Turning aspiring authors into the Next Bestseller
Registration opens May 1, 2025
Applications must be submitted by May 21, 2025
A 5-round literary competition identifying the next great author from Laurel, MD and surrounding areas, culminating in a publishing contract for the winner.
Hosted by: Quill and Company
Schedule
1
Tryouts
May 24
10:00AM
Laurel Armory
422 Montgomery St.
Laurel, MD 20707
2
Battle Rounds 1-3
June 7, June 14, June 21
10:00 AM
Laurel Armory
422 Montgomery St.
Laurel, MD 20707
3
Finale
June 28
3:00 PM
Laurel Multiservice Center
204 Fort Meade Rd.
Laurel, MD 20707
Application Instructions
-
Submit your book pitch (150 words maximum) that includes:
-
Book title and genre
-
Main concept/premise
-
What makes your book unique in today's market
-
Why you are the perfect person to write this book
-
-
Include a brief author bio (100 words maximum)
-
Confirm your availability for all competition dates
Eligibility Requirements
-
Must be 10 years or older (must be accompanied by a parent/guardian if under 18)
-
Must reside in Laurel, MD or surrounding areas (within a 30-mile radius)
-
Must be willing to sign release forms for filming, potential publication, and contracts
-
This must be a new and original idea for a book or manuscript that has not already been written
Selection Process
-
Applications will be reviewed by our literary panel
-
Selected applicants will receive an invitation to the tryouts via email
-
At tryouts and rounds, you will have 2-5 minutes to pitch your book idea in person
-
Judges are industry-leading booksellers and/or literary professionals, local officials, the CEO of Quill & Company Publishing, and local celebrities