That morning, I went to the publisher’s office in Union Square as planned, but I was instructed by the receptionist to please leave. “There’s been an incident,” she said. It wasn’t until I went back outside that I noticed the smoke and chaos and long lines at the payphone.
(Image taken from this website: https://www.justice.gov/history/never-forget-911-25-year-later)
Read MoreGiven the solitary nature of the writing profession, collaboration can be an appealing option for writers who trust one another and have a common goal. They can brainstorm ideas together, explore a new genre, and promote their books as one unit. Yet “collaborations are complex undertakings,” writes literary agent Richard Curtis, “the literary equivalent of three-dimensional chess.” A collaboration agreement is a must, and “in 2026, an AI-use clause is no longer optional,” says Sarah Begley, member care manager and publishing assistant at the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi).
Read MoreInternationally acclaimed mystery writer Louise Penny was “turned down more often than I care to remember” before placing in Debut Dagger, a contest held by the UK’s Crime Writers’ Association. “I cannot overstate the importance that award has had on my career,” she writes on her website.
Given this and other success stories, it’s no wonder that writing contests are an attractive option for writers who have yet to break into the industry. But are they worth the investment, both financial and emotional? Yes—if the contest is legitimate and the prize offers value to the writer.
Read MoreReady to learn about the latest developments in the book industry, pitch to literary agents, and/or connect with other writers in 2026? Here is a list of conferences and other writing events to consider attending early next year, both in-person and online. (Note: Most are geared toward fiction writers.)
Read MoreAs a complement to my list from February on 24 Independent and University Press Contests for Fiction Writers That Offer Book Publication as the Prize, here are seven more writing contests to consider entering this summer and fall. Some of the sponsoring publications/organizations are based here in the U.S., while others are across the pond, and all are aimed at emerging writers. You’ll notice that some contests offer what appears to be a lucrative cash prize, so please do your due diligence by reading the fine print.
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