind of Love