Best Writing Contests to Enter in 2026 If you’re looking to sharpen your craft, gain recognition, and potentially land publication opportunities, writing contests remain one of the most powerful ways to stand out. Below is a curated list of some of the most exciting contests to enter in 2026. River Styx Flash Fiction & Poetry Contest  – Respected for pairing new talent with distinguished judges, awarding powerful short-form writing. YoungArts Writing Competition  – Celebrates

Building a Book Marketing Funnel When most authors think about marketing, they picture activities that happen in bursts—posting on social media when a book is released, running a giveaway, or sending out a newsletter when there’s something big to announce. But real marketing, the kind that steadily brings in readers and turns them into long-term fans, doesn’t work in random spurts. It works through systems.

Foreign Rights, Translations, and Global Markets When most authors picture their book release, they often imagine holding the first copy in their hands, seeing their name on Amazon, or walking past a shelf in their local bookstore. But the truth is, the world of publishing is much bigger than a single market. Beyond English-language editions and local distribution lies a vast opportunity—foreign rights, translations, and international markets.

Hybrid Publishing Explained Hybrid publishing has become one of the most talked-about options in the book world. Somewhere between traditional publishing and self-publishing, hybrid presses promise authors the “best of both worlds.” But what does that really mean? And more importantly—does it mean it’s the right choice for you?

Series Planning: Building Multi-Book Arcs That Keep Readers Hooked When readers finish a book and immediately scramble for the next installment, you know the author has done something right. Series planning is one of the most powerful tools a writer can master. Whether you’re building an epic fantasy, a mystery series, or a romance saga, the way you structure your multi-book arcs can mean the difference between a forgettable series and one that readers recommend for years.

United States Book & Literary Events How to use this guide Most festivals run annually; always check the current year’s dates on the linked pages (some events rotate dates or expand to multi-week formats). Libraries and city cultural sites often host Local Author Fairs  and summer reading kickoffs —great add-ons around the big festivals. Alabama

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