[1] It was begun in 2006 by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, co-producers Liz Koch and Carolyn Greer[2] who wanted to showcase the "Brooklyn voice" in literature, as numerous authors reside in the borough.

[3] In subsequent years the fair has expanded its scope and hosted many non-Brooklyn and international writers, including Joan Didion, Dennis Lehane, John Reed, Rosanne Cash, Salman Rushdie, Karl Ove Knausgård and Dave Eggers.

[5] Also in 2009, St. Francis College established a biannual Literary Prize worth US$50,000 to support a mid-career writer.

[6] The winner of the prize is announced by a panel of authors during the Brooklyn Book Festival every other year in September.

The festival includes themed readings, panel discussions, vendors, and author signings.