Indie Authors Shine at the Philadelphia Convention Center’s 2025 Book Fair
4 min read
On August 9, 2025, the Pennsylvania Convention Center transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity as the Indie Author Book Fair, hosted by Literacy Nation, Inc., welcomed readers, writers, educators, and families for a day devoted to storytelling in all its forms.
From the moment you walked through the doors, the air buzzed with conversation, laughter, and the turning of pages. Booths stretched wall-to-wall, each one a small universe offering its own unique world of words — from richly illustrated manga to inspiring children’s books, from sweeping fantasy epics to powerful tales of resilience.
A Celebration of Voices
The fair was more than a marketplace. It became a meeting ground for stories and the people who tell them. Authors spoke with readers like old friends, posed for snapshots, and shared the inspirations that shaped their work. The LiteracyNation motto, “With Literacy and Justice for All,” filled the room and guided the spirit of the day from the first handshake to the last goodbye.
As soon as your enter your are treated to bright colors and motivational messages lit up the Smart Alec Alex booth. Author Taunya T.D. Said and her team invited children and parents to dive into her uplifting book series, which encourages young readers to “Use Your Brain for Greater Things.”
This children’s series blends humor, life lessons, and cultural representation to inspire kids everywhere. From Cheerleading into Some Mess! to classroom adventures, Taunya’s books were as joyful as her booth’s colorful display.
Discover Smart Alec Alex →
Author Spotlight:
Taunya T.D. Said – Smart Alec Alex Series
Author Spotlight:
Kahyia Parris – FlipXFlop
Explosive, high-energy art and a gripping story made FlipXFlop one of the most visually arresting stops at the fair. Kahyia Parris blends bold character design with a heartfelt narrative that drew both anime fans and casual readers.
Explore FlipXFlop →
Author Spotlight:
RegnTheGovernor – Hunters of Illumis
RegnTheGovernor is the creative force behind Hunters of Illumis, an original manga series filled with intrigue, action, and heartfelt moments. As both writer and artist, he delivers a visual style that is bold and cinematic, paired with storytelling that keeps readers turning pages. Regn partners with fellow creator Kahyia Parris, author of FlipXFlop, under their joint imprint Fried Ink Manga. Together, they bring a fresh, independent spirit to the manga scene, offering works that stand out for their originality, cultural depth, and striking design. At the Indie Author Book Fair, their booth became a fan favorite, buzzing with readers eager to discover the worlds they’ve built.
Fantasy, Adventure, and Imagination
For fantasy lovers, Dr. Phoenix Ward’s Sins of the Fire stood out with its dragon-themed art and immersive storytelling. At another table, Torrie Q. Jones and Torrie G. Turner’s Luck glowed under the lights, its golden tree cover catching the eye of nearly every passerby.
Author Spotlight:
Torrie Q. Jones & Torrie G. Turner – Luck
A tale about destiny, courage, and the choices that shape us, Sun: Reborn the Book Series, and Luck were impossible to walk past. With their rich cover art and engaging pitch, these books quickly became a crowd favorite.
Adam, a young entrepreneur with a dark secret. Learning to live without who he once held dear, as the past begins to haunt his future. Secrets start to be revealed by those closest to him. Adam must learn who he can trust.
Having run from her past. Taki began a new life in an unknown world, only to be forced to return to the beginning. Finding herself caught in the middle of otherworldly events. Questioning if she should follow her blazing heart or continue with the new life she built.
As these two worlds collide, a new adventure is revealed to them. Pulling them into a divine war that they never knew existed. Adam and Taki’s strength will be tested with their darkest secrets revealed as creatures of myth from the past hunt them.
Author Spotlight:
Dr. Phoenix Ward – Sins of the Fire
Phoenix Ward is an indie Black writer and educator from Philadelphia with over five years of experience teaching Mathematics and English to students of all ages. When he isn’t crafting intricate worlds on the page, he’s composing music in Logic Pro X or tutoring children in challenging subjects. A lifelong world-builder, Phoenix has penned countless stories, but none have captured his imagination like Sins of the Fire, a dragon-filled fantasy that blends his love of storytelling with a deep understanding of human nature. Drawing inspiration from Philadelphia’s energy and his own classroom experiences, Phoenix infuses every page with authenticity and heart. Our Editor-in-Chief couldn’t help but fangirl when she met him — after all, dragons are her favorite.
The Indie Author Book Fair wasn’t simply a marketplace; it was a movement. It amplified voices often overlooked by mainstream publishing, brought communities together through literacy, and reminded everyone that independent authors are a driving force in the cultural conversation.
Coming Soon in Intellectual Ink
In the spirit of keeping these voices alive beyond the convention floor, Intellectual Ink Magazine will be highlighting select authors from the Indie Author Book Fair in our next issue. Expect in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes looks at their creative process, and exclusive excerpts from their latest works.
By the time the event wrapped, bags were heavier with books, but hearts were lighter. The Indie Author Book Fair 2025 proved that in Philadelphia, storytelling is more than a pastime — it’s a shared celebration of identity, imagination, and the enduring power of words.
