Acorn Publishing Debut Author Prize

I’m reaching out on behalf of Acorn Publishing, an award-winning hybrid publisher recently named 2025 Publisher of the Year by the San Diego Writers Festival. We’re thrilled to announce a national opportunity for debut authors: the Acorn Publishing Debut Author Prize.

This contest is open to unpublished fiction and memoir writers across the U.S. who have completed manuscripts of 95,000 words or less. The winner will receive a full-service professional publishing and national launch package valued at over $11,000, completely free. The winner will also be announced live on stage at the 2026 San Diego Writers Festival.

Submissions open August 15 and close November 15, 2025, so time is limited.

Full contest details and eligibility: http://www.acornpublishingllc.com