THE PITCH is a 2026 writing contest created by Chatter on Books that puts independent bookstores at the center of the process, elevating books they know deserve a wider audience. Each participating bookstore nominates one author. Those authors join the Chatter on Books podcast so listeners can follow along as the contest unfolds. One author wins $5,000. The nominating bookstore receives $500.
Episodes featuring independent bookstores and their nominees :
Melissa Faliveno
Nominated by Flyleaf Books
Jeffrey Katz
Nominated by Wonderland Books
Chantal Acevedo
Nominated by Books & Books
KD Blade
Nominated by Black Pearl Books
James Cleary
Nominated by Arcadia Bookstore
Tom Lin
Nominated by Left Bank Books
Rae Alexandra
Nominated by City Lights Books
Soman Chainani
Nominated by Left Bank Books