by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Marketing, Book Publishing, Book Reviews, Writing a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
Editorial reviews are one of the few true third‑party endorsements an author can get, trusted signals that your book is credible, worth reading, and taken seriously by people who evaluate books for a living. While organic reviews carry weight, paid editorial reviews also play an important strategic role, giving authors access to respected outlets that can elevate visibility, authority, and market reach.
When authors start exploring editorial reviews, the first question is almost always: “Which service is the best?” The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The “perfect” review partner depends on your book’s genre, your target market, and what kind of credibility you actually need. A business book aimed at corporate buyers has different needs than a memoir, and a sci-fi novel plays in a completely different ecosystem than a leadership article. But even with all those variables, there’s still a clear hierarchy in the review world- and understanding that hierarchy helps you spend your money where it actually matters.
Here’s how to choose editorial reviews that actually work for your book and your brand.
Start With Your Book’s Strategic Goal
Before selecting reviewers, get clear on why you want editorial reviews. Ask yourself:
- Do I want media coverage?
- Do I want Amazon conversions?
- Do I want speaking or consulting credibility?
Clarity here prevents wasted time and mismatched reviews.
As Debra Englander, a consulting editor at Post Hill Press and publishing consultant, recently told me: “The right review strategy always starts with understanding your audience. Once you know who you’re trying to reach, you can choose the outlets those readers and gatekeepers actually trust.” She’s exactly right. Credibility first, amplification second. That’s the formula that works.
Prioritize Relevance Over Prestige
A glowing review from a niche yet respected authority often outperforms a vague endorsement from a well-known but unrelated source. The strongest editorial reviews come from publications that cover your specific genre or topic, experts trusted by your target audience, and organizations that align with your book’s subject matter. The key question is: Does this reviewer influence the people I want to reach?
Evaluate the Quality of the Review Itself
Not all reviews are created equal. To assess the usefulness of a review, ask yourself if it contains compelling, substantive commentary or just a one-line summary. A quality review is specific, highlights benefit for the readers, reinforces your expertise, and uses quotable language.
Editorial Review & ARC Service
At the top are Kirkus Indie Reviews and Foreword Clarion Reviews- the two outlets that consistently carry real weight with librarians, booksellers, reviewers, and media. Right behind them sit Publishers Weekly (via BookLife) and Booklist, both of which can meaningfully influence library and trade-market visibility if your book is selected. After that, you’ve got the indie and ARC-driven services- IndieReader, NetGalley, and others- which are great for building early momentum, generating reader reviews, and filling out the ecosystem.
Using Reviews Strategically
Choosing the right editorial review is only half the battle. Now it’s time to decide the best way to use it. Effective placement is where the real power lies. This includes the Amazon Editorial Reviews section, back cover and interior pages, press releases and media pitches, website landing pages, and speaker one-sheets and proposals. A well-placed editorial review continues working for your book long after publication day.
The Bottom Line
The right editorial review will build your buzz and drive your sales. Find the one that tells the world why your book matters.
About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Book Marketing, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Book Marketing at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s award-winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net. Then for Christian authors, check out Lorenz’s new book called Book Title Bible: How to Title Your Christian Book with Faith and Inspiration. www.BookTitleBible.com.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Book Publishing, Book Title Generator, How to title a book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
In a publishing world crowded with voices, genres, and endless scrolling options, authors face a challenge that goes far beyond writing a great story: being remembered. It’s not enough to rely on a book cover or a single title to stand out. Readers connect with people, not just pages- and that’s where a strong tagline and moniker become invaluable.
These two branding tools act as quick, powerful anchors in a reader’s mind. They help define your identity, communicate your promise, and create emotional resonance long before anyone sees your book description.
Award-winning author and holistic health guide Natalie Sager uses an especially memorable brand identity. Her tagline, Peace, Love, & All That Jazz, evokes creativity, harmony, and a retro artistic spirit, while her moniker, “The Modern Hippie Mama,” instantly conveys her personality and what sets her apart.
Taglines: Your First Point of Connection
An author tagline is a short statement that communicates what your writing offers. Think of it as your advertising slogan, your literary handshake, or your personal mission distilled into a few words. Taglines are important to create consistency across platforms, strengthen reader trust, and differentiate you in a vast market.
Monikers: The Shortcut to Author Recognition
A moniker is a descriptive nickname or phrase that encapsulates your author persona. It’s not your name- it’s your identity amplifier. A strong moniker gives people a simple, memorable mental hook. It can also help establish you in your genre and fuel word-of-mouth marketing, all while elevating your brand beyond individual books. Readers may forget a name, but they’ll remember the Cyberpunk Storyweaver.
The Proof is in the Pudding
Many well-known authors use taglines or monikers to position themselves clearly in readers’ minds. Some are official; others are widely used by media, fans, or marketers. Here are some notable examples:
- Stephen King- “The King of Horror”
- Agatha Christie- “The Queen of Mystery”
- George R.R. Martin- “The American Tolkien”
- Roald Dahl- “The World’s #1 Storyteller”
- Tom Clancy- “The Master of the Modern Thriller”
Tips For Your Tagline/Moniker
- Keep them short
- Make them specific
- Focus on longevity
- Choose language that reflects your tone
- Be authentic
The Bottom Line
Memorable authors don’t leave branding to chance. Develop a clear tagline and moniker now that captures who you are and what you stand for.
About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Book Marketing at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award-winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net. Look for his newest book: Book Title Bible, How to Name Your Christian Book with Faith and Inspiration. www.BookTitleBible.com.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Author Advice, Blog, Book Awards, Book Contests
ENTER BOOK AWARD CONTESTS AND BECOME AN AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR in 2026!
I followed Scott’s advice. It worked! To my complete surprise, Beautiful Evil Winter earned a bouquet of book awards, including a highly coveted Eric Hoffer Award and a Readers’ Favorite award.
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
“Do book awards matter?”
YES!!
As a book publicist, I can assure you they absolutely do matter! One client won several awards and was contacted by two movie producers about her Young Adult Sci-Fi Fantasy Fiction novel. Another one of my clients won the prestigious Los Angeles Book Festival award. That then led to a flurry of media interest, which subsequently led to a major New York agent deciding to represent the book and pitch it to all the major publishing houses. This author, needless to say, was happy he decided to enter.
Recently a business book client won a major award which caused CNN to reach out to request the book. I could go on and on with examples of how pursuing and winning book awards will give you opportunities to reach out to the media, booksellers, and agents. As a book publicist, I see the media perk up when an author client has received an award. It’s the added credibility that gives them the assurance that the book is worthwhile. It takes the risk out of the equation for the producer or reporter if it’s an ‘award-winning’ book.
Awards also helped take my book Book Title Generator: A Proven System in Naming Your Book to the next level. It’s earned nine awards including the Independent Author Network, Pencraft Book Awards, Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards, and Literary Titan Book Award, just to name a few. My book also landed a spot in the Must-Read category for authors of all experiences and publishers of all sizes. I used a new service called Book Award Pro to take the drudgery out of keeping tabs of all the award entries. Check them out at: https://bookawardpro.com/
There’s no denying that awards create interest in your book, which can lead to more sales and other opportunities. A book award may cause someone to stop in their tracks and consider picking up your book in a bookstore. A book award can give you an edge and sometimes that’s all the difference you need to propel your book into bestseller territory. If you win you can say you are an “award-winning author.” Doesn’t that sound better? Of course, it does, and you get a little magic that comes from a third-party endorsement because an authority says your work is worthy, and that’s priceless.
Most awards charge a fee to enter. Not all awards have a category for your genre and not all of these will work for every book.
Here’s a list of my top book awards worthy of your consideration.
Keep in mind that links change all the time and contests come and go. Some links are for the previous year because that’s all that was available at the time of this writing.
1. IndieFeb Awards — Entering IndieFab Awards should definitely be on your literary to-do list. https://publishers.forewordreviews.com/awards/
2. LA WorldCon 2026 — Find out how your book can earn a LA Worldcon 2026 – The 84th World Science Fiction Convention and check out science fiction’s most prestigious award details. https://www.lacon.org/
3. Dan Polynter’s Global eBook Awards — Enter Dan Poynter’s Global eBook Awards. Don’t miss this important e-book only award. https://globalebookawards.com/
4. The Autumn House Press Award — The Deadline for the Autumn House Press award for poetry, fiction and non-fiction is late June. Check it out here https://www.autumnhouse.org/submissions/
5. Poets & Writers — Poets & Writers has a nice list of writing contests, grants and awards. Check it out at: https://www.pw.org/grants
6. Indies Choice Book Award — Find out how to make it on the Indie Next List to win an Indies Choice Book Award – https://www.bookweb.org/indiebound/nextlist/view
7. The Nautilus Book Award — The Nautilus Book Award seeks books that make a difference and inspire. https://www.nautilusbookawards.com/
8. The National Indie Excellence Book Awards — The National Indie Excellence Book Awards competition selects award winners and finalists based on overall excellence of presentation in dozens of categories. Created especially for indie and self-published authors. https://www.indieexcellence.com/
9. The Axiom Business Book Awards — Have you written a business book? The Axiom Business Book Awards celebrate excellence in business book writing and publishing by presenting gold, silver and bronze medals in 20 business categories. https://axiomawards.com/enter
10. USA Best Book Awards — USA Best Book Awards has a ten-year plus track record of honoring and promoting books to the national and international community. The contest is sponsored by American Book Fest, which focuses on mainstream, independent, and self-published books. https://www.americanbookfest.com/2026bestbookawards.html
11. Reader Views Annual Literary Awards — Reader Views Annual Literary Awards were established to honor writers who self-publish or who were published by small presses or independent publishers. https://www.readerviews.com/awards-and-prizes/
12. Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards — Whether you’re a professional writer, a part-time freelancer or a self-starting student, here’s your chance to enter the only self-published competition exclusively for self-published books. One winning entry will receive $8,000 with nine first-place winners who’ll receive $1,000 each. https://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/self-published-book-awards
13. Readers’ Favorite Awards — Readers’ Favorite Awards receives submissions from independent authors, small publishers, and publishing giants like HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, with contestants that range from the first-time, self-published author to New York Times best-selling authors. https://readersfavorite.com/book-reviews.htm
14. Romance Writer of America — Romance Writer of America promotes the interests of career-focused romance writers by sponsoring awards that acknowledge excellence in the romance genre. RWA sponsors: “The RITA” for published romance fiction novels and “The Golden Heart” for unpublished romance fiction manuscripts. https://www.rwa.org/awards-programs
15. Rubery Book Award — Rubery Book Award is the longest established book award based in the UK for independent and self-published books. “The key to our success is having a keen eye for quality from distinguished and reputable judges.” First prize is $1,500 and the winning book will be read by a top literary agent. https://www.ruberybookaward.com/
16. The Eric Hoffer Award — The Eric Hoffer Award for independent books recognizes excellence in publishing with a $2,500 grand prize and various category honors and press type distinctions. To enter, a book must be from an academic press, small press or self-published author. https://www.hofferaward.com/
17. The International Book Awards (IBA) — The International Book Awards (IBA) are specifically designed to be a promotional vehicle for authors and publishers to launch their careers, open global markets and compete with talented authors and publishers throughout the world. Winners get an extensive public relations campaign, social media promotion and more. https://www.internationalbookawards.com/
18. The Literary Classics Book Awards and Reviews — The Literary Classics Book Awards and Reviews were created to help authors gain recognition for their work and to help parents find the best in literature for children and young adults. http://www.clcawards.org
19. The Scotiabank Giller Prize — A $100,000 grand prize and $10K (CDN) to each of the finalists. To be eligible, a book must be a first-edition, full-length novel or short story collection, written by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. The publisher must enter. Sorry, no self-published books. https://gillerprize.ca/
20. The Feathered Quill Book Awards — The Feathered Quill Book Awards accept submissions from all size publishers and work very hard to honor and publicize the winners (there’s a link to a testimonial page on the awards page – read what past winners have to say). https://featheredquill.com/feathered-quill-book-awards/
21. Shelf Unbound Magazine’s Best Indie/Self-Published Book Competition — Shelf Unbound Magazine’s Best Indie/Self-Published Book Competition honors more than 100 indie/self-published books. In addition to $1,500 in cash prizes, they’ll feature the winner, five finalists, and more than 100 “notable” books in the December/January issue of Shelf Unbound. Any independently published book in any genre in any publication year is eligible for entry. Entry fee is $100 per book. The competition also includes the Pete Delohery Award for Best Sports Book, open to fiction and non-fiction sports-related books. https://shelfmediagroup.com/competitions/
22. Chanticleer International Book Awards — Grand prize winner receives $1,000 cash plus other awards. More than $30,000 cash and prizes awarded each year. 15 genres including the CYGNUS for Sci-Fiction, M&M for Mystery & Mayhem, Somerset for Literary, etc. Several of their winners have received major publishing deals (6 figures) and two have had their works optioned for film. https://www.chantireviews.com/
23. The Royal Dragonfly (all genres) and Purple Dragonfly (children’s books) Book Awards — The Royal Dragonfly (all genres) and Purple Dragonfly (children’s books) Book Awards are prestigious national book contests recognizing exceptional authors for excellence in writing and a Story Monsters Approved! (children’s books) must inspire, inform, teach or entertain, and adhere to rigorous standards of excellence. https://www.storymonstersbookawards.com/
24. The Independent Author Network IAN Book of the Year Awards — The Independent Author Network IAN Book of the Year Awards, an international contest opens to all authors with 35 fiction and non-fiction categories. Winners are eligible to receive a share of cash prizes exceeding $6,000 USD. An Outstanding Book (category winner) will be awarded in each category with recognition of Finalists. Six outstanding titles will be named the Books of the Year. Winning books will be shared at the IAN Facebook page with over 120,000 fans and 575,000 followers at twitter. https://www.independentauthornetwork.com/book-of-the-year.html
25. The Chautauqua Prize for Authors — The Chautauqua Prize for authors is $7,500 plus travel and expense for a short summer residency. Full-length books of fiction and narrative/literary nonfiction are eligible. Self-published books are not eligible. In general, cookbooks, self-help books (including inspirational literature), reference books, picture books, graphic novels, or children’s books are not eligible. https://www.chq.org/things-to-do/education/literary-arts/chautauqua-prize/
26. Mom’s Choice Awards® — Mom’s Choice Awards® is recognized in over 55 countries around the world for setting the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. If you have a children’s book or family friendly book, then this is a terrific award to pursue. https://www.momschoiceawards.com/
27. Book Excellence Awards — With over $30,000 in grand prizes in media and marketing services, the Book Excellence Awards has helped honorees increase their book sales, garner attention from film producers, receive distribution in bookstores and increase their visibility and media attention. https://bookexcellenceawards.com/
28. The Page Turner Awards — Their prizes promise the winning authors career-changing opportunities. Fiction authors could win a publishing deal or win an audiobook production, non-fiction authors could win a writing mentorship with a business mentoring expert or get their non-fiction manuscript seen by publishers who are actively looking for work to publish. https://pageturnerawards.com/
29. The Douglas Dillon Book Award — The Douglas Dillon Book Award is an award presented by the American Academy of Diplomacy designed to celebrate distinguished writing about US diplomatic efforts and achievements. The award comes with a $5,000 cash prize and an invitation to the awards ceremony in the Benjamin Franklin Room at the US Department of State. https://www.academyofdiplomacy.org/douglas-dillon-book-award
30. The 2026 International Book Awards — Over their 14-year history, thousands of self-published and indie authors have leveraged the promotional power of their International Book Award to increase online recognition, enhance their title’s credibility, and garner more attention in the crowded book buying marketplace. https://www.internationalbookawards.com/2026callforentries.html
31. NAIWE’s 1st Annual Book Awards 2026 — If you have written a book that was published in the last five years, you are eligible to enter it in the NAIWE 1st Annual Book Awards 2026. https://naiwe.com/book-awards/
32. Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction — The Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction were established in 2012 to recognize the best fiction and nonfiction books for adult readers published in the U.S. the previous year. The shortlisted authors and eventual winners reflect the expert judgment and insight of the seven-member selection committee of library professionals who work closely with adult readers. These are the ALA’s first single-book awards for adult trade fiction and nonfiction. https://www.carnegie.org/news/articles/andrew-carnegie-medals-for-excellence-in-fiction-and-nonfiction-a-dream-come-true-says-booklist-editor/
33. BRASS Best of the Best Business Web Resources Award — The BRASS Best of the Best Business Web Resources Award was established in 2009. The Award recognizes 3-5 websites highly relevant to information professionals involved in providing business reference services. The websites are nominated and selected by the BRASS Education Committee members, typically in October-November. https://www.ala.org/news/2023/09/business-reference-experts-select-annual-list-brass-best-best-business-web-recources
34. Sophie Brody Medal — The Sophie Brody Medal was first awarded in 2006 and includes a medal for the winner. It is funded by Sophie and Arthur Brody Foundation, and is given to encourage, recognize and commend outstanding achievement in Jewish literature. Works for adults published in the United States in the preceding year will be eligible for the award. https://www.ala.org/rusa/contact/rosters/codes/rus-codawbrody
35. Dartmouth Medal — Established in 1974, this medal honors the creation of a reference work of outstanding quality and significance, including, but not limited to: writing, compiling, editing, or publishing books or electronic information. The award is given to works that have been published or made available for the first time during the calendar year preceding the presentation of the award. https://www.ala.org/awards/books-media/dartmouth-medal
36. National Book Awards — Established in 1950, the National Book Awards are American literary prizes administered by the National Book Foundation, a nonprofit organization. A pantheon of writers such as William Faulkner, Marianne Moore, Ralph Ellison, John Cheever, Bernard Malamud, Philip Roth, Robert Lowell, Walker Percy, John Updike, Katherine Anne Porter, Norman Mailer, Lillian Hellman, Elizabeth Bishop, Saul Bellow, Toni Morrison, Flannery O’Connor, Adrienne Rich, Thomas Pynchon, Alice Walker, E. Annie Proulx, Jesmyn Ward, and Ta-Nehisi Coates have all won National Book Awards. Although other categories have been recognized in the past, the Awards currently honor the best Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translated Literature, and Young People’s Literature, published each year. – https://www.nationalbook.org/national-book-awards/
37. The Booker Prize 2026 — Novelist Esi Edugyan, twice-shortlisted for the Booker Prize, will chair the panel and will be joined by Adjoa Andoh, actor, writer and director; Mary Jean Chan, poet, lecturer, editor and critic; James Shapiro, Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University and author specializing in Shakespeare; and Robert Webb, actor and writer. https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/prize-years/2026
38. PEN America Literary Awards — Since 1963, the PEN America Literary Awards have honored many of the most outstanding voices in literature across diverse genres, including fiction, poetry, science writing, essays, sports writing, biography, children’s literature, and drama. With the help of our partners, PEN America confers over 20 distinct awards, fellowships, grants and prizes each year, awarding nearly $350,000 to writers and translators. https://pen.org/literary-awards/
39. The Neustadt Prize — The Neustadt International Prize for Literature is a biennial award sponsored by the University of Oklahoma and World Literature Today since 1970. It is the first international literary award of this scope to originate in the United States and one of few international prizes for which poets, novelists, and playwrights are equally eligible. https://www.neustadtprize.org/
40. The National Book Critics Circle Awards — Each year, the National Book Critics Circle presents awards for the finest books published in English in six categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Poetry, and Criticism. https://www.bookcritics.org/awards/
41. John Leonard Prize — Named for the longtime critic and NBCC co-founder John Leonard, the Leonard Prize is awarded for the best first book in any genre and was launched in 2013. Recent winners include Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So (2021) and Luster by Raven Leilani (2020). https://www.bookcritics.org/awards/leonard-prize/
42. The Ivan Sandrof Life Achievement Award — The Ivan Sandrof Life Achievement Award was established in 1981 to honor Ivan Sandrof (1911-1979), the first president of the National Book Critics Circle. The Sandrof Award is given to a person who has, over time, made significant contributions to book culture. https://www.bookcritics.org/awards/sandrof/
43. The Toni Morrison Achievement Award — The Toni Morrison Achievement Award was established in 2021 to honor novelist Toni Morrison (1911-1979), a former National Book Critics Circle Winner who championed literature throughout her celebrated career. The Morrison Award is given annually to an institution that has, over time, made significant contributions to book culture. The decision to name the award for Toni Morrison was the result of a year-long process in which the general membership of the NBCC was asked to nominate deserving candidates. https://www.bookcritics.org/the-toni-morrison-achievement-award/
44. Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize — The NBCC’s Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize seeks to highlight the artistic merit of literature in translation and recognize translators’ valuable work, which expands and enriches American literary culture by bringing world literature to English-language readers. https://www.bookcritics.org/gregg-barrios-book-in-translation-prize/
45. Mystery Writers of America Edgar® Awards — The 79th Annual Edgar® Awards will be celebrated on May 1, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis Times Square in New York City. The 2026 Edgar Award Symposium events will be online via Zoom. https://edgarawards.com/
46. The British Book Awards 2026 — The moment for the British book industry to celebrate its own has arrived with the 2026 British Book Awards Books of the Year shortlists. Now in its 35th year, the ‘Nibbies’ showcases the very finest fiction, non-fiction and children’s literature, from compelling page-turners to insightful memoir and beyond. https://www.waterstones.com/category/cultural-highlights/book-awards
47. The Writers’ Prize (formerly Rathbones Folio Prize) — The Writers’ Prize is awarded to the book which represents the truest example of literary excellence in any one year. It is open to all works of literature written in English of any genre or form (except for books written explicitly for children) and published in the UK. https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/thewritersprize
48. 2026 Goodreads Choice Awards — Books published in the United States in English, including works in translation and other significant rereleases, between November 16, 2025, and November 14, 2026, will be eligible for the 2026 awards. Opening round official nominees must have an average rating of 3.50 or higher at the time of launch. https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/236511.2026_Goodreads_Choice_Awards_Predictions
49. The Orwell Prizes 2026 — Every year we award prizes to the writing and reporting which best meets the spirit of George Orwell’s own ambition ‘to make political writing into an art’. https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-prizes/
50. Nebula Awards – Date: TBA, Location: Kansas City, Missouri — Join them to engage in professional development, foster community among aspiring and established industry professionals, and of course, celebrate our Nebula Award finalists and honorees throughout the weekend and at the Nebula Award ceremony. That includes recognizing the inspiring work of their newest Grand Master, Susan Cooper. https://events.sfwa.org/
51. The 2026 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction — Bringing people together through a shared passion for books written by women. The Women’s Prize Trust enriches society by creating equitable opportunities for women in the world of books and beyond. https://womensprize.com/
52. The Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction — The Baillie Gifford Prize rewards excellence in non-fiction writing, bringing the best in intelligent reflection on the world to new readers. It covers all non-fiction in the areas of current affairs, history, politics, science, sport, travel, biography, autobiography and the arts. We celebrate the best in contemporary non-fiction writing as we believe all the best stories are true. https://www.thebailliegiffordprize.co.uk/
53. The Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature — The Michael L. Printz Award annually honors the best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit, each year. In addition, the Printz Committee names up to four honor books, which also represent the best writing in young adult literature. The awards announcement is made at the ALA Midwinter Meeting as part of the Youth Media Awards and is celebrated with a program and reception each year at the ALA Annual Conference. https://www.ala.org/yalsa/printz-award
54. John Newbery Medal — The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newbery
55. Randolph Caldecott Medal — The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecott
56. The Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards — First presented in 1967 and customarily announced in June, the Boston Globe–Horn Book Awards are among the most prestigious honors in the field of children’s and young adult literature. Winners are selected in three categories: Picture Book, Fiction and Poetry, and Nonfiction. Two Honor Books may be named in each category. https://www.hbook.com/page/boston-globe-horn-book-awards-landing-page
57. Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table — The Coretta Scott King Book Awards are given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. The award commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and honors his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood. – https://www.ala.org/cskbart
58. Kingsley & Kate Tufts Poetry Awards — The Tufts poetry awards—based at Claremont Graduate University and given for poetry volumes published in the preceding year—are not only two of the most prestigious prizes a contemporary poet can receive, but they also come with hefty purses: $100,000 for the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award and $10,000 for the Kate Tufts Discovery Award. This makes the Kingsley Tufts award the world’s largest monetary prize for a single collection of poetry. And for most poets who have just published their first collection of verse, $10,000 should keep the pen scribbling. https://arts.cgu.edu/tufts-poetry-awards/
59. Griffin Poetry Prize — The Griffin Poetry Prize is one of the world’s most generous poetry awards. As of 2023, the prize is worth C$130,000, making it the world’s largest international prize for a single book of poetry written in, or translated into English. The other shortlisted poets each receive $10,000. https://griffinpoetryprize.com/
60. Page Turner Awards — Page Turner Awards gives unpublished writers the chance to enter unpublished fiction and non-fiction books, to be read by a carefully curated judging panel made up of influential players in the publishing industry. And published authors, whether mainstream published or independently published, the chance to get their fiction story or non-fiction book recognized by successful authors, high-caliber industry professionals and film producers. https://pageturnerawards.com/2026-book-award
61. Nero Book Awards — Celebrating outstanding writing by great authors living in the UK and Ireland, these awards list the best books of the year. Each year, their expert panel of judges will choose which books from the past 12 months they would most want to recommend to others for their quality writing and readability. From a shortlist of 16 unputdownable books, a winner will be named in each of the following four categories: Children’s Fiction, Debut Fiction, Fiction and Non-Fiction. An overall winner, given the Nero Gold Prize for the “Book of the Year”, will also be named. https://nerobookawards.com/
62. The IndieReader Discovery Awards — The IR Discovery Awards seek to find the best of the best. Every book is read by an IR Pro reviewer and judged on its own merit. Only if it receives a 4+ rating does it go on to be read by one of our judges. https://indiereader.com/the-discovery-awards/
63. The Independent Publisher Book Awards — Conducted annually, the Independent Publisher Book Awards honor the year’s best independently published titles from around the world. The awards are intended to bring increased recognition to the thousands of exemplary independent, university, and self-published books released each year. https://ippyawards.com/
64. Next Generation Indie Book Awards — The largest international awards program for indie authors and independent publishers. The most exciting and rewarding book awards program open to independent publishers and authors worldwide is now accepting entries written in English and released in 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 or with a 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026 copyright date. https://www.indiebookawards.com/
65. The International Best Indie Book Award® — Celebrating 12 Years of Recognizing Indie Authors! The annual Best Indie Book Award® (or BIBA®) is an international literary awards contest recognizing self-published and independently published authors from all over the world. Entries are limited to independently (indie) published books, including those from small presses, e-book publishers, and self-published authors. https://bestindiebookaward.com/submit/
66. The National Indie Excellence® Awards (NIEA) — The National Indie Excellence® Awards (NIEA) are open to all English language printed books available for sale, including small presses, mid-size independent publishers, university presses, and self-published authors. NIEA is proud to be a champion of self-publishing and small independent presses going the extra mile to produce books of excellence in every aspect. https://www.indieexcellence.com/
67. Poetry Awards — Writer’s Digest’s only competition exclusively for poetry, the Annual Poetry Awards, is not currently accepting entries. Winners are awarded cash and prizes. https://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/poetry-awards
68. Personal Essay Awards — Writer’s Digest’s newest competition, the Personal Essay Awards, is not currently accepting entries. Winners of the competition are announced annually in our May/June issue of Writer’s Digest. https://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/personal-essay-awards
69. The Autumn House Press Fiction Prize — For the 2026 contest, the Autumn House staff as well as select outsider readers serve as the preliminary readers, and the final judge is Kristen Arnett. The winner receives publication of their full-length manuscript and $2,500. https://www.autumnhouse.org/submissions/fiction/
70. The Encore Award — The Encore Award was first presented in 1990 to celebrate the achievement of outstanding second novels. The Award fills a niche in the catalogue of literary prizes. The RSL has administrated the award since 2016. https://rsliterature.org/the-encore-award/
71. The PEN Open Book Award — The PEN Open Book Award, formerly the Beyond Margins Awards, invites book submissions by authors of color, published in the United States during the applicable calendar year. The Open Book Award was created by PEN America’s Open Book Committee, a group committed to racial and ethnic diversity within the literary and publishing communities. Works of fiction, literary nonfiction, biography/memoir, poetry, and other works of literary character are strongly preferred. https://pen.org/literary-awards/
72. The PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction — The PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction honors the best published works of fiction by American permanent residents in a calendar year. Three writers are chosen annually by the Board of Directors of the PEN/Faulkner Foundation to serve as judges, ensuring that our awards selection process is free of commercial influence. https://www.penfaulkner.org/our-awards/pen-faulkner-award/
73. The Pulitzer Prize — Each spring, Columbia University awards Pulitzer Prizes in eight Books, Drama and Music categories. The winners are chosen by the Pulitzer Prize Board, which seeks to recognize excellence by eligible American writers, playwrights and composers. https://bdmentrysite.pulitzer.org/
74. Shirley Jackson Awards — In recognition of the legacy of Shirley Jackson’s writing, and with permission of the author’s estate, The Shirley Jackson Awards, Inc. has been established for outstanding achievement in the literature of psychological suspense, horror, and the dark fantastic. https://www.shirleyjacksonawards.org/
75. National Jewish Book Awards — Inaugurated in 1950, the National Jewish Book Awards is the longest-running North American awards program of its kind and is recognized as the most prestigious. The Awards are intended to recognize authors, and encourage reading, of outstanding English-language books of Jewish interest. https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/awards/national-jewish-book-awards
76. The Christy Award® — The Christy Award® was established in 1999 to acknowledge the value and impact of the novel of faith in contemporary culture. Since that time, the Christys have been a focal point for the writers and publishers in our community, symbolizing the best aspirations and accomplishments of writers who write from a perspective of faith and who create stories with matters of belief at their core. https://www.christyawards.com/
77. Carol Awards — The Carol Awards are ACFW’s recognition for the best Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year. The first round of the contest will be judged by three published authors or by experienced unpublished authors. The final round will be judged by agents, editors and multi-published authors, and other industry professionals. In the event of a tie, the previous round scores of the tied entries will be used to break the tie. https://acfw.com/acfw-contests/carol-awards/
78. The CWA Daggers — They award thirteen Daggers in total. Nine of these are for books and short stories and are judged independently by industry professionals. https://thecwa.co.uk/awards-and-competitions/the-daggers/
79. Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize — The NBCC’s Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize, launched in 2022, seeks to highlight the artistic merit of literature in translation and recognize translators’ valuable work, which expands and enriches American literary culture by bringing world literature to English-language readers. https://www.bookcritics.org/gregg-barrios-book-in-translation-prize/
80. Nona Balakian Citation for Excellence in Reviewing — The NBCC awards the Nona Balakian Citation for Excellence in Reviewing each year to recognize outstanding work by a member of the NBCC. The citation is awarded in honor of Nona Balakian, a founding member of the National Book Critics Circle, where she served as the board’s first secretary. The eminent critic and longtime editor at the New York Times Book Review also served on the Pulitzer Prize committee, the Board of Directors of PEN, and the Authors Guild board. She was the author of Critical Encounters: Essays (1978), and co-author (with Charles Simmons) of The Creative Present (1969). The NBCC will continue the tradition established by board member Gregg Barrios, who passed away in 2021, by awarding $1,000 to the recipient of the Balakian. https://www.bookcritics.org/awards/balakian/
If You Don’t Have Time to Do All This... A great option for authors to maximize their success in the world of book awards is an automation service called Book Award Pro https://bookawardpro.com/ Their smart matching technology pinpoints the best award opportunities for your book and delivers actionable results. This service automates it all for you: researching thousands of awards, continuously targeting your perfect matches, and professionally submitting your book for awards. Book Award Pro creates a windfall of fresh promotional opportunities for your book – every single month. Check them out at https://bookawardpro.com/
Author Kelly K. Lavender read this very article about the value of book awards and said this. “I followed Scott’s advice. It worked! To my complete surprise, Beautiful Evil Winter earned a bouquet of book awards, including a highly coveted Eric Hoffer Award and a Readers’ Favorite award. For those that don’t know, the high-profile Readers’ Favorite competition attracts celebrities and New York Times Best-Selling authors. Thanks, Scott for penning that piece! What a gamechanger!”
The Bottom Line
Book awards do matter. Enter a few and become an “award-winning author.” As Hockey great Wayne Gretzky said, “You Can’t Score Unless You Shoot!” Get to it and let me know how it goes. If you know of another book award I should check out, please send me the details.
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://westwindbookmarketing.com/ or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Events, Book Fairs, Book Festivals, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Jewish Book Festivals, Jewish Book Promotion, Marketing a Book, Promoting a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
Book festivals and fairs are held year-round all over the world. As a book marketing specialist, I am the first to impress on authors the new and powerful marketing avenues open to all authors on the Internet – from websites and book trailers to social networks like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. While these are excellent tools when used properly, authors should never overlook opportunities to meet the reading public face-to-face.
Consider visiting some of these Jewish book fairs and festivals
If you are a Jewish author or specialize in writing about Jewish issues, you should consider visiting some of these Jewish book fairs and festivals.
October 2025 – July 2026: 45th Berrin Family Jewish Book Festival of Alper JCC Miami (Miami, FL). Featuring 40+ renowned authors beginning in September each year. Whether you’re a book lover or simply interested in hearing from names synonymous with pop culture and bestsellers, there’s an event for everyone. https://www.alperjcc.org/adult-arts-programming/book-festival
November 2025 – March 2026: 26th Cleveland Jewish Book Festival (Beachwood, OH). In its 26th year, opening night kicks off a calendar of 13 events in November 2025 and March 2026. From fiction and non-fiction, books highlight Jewish life, Israel, American diplomacy, spirituality, art, mystery and more. Most events are free and open to the public. All in-person and virtual author presentations are accompanied by lively Q&A sessions. Books will be available for purchase at our partner Mac’s Backs-Books of Coventry in Cleveland Heights. https://mandeljcc.org/Book-Festival
December 1, 2025 – April 13, 2026: Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival (Naples, FL). Celebrating Eleven Years of Bringing Authors and Books to Our Community. The Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival brings a showcase of Jewish authors and books of Jewish content to our community. We strive to enrich, entertain and engage the members of our community while providing opportunities to come together for experiences that are both educational and social. https://www.jewishnaples.org/jewish-book-festival
September 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026: St. Louis JCC’s 47th Annual Jewish Book Festival (St. Louis, MO). The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival is an annual celebration of authors, books, and ideas during early November, with additional author events year-round. The range of author topics is vast: business, cooking, economics, family, fiction, history, music, religion, sports, and more. https://jccstl.com/arts-ideas/st-louis-jewish-book-festival/
November 2026: Marcus JCC Atlanta’s 35th Edition of the Book Festival of the MJCCA (Dunwoody, GA). Mark your calendars for the annual Book Festival of the MJCCA—featuring more than 40 renowned authors in November each year. Whether you’re a book lover or simply interested in hearing from names synonymous with pop culture and bestsellers, there’s an event for everyone. The Book Festival of the MJCCA is one of the most highly regarded cultural events in the Southeast. https://www.atlantajcc.org/our-programs/arts-authors/book-festival/upcoming-events/
January 8 – March 18, 2026: Books That Changed My Life festival (New York, NY). The Books That Changed My Life festival is a two-month celebration of literature, culture, and community. With over 50 events and more than 3,000 attendees each year, the festival explores the power of books to inspire and transform through author talks, writing workshops, story times, art exhibitions, concerts, theater, and film. Past guests have included Cynthia Nixon, Nancy Silverton, Ruth Reichl, Ann Napolitano, Chelsea Clinton, Jennifer Egan, Emma Straub, Gregg Andrew Hurwitz, Daniel Silva, and Gretchen Rubin. https://www.mmjccm.org/arts-film/books-life-festival#programs
February 22–29, 2026: Jewish Book Festival 2026 (Durham, NC). This year they’ve got a mix of in-person and virtual events planned for you to hear authors read excerpts from their books, answer your questions, and share their inspiration and challenges in writing these words. This series spotlights diverse stories from across the Jewish world. https://www.jewishforgood.org/book-festival
February 21–26, 2026: Cherie Smith JCC Jewish Book Festival (Vancouver, BC). The JCC Jewish Book Festival’s mandate is to showcase Jewish writers or non-Jewish writers with Jewish interest subject matter. There will be author talks and Q&As. This event usually attracts over 5,000 people of all ages. For more details, call 604-257-5156 or email jbf@jccgv.bc.ca. https://jccgv.com/jewish-book-festival/
February 28 – March 8, 2026: London International Literacy Festival’s Jewish Book Week (London, UK). Jewish Book Week is London’s longest running literary festival, attracting a pantheon of award-winning authors and thinkers every year for an exciting program of debates, talks, and performances at Kings Place, London and online. It will feature Jewish writers and themes and a number of interesting discussions. https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/jewish-book-week
March 25, 2026: 75th National Jewish Book Award Celebration (New York, NY). The celebration will feature remarks from a selection of the 75th winners in addition to special guests of Jewish Book Council. Each ticket supports Jewish Book Council’s efforts to enrich, educate, and strengthen the community through literature. https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/events/75th-national-jewish-book-awards-celebration
June 15–21, 2026: Yetzirah 2026 Jewish Poetry Conference (Chapel Hill, NC). For participants, Yetzirah’s third Jewish Poetry Conference will be held June 15-21, 2026, in the mountains of Western North Carolina, in partnership with the University of North Carolina—Asheville’s Center for Jewish Studies. Our time together will consist of a mix of generative workshops focused on Jewish questions and themes, discussion panels, craft talks, readings with Faculty and our Fellows, Scholars, and Contributors, as well as many shared meals and celebrations. https://yetzirahpoets.org/programs/conference/
Throughout 2026: United Jewish Federation of Tidewater & the Simon Family JCC’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival (Virginia Beach, VA). For over 40 years, the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater & Simon Family JCC’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival has celebrated Jewish authors, illustrators, and books, providing opportunities to engage with bestselling and up-and-coming writers. For further details, contact Jill Grossman at 757-965-6137 or JGrossman@ujft.org. https://federation.jewishva.org/arts-ideas/book-festival
Book fairs typically seek out guest speakers. By volunteering to speak at a Jewish book fair, you will pique the interest of new readers, promote your book, and potentially gain a few new fans. Additionally, you can add the speaking appearance to your resume. Be sure to plan ahead because book fairs, speaking engagements and readings are all planned months in advance. For a complete list of book fairs and festivals visit https://westwindbookmarketing.com/
The Bottom Line: Reach out to the Jewish community and attend a book fair! You will be happy you did.
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Marketing a Book, Promoting a Book, Writers Conferences, Writing a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
If you are a serious writer with high aspirations, then you’ll want to go to a writers’ conference. Want to meet authors and exchange ideas, tips and techniques? Then sign up for a writer’s conference today.
A writers’ conference is a think tank for authors to build on each other’s ideas and inspire new achievements in their own work. For the cost of lodging and registration, the payoff for attending a writers’ conference could be tremendous.
Attending a writers’ conference gives you a chance to pitch your book, learn about the various publishing options and meet book editors, agents and book marketing specialists. If your book is six months or a year from being finished, you can talk to people with valuable input on shaping your book. At a writers’ conference, you’ll get all sorts of advice to help you wrap up your project when you return home.
Of course, you will want to prepare for any writers’ conference you attend by having a plan of what you want to find out and what you will do while there. I suggest you develop an ‘elevator pitch’ about your book that you can deliver in 30 seconds. Have a one-pager available with your book cover, author headshot, short 50-word synopsis, short bio, website URL, Twitter handle and your contact information. You never know who you’ll meet so be prepared for that moment!
Here are some upcoming writers’ conferences in 2026:
January 16–18, 2026: Southern California Writers Conference (San Diego, CA). Founded and run by professional writers the SCWC provides veteran and emerging talent with authoritative guidance to help distinguish those manuscripts that are ready for market consideration, having facilitated well over $4 million worth of first-time authors’ book and screen deals. https://writersconference.com/sd/
February 12–15, 2026: 22nd Annual San Francisco Writers Conference (San Francisco, CA). The San Francisco Writers Conference (“SFWC”) enjoys a rich literary culture. Over the course of four days, over 500 attendees and renowned keynote authors, presenters, editors, and agents, attend SFWC, combining the best of both the traditional publishing industry with the latest technology to empower authors to publish anywhere. Situated just north of Silicon Valley, the SFWC is truly a one-of-a-kind celebration of craft, commerce, and community. 100+ presenters, 25+ literary agents and acquiring editors, 80+ sessions, lectures, and classes over four days, 12+ topics covering fiction, nonfiction, traditional and self-publishing, memoir, children’s/YA, poetry, marketing, business, tech, books-to-screen, and more. https://www.sfwriters.org/conference/
February 25–27, 2026: Writers at the Symposium by the Sea (San Diego, CA). Writer’s Symposium by the Sea is an annual event to inspire readers and writers alike, featuring evocative conversations with exemplary writers from various genres, backgrounds, and perspectives. During each interview, the audience is invited to actively listen in as writers share what inspires their writing and delve into the practices that propel their success. https://www.pointloma.edu/opportunities/writers-symposium-sea
March 4–7, 2026: AWP Conference 2026 (Baltimore, Maryland). The AWP Conference & Bookfair is the essential gathering for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers. Join thousands of attendees, explore hundreds of events and exhibitors, and immerse in four days of vital literary community and celebration in Baltimore! https://awpwriter.org/AWP/AWP/Conference-Bookfair/Overview.aspx
March 4–5–7 March 8, 2026: Sierra Writers Conference (Rocklin, CA). First held in 2016 as a collaboration between Sierra Writers and Sierra College, the Sierra Writers Conference is now the Sierra WordFest. This much anticipated annual event provides inspiration, thought-provoking discussions, and presentations on timely topics. It also offers access to professional writers and publishers, plus writing activities for Sierra College students and the greater community through lectures, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities. https://www.sierracollege.edu/library/sierra-college-press/wordfest/
March 7–15, 2026: WriterCon Eastern Caribbean Cruise (Greater Antilles & Leeward Islands).Step away from the distractions of daily life and immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind writing adventure at sea. Our WriterCon Cruise blends world-class writing instruction with the inspiration of travel, giving you the time, tools, and community you need to finally make progress on your manuscript. This isn’t just a cruise—it’s an unforgettable experience designed to help you grow as a writer while enjoying the journey of a lifetime. https://writercon.com/writercon-cruise/
March 14, 2026: 2026 Bay to Ocean Writers Conference (Chesapeake College, Wye Mills, MD). Now celebrating its 29th year, the Bay to Ocean Writers Conference is a one-day event that has attracted more than 4,000 writers over its history. It is sponsored by the Eastern Shore Writers Association (ESWA), a non-profit organization of writers from across the Delmarva Peninsula. https://www.easternshorewriters.org/event-6448395
March 18–21, 2026: Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference (Andalusia, AL). At Blue Lake Christian Writers Retreat, you’ll experience the benefits of a large writers’ conference, but on a more personal level. Whether you’re a beginning or experienced writer, interested in fiction or nonfiction, our faculty of seasoned professionals can teach you how to improve your writing skills, market your work, and get published. https://bluelakecwr.com/
March 21–22, 2026: Gotham Writers Genre Fiction Conference (Via Zoom). The Gotham Writers Genre Fiction Writers Conference happens in March 2026, for writers of mystery, horror, and science fiction & fantasy books. Gotham Writers has two conferences per year, targeted to different corners of the publishing world. https://www.writingclasses.com/nonfiction/writers-conference/index
March 25–27, 2026: 57th Annual UND Writers Conference (Grand Forks, ND). Founded in 1970 and held every year since, the UND Writers Conference is a three-day event featuring six to eight authors annually ranging from Gwendolyn Brooks and August Wilson to Tommy Orange and Colson Whitehead. The UND Writers Conference is committed to community outreach, engagement, and finding ways to increase audience access to literature. https://und.edu/writers-conference/index.html
March 26–27, 2026: 29th ASU Writers Conference in Honor of Elmer Kelton (San Angelo, TX). The 2026 conference will commemorate the 29th Angelo State University Writers Conference in Honor of Elmer Kelton. This two-day conference is one of the few in the state that requires no registration or attendance fees for presenters and guests. This year’s conference will celebrate what would have been Elmer Kelton’s 100th birthday, as well as his artistic legacy and influence on Texas writing. https://www.angelo.edu/departments/english-modern-languages/writers_conference.php
March 27–28, 2026: South Asian Literary Association Annual Conference (Charlotte, NC). This will be their first in-person conference since 2020, and they will hold the conference in collaboration with the College English Association in Charlotte, North Carolina. The theme is “Collective Currents in South Asian Collaborations.” https://southasianliteraryassociation.org/announcements/2026-sala-annual-conference-to-be-held-in-person-in-charlotte-nc/
March 27–28, 2026: American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW)- Colorado Springs Chapter (Colorado Springs, CO). 2026 brings a few changes to Write in the Springs from previous years. First off, they are incredibly excited to be at the lovely La Foret Conference and Retreat Center in Colorado Springs. Additionally, they are offering a Friday half-day indie publishing intensive with Two Dogs Publishing’s Lisa Phillips and Saturday classes will be grouped by genres to offer attendees teaching and training specific to their writing areas. American Christian Fiction Writers, Colorado Springs Chapter, has offered an affordable conference experience for Christian writers annually since 2009. We invite you to join us at Glen Eyrie Castle in the foothills of Colorado Springs, Colorado, for an unforgettable weekend of teaching, fellowship and inspired writing, whether you are already an established author or just starting your journey to publication. https://acfwcosprings.net/wits-2026/
March 27–28, 2026: Moravian Writers Conference (Bethlehem, PA). To celebrate the conference’s 12-year anniversary, this FREE conference (featuring in-person and live streamed events) will focus on different approaches for thinking about story and story sharing. https://www.moravian.edu/storysummit
March 27–31, 2026: Vision Christian Writers Conference (Felton, CA). The Vision Christian Writing Conference is the response to the devastating news that Mt. Hermon was ceasing their legacy 50-year writing conference at the beginning of the pandemic. https://vcwconf.com/
March 28, 2026: The 2026 Atlanta Writing Workshop (Atlanta, GA). The title of the Atlanta Writing Workshop is “How to Get Published.” It focuses on classes and advice intended to help you get your works published. https://atlantawritingworkshop.com/
March 28, 2026: Atlanta Self-Publishing Conference (Atlanta, GA). They offer the Atlanta Self-Publishing Conference annually for authors who are interested in self-publishing or who have self-published and want to get the most out of their publishing business. https://atlantawritersclub.org/aspc/
April 9–10, 2026: Write to Learn Conference (Columbia, MO). Full disclosure, I swiped this year’s theme (with permission) from the title of Bonnie Davis’s book, How to Teach Students Who Don’t Look Like You: Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies. Bonnie, an old friend, was one of the early leaders in this field that has now come to be known as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). – says Willy Wood, Write to Learn Conference Coordinator. https://web.cvent.com/event/f3b26f2d-9b43-4507-b53f-193ed8a58612/summary?tm=jkZteXUv7vpjkP-VYc2lG5RkB4pq8o-rW1PZPOhHelA
April 16–19, 2026: The 2026 Chanticleer Authors Conference (Bellingham, WA). What makes the Chanticleer Author Conferences so special? Most importantly, the attendees! You are what makes this conference so special. Learning from the experts – Learn from the Best! Learning from each other and Networking and making new friends and connections. https://www.chantireviews.com/chanticleer-conference/
April 17–19, 2026: Annual Pikes Peak Writers Conference (Colorado Springs, CO). PPWC is a 3-day fiction-writing conference for writers of all levels, indie and traditionally published, featuring a variety of craft and business workshops, acquiring editors/agents and well-known authors across a variety of genres. https://conference.pikespeakwriters.org/
April 19, 2026: Sacramento Book Festival (Sacramento, CA). For the third-year running, Sacramento will have its very own book festival. The California Writers Club is excited to continue such an important event in Sacramento. We intend to develop this into an annual Sacramento Capital Experience. As usual, authors will be available to meet the public and talk about your writing. Signed copies of your work will be on sale, and feel free to expand your fan base. Aspiring writers will be able to meet members of the California Writers Club, to gain guidance on how to develop their art. Leaflets and CWC promotional material will be available for distribution to visitors. https://www.sacramentobookfestival.com/
April 23–25, 2026: 23rd Las Vegas Writers Conference (Las Vegas, NV). This year – and every year – the 23rd Las Vegas Writers Conference is dedicated to helping writers of all genres improve their craft, sharpen their business skills, and network with publishing professionals. Held each spring, this year’s conference will draw virtual attendees from around the world. Pitch sessions with literary agents and editors are included in the price of registration. Writers will have the opportunity for one-on-one mentoring sessions with faculty members and other published authors. https://lasvegaswritersconference.com/
April 23–25, 2026: NWG Annual Conference (Omaha, NE). The Nebraska Writers Guild offers three days of consultations, critique boot camps, and shop talk seminars. Appointments with literary agents like Kristina Slater are first-come, first-served, and have no extra cost. This conference is perfect for writers who would rather focus on intimate group or pair discussions rather than large panels. Workshops are capped to allow for in-depth discussion and a focus on networking without small talk. https://nebraskawriters.org/annual-conference/
April 30– May 2, 2026: 2026 OWFI Writers Conference (Oklahoma City, OK). Founded in 1968, the Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc. (OWFI) is a non‑profit federation of writers’ groups dedicated to promoting higher standards for the written word. We believe that the literary profession has come of age and merits a fair share of the critical acclaim so generously lavished on other worthwhile arts. OWFI shall seek to coordinate and encourage professional writing within and without its organization and promote the recognition of outstanding contributions to the written language. https://www.owfi.org/
May 1–2, 2026: Lakefly Writers Conference, (Oshkosh, WI). EVERYONE HAS A STORY! Come to the Oshkosh Premier Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center for a two-day conference. They offer workshops on the craft and business of writing designed to inspire and guide your creative journey. https://lakeflywriters.org/
May 1–2, 2026: The 2026 Washington Writers Conference (Rockville, MD). The Washington Independent Review of Books presents the 13th annual Washington Writers Conference, the DC area’s premier literary gathering! Visit www.wirobooks.com for complete conference information. https://www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/page/the-2026-washington-writers-conference
May 1–2, 2026: Atlanta Writers Conference (Atlanta, GA). AWC’s 34th conference offers an in-person experience for all activities—critiques and pitches, a workshop, Q&A panels, free talks, an award ceremony, a book fair & more—and a virtual option for agent/editor meetings https://atlantawritersconference.com/
May 1–3, 2026: 9th Annual Sonoma Valley Authors Festival (Sonoma, CA). The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival is an annual 3-day weekend lecture series that brings people together to hear authors from a variety of literary genres. Using a “TED Talk” style format that includes “main tent” and breakout sessions, speakers discuss their latest works as well as advances being made in science, technology, medicine, and current issues. At a time when the art of listening seems to be disappearing, the need for civil discourse has never been greater. With so many voices vying for our attention, people are receptive to well-informed speakers and eager for thoughtful conversation and discussion of ideas. The festival attracts people who are committed to lifelong learning; many are at a stage in life where experiences are of more value than things and they enjoy vacations with a purpose. https://svauthorsfest.org/
May 2, 2026: The 2026 Michigan Writing Workshop (Detroit, MI). At this writers’ conference, participants will enjoy a day of intense instruction on how to get their works published. This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the event (200 total). https://michiganwritingworkshop.com/
May 5–9, 2026: ThrillerFest XXI (New York, NY). Notable thriller writers like Dennis Lehane will join other experts to offer Master Classes, workshops, pitches, panel discussions, and more. The conference’s PitchFest and QueryFest offer opportunities for self-published authors, traditionally published authors, and unpublished authors seeking query letter or manuscript help. Pricing is via day passes, per event, or with packages. https://thrillerfest.com/
May 12–16, 2026: Monterey Writers Retreat Conference (Pacific Grove, CA). Join us on the wondrously scenic and soothing Monterey Peninsula in Pacific Grove for the express purpose of working intimately with experienced author and agent professionals. Know that writers of every kind have journeyed for over a century to this location on the California west coast. They come in search of inspiration, individuality, purpose and vision, but more importantly, to share an understanding that art has preceded their arrival in the form of a brutally beautiful sea and windswept shore. https://montereywritersretreat.com/
May 14–16, 2026: Storymakers Conference (Provo, UT). The Storymakers Conference will consist of various classes that cover various topics such as cover design, marketing, creating a writing business, and the nuts and bolts of screenwriting. The Storymakers conference features over a hundred classes geared toward aspiring and established writers alike, taught by some of the best presenters in the publishing industry. https://storymakersguild.org/storymakers-conference
May 14–17, 2026: Looking Glass Rock Writers Conference (Brevard, NC). Exploring the theme “A Sense of Place,” small select groups of conference attendees experience working under the guidance of notable writers. Founded in 2016 as a partnership between the Transylvania County Library and Brevard College, the annual conference consists of writing workshops for select participants and public readings by the workshop leaders free to the community. https://www.lgrwc.org/
May 16–19, 2026. Kachemak Bay Writers Conference (Homer, AK). The Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference has been the place where writers from Alaska and beyond come together to create community and learn how to be better writers. They are looking forward to welcoming you to the 2026 conference on May 16-19 at the beautiful Kachemak Bay Campus in downtown Homer, Alaska. There will there be four-days of craft classes, agent and editor meetings, panel discussions, readings by the participants and the faculty, and more chances for folks to interact with each other and form the community of writers that sustains us when we return to our desks. https://writersconf.kpc.alaska.edu/
May 25–29, 2026, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (Black Mountain, NC). The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference began nearly four decades ago as a spirit-filled environment where writers could move forward in their writing journey and publishing dreams. The legacy event is focused on God’s path for each writer, and the conference is dedicated to meeting professional and spiritual needs. https://www.blueridgeconference.com/blue-ridge-mountains-christian-writers-conference/
June 5–9, 2026, Southeastern Writers Association (SWA) 2026 Writers Conference (St. Simon’s Island, GA). This low-key summer conference for Southeast-based writers features book signing, socializing, and workshops on writing, publishing, and marketing works. https://www.southeasternwritersassociation.org/
June 9–12, 2026: Write-to-Publish Conference (Wheaton, IL). Since 1971, Write to Publish has been training, inspiring and encouraging writers like you, connecting them with editors to help them improve their craft, with publishers who are looking for good books to publish, and with literary agents who can represent them. https://writetopublish.com/
June 10–16, 2026: TWH 2026 “Mini MFA” All-Genre Writers Conference (Phippsburg, ME). The Writer’s Hotel Maine “Mini MFA” is a unique, hybrid, comprehensive writing program. Our programming includes our TWH two-editor pre-conference Team Reading, virtual agent pitching sessions and our conference at Sebasco Harbor Resort in Phippsburg, Maine—a magnificent seaside resort, just north of Portland. https://www.writershotel.com/twh-maine-mini-mfa-conferences
June 12–14, 2026: Between the Pages Writers Conference (Springfield, MO). Springfield Writer’s Guild, Sleuths’ Ink, and Ozarks Romance Authors are pleased to present the second annual Between the Pages Writers Con, June 12–14, 2026. Join us for an exciting lineup of guest speakers, workshops, and the opportunity to network with industry professionals. https://btpwriterscon.com/
July 12–19, 2026: Port Townsend Writers Conference (Port Townsend, WA). Since 1974, the Port Townsend Writers Conference has brought together aspiring and master artists to talk about craft, ignite creativity, connect learners and mentors, and build a diverse community. The Conference includes a week of generative, craft-centered workshops, lectures, readings, open mics, and communal gatherings in an environment designed to de-privilege the literary art form and serve diverse voices from across nations. Whether you consider yourself a beginning or seasoned writer, our approach is to provide an inspiring and inclusive space where writers can share their perspectives, celebrate growth, and take creative risks to improve their writing and the writing of our peers. https://centrum.org/program/writers-conference/
June 15–19, 2026: 27th Annual – Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Conference (Draper, UT). Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers presents an exciting five-day conference every June, consisting of intensive, week-long classes and daily breakout sessions. The heart of Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers is its morning workshops, where attendees have the opportunity to workshop their manuscripts with an industry professional. In the afternoon workshops, registrants have the opportunity to attend plenary and breakout sessions to learn more about the craft of writing.” https://www.wifyr.com/
June 20, 2026: Let’s Just Write! An Uncommon Writers Conference (Chicago, IL). Let’s Just Write! An Uncommon Writers Conference was named one of the best conferences in the U.S. by The Writer Magazine two years in a row! Two days, twenty-plus presenters, workshops, sessions, panels…and more. https://www.chicagowrites.org/conference
June 22–27, 2026: Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference (Bemidji, MN). The Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference has given hundreds of participants from Minnesota and across the United States the opportunity to work closely with award-winning faculty. We offer a range of scholarships to support emerging writers, important voices, and community leaders. This writing conference is full of workshops, Q&A sessions, panel talks. https://www.northwoodswriters.org/
June 24–28, 2026: St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference (Meadville, PA). This year’s theme is “Your Story, God’s Glory”. St. Davids is special. They’re an intimate gathering of writers that provides an opportunity to build a network, not by exchanging business cards in a busy hallway. Here they connect, like real people – laughing over lunch, chatting about their projects in the lounge, or giving their elevator pitch in genre group meetings. Writing is a different beast with the digital world but connecting with people is still done face to face. https://stdavidswriters.com/
July 9–12, 2026: Readercon 35 Conference (Burlington, MA). Although Readercon is modeled on “science fiction conventions,” we have no art show, no costumes, no gaming, and almost no media. Instead, Readercon features a near-total focus on the written word. In many years the list of Readercon guests rivals or surpasses that of the Worldcon in quality. Readercon is the only small convention regularly attended by such giants of imaginative literature as Samuel R. Delany, Ellen Datlow, Amal El-Mohtar, John Crowley, Greer Gilman, and Catherynne M. Valente. https://readercon.org/
July 15–19, 2026: WriterCon Retreat At The Canebrake (Wagoner, OK). Their 2025 retreat was the second one at The Canebrake Resort and it was a blast! Join them for next year’s in July of 2026 for a five-day, small-group writing retreat at the 300-acre Canebrake Resort in Wagoner, OK, on Ft Gibson Lake. Our retreat group will have the resort to ourselves with paths to hike, a pool to enjoy, bikes to ride and much more! This retreat will leave you inspired to move forward in your writing journey! https://writercon.com/retreat/
July 17–19, 2026: Imaginarium (Louisville, KY). Imaginarium 2026 proudly welcomes author and editor Leah Pugh, and author, screenwriter, filmmaker, actor, and musician Rose Marie Machario, as Official Panelists! As Panelists, Leah and Rose will be participating in our extensive panel and workshop programming during our 13th year, July 17-19, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky! https://www.entertheimaginarium.com/
July 18–20, 2026: Sun Valley Writers’ Conference (Sun Valley, ID). Over 30 years ago, the founders of the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference (SVWC) sat around a kitchen table and dreamt up what would become today’s premier literary conference. Each summer, some of the world’s best writers and thinkers—including fiction and nonfiction writers, journalists, playwrights, poets, historians, and filmmakers—descend upon the small town of Sun Valley, Idaho, for a week-long literary celebration. During the event, SVWC hosts mind-expanding talks and performances, intimate dinners, book signings, lawn talks, and dazzling exhibitions—as well as free community events in partnership with local bookstores, libraries, and schools. Sun Valley Resort, the venue for SVWC, is nestled almost 6,000 feet high, in a stunning snow-capped valley of the Rocky Mountains. https://svwc.com/
July 26–31, 2026: Napa Valley Writers Conference (Napa, CA). Since 1981, the Napa Valley Writers’ Conference has provided literary fellowship and a craft-focused experience among the foothills and vineyards that have made this region famous. In a literary culture often dominated by concerns of business and marketing, the Napa Valley Writers’ Conference has maintained its emphases on process and craft, featuring a faculty as renowned for the quality of their teaching as for their work. Small workshops foster an unusual rapport between faculty writers and conference participants, who find the Napa Valley experience nurturing and challenging. The conference is suited to experienced writers, but enthusiastic beginners are also encouraged to apply. http://www.napawritersconference.org/
July 30 – August 1, 2026: Mendocino Coast Writers Conference (Mendocino, CA). The Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference is a vibrant gathering that offers morning workshops in a wide range of genres. Afternoons are packed with craft seminars, panels, one-on-one consultations, and open mics; and every evening offers an opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie and connection that make this conference, in the words of one participant, “life changing.” At this conference, writers can participate in morning workshops that are related to various genres. https://mcwc.org/
July 31 – August 3, 2026: Willamette Writers Conference (Portland, OR). Willamette Writers is the largest writers’ organization in the Pacific Northwest. Writers of all genres and at all stages of their careers come to our meetings, annual conference, and workshops to connect with their community, develop their craft, and advance their career. https://willamettewriters.org/
August 5–9, 2026: GCLS 22nd Annual Conference (Albany, NY). The GCLS’s 22nd annual conference is the premier literary event for both authors and readers. The event brings together readers, fans, writers, editors and publishers to celebrate women-loving-women and sapphic literature. https://www.goldencrownliterarysociety.org/2026-annual-conference
August 20–23, 2026: 2026 Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference (Franklin, TN). Killer Nashville is the premier forum for all genres incorporating mystery, thriller, or suspense elements; learn, present, meet agents & editors, sign books, mingle with forensic experts, and network. Writers who attend the Killer Nashville Writers Conference can expect writing workshops, pitch sessions, panel discussions, author signings, and a book fair. https://www.killernashville.com/
September 4–7, 2026: WriterCon Conference (Oklahoma City, OK). This will be the 19th annual WriterCon Conference. Featuring three days of 60+ speakers providing more than 70 sessions designed to cover all genres and all aspects of the writing experience: skills, industry knowledge, opportunities, networking, pitching, contests, opportunities to meet with writers privately, to obtain manuscript reviews or private consultations, and much more. https://writercon.com/writercon-2026-conference/
October 8–10, 2026: Ozarks Creative Writers Conference (Eureka Springs, AR). The Ozark Creative Writers’ annual conference is led by a group of volunteer directors and officers committed to organizing one of the area’s most established and exceptional writing conferences. The conference caters to writers of all levels, from beginners to experts, and emphasizes the art of writing, skill-building, and motivation. This conference held each fall at the Inn of the Ozarks in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, has existed since 1968. https://www.ozarkcreativewriters.com/
Select a writers’ conference of interest to you and be prepared to enjoy the benefits of meeting other writers. You may acquire knowledge you can use immediately, find a new market for your book, elevate your professional effectiveness, meet editors, agents and publishers, become inspired and return home energized.
The Bottom Line: Take a little working vacation and hit some writers’ conferences. Make it a priority to sign up for one in the coming weeks and months. You’ll be glad you did!
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://westwindbookmarketing.com/ or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
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