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Acorn Publishing, in partnership with the San Diego Writers Festival, is proud to present the Acorn Publishing Debut Author Prize—a unique opportunity for one exceptional unpublished author to receive a full-service publishing package valued at over $11,000.

 

The winner will be announced live on stage at the prestigious 2026 San Diego Writers Festival in Coronado, California.

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WHO'S ELIGIBLE​

 

​•Open to unpublished authors only (authors who have previously published with traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing platforms are not eligible)

•Must be 18 years or older as of August 15, 2025

•Manuscript must be written in English

•We are accepting novels and memoirs only

•For novels the following genres not eligible: horror, erotica, or graphic novels

•Manuscripts must be original, complete, and between 50,000–95,000 words

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WHAT THE WINNER RECEIVES

 

The selected author will receive a complete Acorn Publishing Package, including:

•Worldwide distribution to bookstores and major ebook retailers

•Custom cover design by our award-winning design team

•Interior formatting for print and ebook editions

•Polished back cover copy and author bio

•Professional proofreading

•ISBN assignment and Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN)

•Keyword and category optimization for Amazon and other retailers

•Upgraded Amazon book page

•Post-launch marketing campaign to boost visibility and reignite sales

•Social media graphics for cover reveal, release day, and author announcement

•Promotion across Acorn Publishing platforms

•Custom one-sheet and targeted media outreach (minimum of 20 outlets)

•Email marketing campaign to over 100,000 readers

•Coordinated blog tour and cover reveal

•NetGalley placement for early reviews

•Optional inclusion at events, including the LA Times Festival of Books

•Access to our private author group—a supportive, engaged writing community

•Ongoing project management and long-term support

•Weekly check-ins with a dedicated publishing coordinator

 

Valued at over $11,000 — awarded at no cost to the winning author

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JUDGING PROCESS

 

Submissions will be reviewed by Acorn’s editorial team and a panel of distinguished publishing professionals, including:

•Bestselling authors

•Literary agents

•MFA program faculty

•Festival directors

•Library leaders

•Senior members of national writing organizations

 

Our panel will select the winner based on voice, story execution, and overall potential to become a breakout success. Judges will be announced in Fall 2025.

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KEY DATES

 

•Submissions Open: August 15, 2025

•Submission Deadline: November 15, 2025

•Winner Announced: March 28, 2026 — live on stage at the San Diego Writers Festival, Coronado, CA

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RIGHTS & PUBLISHING MODEL

 

The winning author will sign a standard Acorn Publishing contract, which allows them to retain the majority of rights and profits—a core advantage of our hybrid publishing model. Acorn Publishing provides an author-focused publishing experience that combines professional production and distribution with meaningful creative control.

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DISQUALIFICATION NOTICE

 

Entries that do not follow the submission guidelines or eligibility requirements may be disqualified at Acorn Publishing’s discretion.

 

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ABOUT ACORN PUBLISHING

 

The Acorn Publishing Debut Author Prize is presented by Acorn Publishing, a highly selective hybrid imprint that blends the freedom of self-publishing with the high standards of traditional publishing. Acorn is one of the largest independent publishers in California and was named 2025 Publisher of the Year by the San Diego Writers Festival. Our books have earned over 500 literary awards, including Kirkus Reviews’ Indie Book of the Year, and are sold in independent bookstores, Barnes & Noble, and airport retailers across the country. Our authors have become USA Today bestsellers, secured foreign publishing deals, and had their stories adapted for film, television, and stage. They are frequently invited to speak at major literary festivals and host signings at national retailers. Winning this prize means joining a publishing legacy built on quality, visibility, and long-term author success.

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SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

 

Please submit one Word document including all of the following, in this order:

1.Query/Pitch LetterInclude your full name, email, phone number, title, genre, word count, and a one-paragraph pitch.

2.Personal Statement (250–500 words)Tell us about your writing journey and why this opportunity matters to you.

3.One-Page SynopsisInclude major plot points and the ending.

4.Full Manuscript

• Use 12 pt Times New Roman

• Double-spaced with 1-inch margins

• Include page numbers and your name + book title on each page​

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📌 Limit: One submission per person

📌 Manuscripts must not be under review by any agent, publisher, or contest during the judging period

📌 Submission Fee: $35 (non-refundable) This nominal fee helps ensure we receive submissions from authors who are serious about their craft.

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READY TO SUBMIT?

After paying your $35 submission fee, please email your submission to 

CONTACT@ACORNPUBLISHINGLLC.COM with the email subject:

DEBUT AUTHOR PRIZE SUBMISSION - [the transaction ID from your payment receipt]