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 :
Jeffrey Katz
Nominated by Wonderland Books
Rae Alexandra
Nominated by City Lights Books
Chantal Acevedo
Nominated by Books & Books
James Cleary
Nominated by Arcadia Bookstore
Tom Lin
Nominated by Left Bank Books
Soman Chainani
Nominated by Left Bank Books
KD Blade
Nominated by Black Pearl Books