Sunbury Press opens first East Coast chapter of Author Event Network

Sunbury Press has launched the first East Coast chapter of the Author Event Network, creating new event-based marketing opportunities for authors in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. The partnership is designed to help independent writers reach readers directly, share event costs and build regional visibility ahead of the chapter’s first event in September 2026.

Why it matters: - The new chapter gives Sunbury Press authors a direct path to meet readers at festivals, fairs and community events. - The program can lower event costs for participating writers by sharing booth space and expenses. - Sunbury Press is covering the first year of AEN membership for interested authors, removing an upfront cost barrier. - The launch expands AEN’s reach on the East Coast and gives Sunbury Press a new promotional channel beyond traditional book marketing.

What happened: - Sunbury Press launched the first East Coast chapter of the Author Event Network in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, on August 17, 2026. - The new chapter will focus first on curated reader-facing opportunities in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. - The chapter’s first event is scheduled for September 2026. - Sunbury Press said the chapter will expand its reach as it grows.

The details: - Sunbury Press is Pennsylvania’s largest independent book publisher. - The partnership is built to help authors connect directly with readers and grow visibility in local and regional communities. - The chapter will also create opportunities for authors to collaborate with fellow writers. - AEN is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization with chapters in Seattle and Portland, plus the new Pennsylvania chapter. - AEN’s model lets authors share booth space and event costs while keeping profits from their own book sales. - Sunbury Press will initially pay for the first year of AEN membership for interested authors. - More information is available at Sunbury Press and Author Event Network.

Between the lines: - The partnership ties a publisher to a nonprofit event network, which could help both sides reach more independent authors. - The arrangement suggests Sunbury Press wants to strengthen author support with practical sales opportunities, not just book promotion. - AEN is also testing a new partnership model by working directly with a publishing organization.

What’s next: - Sunbury Press authors can begin using the chapter’s event network as the launch rolls out. - The September 2026 event will be the first test of the chapter’s reach and author interest. - As participation grows, the chapter is expected to expand beyond its initial regional focus.

The bottom line: - Sunbury Press is using AEN to turn event participation into a broader East Coast growth strategy for its authors.