The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m at its Central Branch, 1 Lafayette Square in Buffalo.

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library presents Indie Author Day 2025, its ninth annual such event, at its Central Branch, 1 Lafayette Square in Buffalo.

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

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.

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 H.R. 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, and table set up for the 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 Book Fair 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, Pauline Chow, and Dr. Jack

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 J.B. Stone of Variety Pack Zine.

The programs and tabling exhibition end at 4 p.m. The Central Branch library closes at 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Register for the morning sessions free of charge at this link: https://buffalolib.libcal.com/event/15047273