The Pitch

The Pitch started with a simple idea: ask independent bookstores around the country to nominate a standout author from their region with a new book in 2026. Now the nominations are in, the field is down to three, and it’s time to meet the finalists. Their books are headed to our judges, who will choose the winner of the $5,000 prize, with $500 going to the bookstore that nominated them.

MEET THE PITCH FINALISTS:

ALL NOMINATED AUTHORS:

---

---

---