Writing Competition Deadline - 15th August 2025. Submit your entry now!
The Writers' Hive
Formerly the Author Marketplace, this is a buzzing, fun and funky space in Patch to meet and chat to authors who have finished their book! Ask them questions, get tips and advice, buy a book and get it signed (and a photo!) and join them for a series of panels on lots of different writing subjects.
Plus, if your book is ready for the world, why not hold your book launch at The Writer's Hive? You can invite your friends and family, get professional photography for your marketing AND be featured in Dorset Magazine.
Applications are now open (details below).
Photos from last year's event
Photo credit: Solid Imagery
Hold your Book Launch at the Hive!
Finished your book? Celebrate with us and hold your book launch at the Bournemouth Writing Festival, surrounded by friends, family, authors, writers and writing professionals.
Just like Alice G May and John S Frisby last year, you can have a cost-effective book launch with professional photography and - new this year - be featured in Dorset Magazine!


For just £130, you get:
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A 30-minute timed slot to launch your book. Give a speech, read an extract or just mingle with a glass of fizz.
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You can bring any materials you like such as banner stands, leaflets, bookmarks, giveaways or something else!
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An all-day stall at the Writer's Hive.
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A spot on a panel (if required)
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Professional photography from Solid Imagery.
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A feature within Dorset Magazine
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Drinks and nibbles (optional extra).
There are a maximum of FOUR slots available, so book in soon! To apply, please send us an email with your author details, book you'd like to launch (including a short blurb and genre) and ideas on how you'd like to fill your 30-minute slot (e.g. speech, reading or mingling).

Hire a Stall!
Meet new faces, sell your books, join a panel and collaborate with other writers!
Make your mark in author circles by being part of the Bournemouth Writing Festival's Writer's Hive.
For just £30, you'll get
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A space in the Writer's Hive all day
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Table and chairs
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Professional photography of you and your books
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Optional spot on a panel (plus professional photography)
To apply, please send an email to us with a short bio of your author journey, links to your books and the genre you write in. We will assess all applications. Due to expected demand, we can't accept everyone's application.