The DBF just sent out this press release…

An estimated 90,000 book lovers poured into downtown Decatur over Labor Day weekend for the 2014 AJC Decatur Book Festival Presented by DeKalb Medical (AJC DBF), the ninth installment of the largest independent book festival in the country.

More than 600 authors packed 19 different stages, families enjoyed two children’s parades, and festivalgoers were treated to yet another fantastic art|DBF arts and culture showcase. The festival kicked off on Friday night with a sold-out Keynote Address by famed literary icon Joyce Carol Oates.

AJC DBF Programming Director, Philip Rafshoon, was thrilled with the outcome of this year’s festival.

“It was another record-setting year for the Decatur Book Festival, and our hundreds of events went off without a hitch,” said Rafshoon. “From our Keynote and Kidnote addresses on Friday, until the last book was signed on Sunday night, we had larger crowds than ever before and a solid, quality lineup across the entire literary spectrum.”

AJC DBF Executive Director and co-founder, Daren Wang, said he continues to be amazed by the growing success of the festival each year.

“Every year the AJC DBF tries to outdo and redefine itself. This year our author lineup was phenomenal and we brought in new types of programming with art|DBF, the Decatur Makers Tent, and our outdoor cooking stage,” said Wang. “The audiences were larger, more diverse, and even more engaged. It was easily the best DBF so far, but you ain’t seen nothing yet.”

This press release just came in this afternoon…

More than 85,000 lovers of all things literature poured into downtown Decatur over Labor Day weekend for the 2013 AJC Decatur Book Festival Presented by DeKalb Medical (AJC DBF), the eighth version of the largest independent book festival in the country.

More than 500 authors packed 18 stages, families enjoyed two children’s parades, and art | DBF, an arts and culture showcase featuring nearly 50 Atlanta organizations, made its much anticipated debut. Not to mention it all got started with a keynote address by civil rights icon and Georgia congressman, John Lewis, just two days after the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington.

AJC DBF program director, Philip Rafshoon, in his first year as PD, certainly put his stamp on the festival.

“The 2013 AJC Decatur Book Festival was an amazing success and broke all attendance records. From the moment that our Writer’s Conference kicked off on Friday, through the Keynote and Kidnote Addresses on Friday night, through hundreds of readings, signings, performances, and parties all weekend, this was a truly exceptional festival,” said Rafshoon. “Thanks to the one thousand volunteers, more than 500 authors, our phenomenal speaker managers, and the entire community for making the largest independent book festival in the country better than ever.”

AJC DBF executive director and co-founder, Daren Wang, said he continues to be amazed by what his team and the Decatur community are capable of.

“2013 was a huge leap forward for the AJC DBF. With the best lineup of authors, the biggest crowds, the most venues, and a vibrant new arts component, we bit off more than we could chew, and went ahead and chewed it anyway,” said Wang. “As usual the army of volunteers that make the AJC DBF tick did the city of Decatur proud. And I’m especially grateful to all of our sponsors this year for allowing us to dream big and then make it happen. It was the best year yet, and we’re still only just getting started.”

Ryan sends along this release…  (This is a small town, so you can refer to publicists by their first-name only!)

Alison Law Tapped for Role Alongside Program Director Philip Rafshoon

March 4, 2013 (Decatur) — The AJC Decatur Book Festival (AJC DBF) is proud to announce that Alison Law, an Atlanta-based writer and marketing consultant, will step into the role of AJC DBF Assistant Program Director, effective immediately.

Daren Wang, AJC DBF Executive Director, sings praises of Law. “Wow! Just wow! After just a couple days of watching Alison in action, I’m really knocked out by what a dynamo she is. She’s a fantastic addition to the team, and Philip, Diane, and I are grateful and honored to have her,” he said.

As owner of Alison Law Communications, Law has worked with a variety of clients, including published authors and book publicity firms, public relations and advertising agencies, attorneys, accountants, veterinarians, and other professional service providers.

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The AJC Decatur Book Festival announced it has a new Program Director this morning…

December 14, 2012 (Decatur) — The AJC Decatur Book Festival (AJC DBF) is proud to announce that Philip Rafshoon, former owner of Atlanta’s iconic Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, will step into the role of AJC DBF Program Director, effective January 1, 2013. Rafshoon will replace Terra Elan McVoy, a best-selling young adult author who held the position for two years.

McVoy resigned her position to dedicate more time to her career as a novelist. “It was a difficult decision to step down as Program Director, since the festival is so very close to my heart, but I felt it was time to dedicate the same energy to my writing career. I think Philip’s personality and experience will be fantastic for AJC DBF, and I’m very much looking forward to enjoying his programming as an attendee. I definitely want to thank Daren, the board, and all my other amazing festival colleagues for a wonderful experience, and am sending good wishes for 2013,” she said.

Daren Wang, AJC DBF Executive Director, congratulates McVoy on her new ventures, and is looking forward to collaborating with Rafshoon. “Terra deserves highest praises and thanks for all of the hard work she has put into helping grow the Festival. She will be missed. Philip has some big shoes to fill, but I cannot imagine a better-suited person for the job,” Wang asserted. “I’ve known Philip for more than 15 years, and have admired his work in the book industry and in the community. He has been a lynchpin in the Atlanta book landscape for two decades. I went to Philip in the earliest days of DBF planning for advice, and I feel I still can learn a lot from him. I think he’ll help grow this festival in fresh new ways.”

Rafshoon is an award-winning business leader with more than 18 years of community experience in sales, promotion and event planning, advocacy, and publicity. From 1993 until 2012, Rafshoon owned and operated Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, a landmark welcoming space for Atlanta residents and an unofficial community center. He has been involved in a broad range of community and political organizations and has served on the advisory committee of the American Booksellers Association.

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