We hope you had a wonderful 4th of July celebration on our country’s 250th anniversary and are finding time to enjoy the beautiful summer weather. Don’t miss the following as you browse this newsletter:

• 2026 Author Trends You Need to Know
• Author Fair
• Author Signings and Book Fair Events
• Authors Guild Gathering: Works in Progress
• Board Meeting Notice
• Celebrate Success: Member Highlights
• Contests and Book Awards events throughout the newsletter
• DWW Event: Summer 2026 Cranbrook Library Tour
• New Member Welcome
• Newsletter Deadlines
• Our Members Books

Happy Reading!

Grace Grogan
DWW Newsletter Editor

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Click on this link to purchase tickets: https://tinyurl.com/DWWSummer2026Tour

Ticket sales close on Wednesday, August 12 at 12:00 p.m. per Cranbrook guidelines.

Author Application Deadline: July 31, 2026 5:00 pm

Rochester Hills Public Library and Rochester Writers will showcase 10 Local Authors for the Eighth Annual Rochester Author Fair and Book Sale on Saturday, November 28, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public; no registration is required to attend. Visitors are welcome to visit the authors throughout the run of the event.

Ten Michigan authors will be on hand to discuss their books, share their love of writing, and to sign copies of their latest books. The event features a mix of traditionally published and indie published authors from a variety of genres, including children’s fiction, adult fiction, and nonfiction titles. This popular local literary event takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It’s a perfect opportunity to shop for anyone on your holiday gift-giving list this year. Free parking, free to attend, and complimentary cider and donuts.

The library provides the space and there is no cost to the authors to participate. Over 100 authors apply each year, however, space allows for only 10 to participate in the event. Rochester Writers and the library team sort through them to select a diversity of genres, with both new and seasoned authors represented from a variety of publishing backgrounds.

Applications are now being accepted to participate in the 2026 Rochester Author Fair and Book Sale. Only 10 authors will be selected this year due to library renovations. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on July 31, 2026. Selected authors will be notified in September.

Location: Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road, Rochester, Michigan.

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Summer Short Story Award
for New Writers

For over ten years, our Short Story Award has connected emerging writers with some of the industry’s top literary agents. We’re looking for standout stories—fiction or narrative nonfiction, up to 6,000 words—in a voice that is unmistakably yours.

Our contest runs from July 1 to August 30, 2026, and is open to any writer who has not published a novel or memoir with a major press. The first-place winner of this contest receives a $3,000 grand prize and online publication. Second and third place contestants receive $300 and $200 respectively and online publication. All finalists will receive agency review from our six partnered agencies.

Every submitter will receive a free three-month trial from our partners at Literistic. Literistic helps writers find, filter, and track submission opportunities.

Entry fee is $20; simultaneous and multiple submissions are allowed but must be accompanied by an separate entry fee. Up to 50 writers from historically marginalized or underrepresented groups may submit for free. The contest is for emerging writers only. Writers with single-author book-length work published or under contract with a major press are ineligible. We are interested in new writers; authors with books published by indie presses are welcome to submit unpublished work, as are self-published authors. AI generated or assisted submissions are automatically disqualified.

Deadline: August 30, 2026 at 11:50 pm PDT. Every submission receives a response by the end of December 2026. Winners will be announced by the end of January 2027.

Click for additional information and to submission guidelines.

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Adam Schuitema

Adam Schuitema earned his Ph.D. and MFA from Western Michigan University. He currently lives in Grand Rapids, where he has served on the faculty of Kendall College of Art and Design at Ferris State University for almost two decades, teaching modern literature, creative writing, advanced creative writing, and narrative studies.

Writing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, Adam’s creativity led him to create an entire town from scratch along Lake Superior in Michigan for his second book. He named every street and business, drew a map on a posterboard, then hired a student illustrator to design it for publication. Not being stuck in a rut, his third book’s stories were set in other countries and spotlighted people of all ages.

Adam has an upcoming novel scheduled for release from Regal House in spring 2027. Half a Million Minutes is set about 25 years into the future in our soon-to-be world, and he built an entire nation as its setting. The nation is one of the smallest on Earth, a tiny chain of islands in the middle of the Pacific. The heart of the book is a retired schoolteacher who discovers the history she had been teaching for generations is a lie. This creation was not a small undertaking; Adam spent ten years writing the book, building a real world for his readers.

While you wait for the release of Half a Million Minutes, you can check out some of Adam’s other books. He is the author of Haymaker (2015) and the collections Freshwater Boys (2010) and The Things We Do that Make No Sense (2017). His stories have been published in the journals Glimmer Train, North American Review, Indiana Review, TriQuarterly, and The Southern Review.

Adam’s work has been named twice as Michigan Notable Books by the Library of Michigan. Learn more about Adam at adamschuitema.com.

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2026 Author Trends
You Need to Know

Written in January 2026 by Written Word Media, this article covers the 2026 author trends that are impacting both indie and traditionally published authors. This includes AI in publishing, trust, discovery, author sovereignty, and reader experience. The article covers a wide variety of things that are changing in the publishing world and what authors can do to survive and thrive in the publishing world. Click here to read the full article.

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Writer’s Digest
Self-Published E-Book Awards

EARLY-BIRD DEADLINE: AUGUST 14, 2026

Writer’s Digest’s 14th Annual Self-Published E-book Awards honors the best self-published e-book(s) in eight of the most popular categories with $5,000 in cash, a featured interview in Writer’s Digest magazine, and a paid trip to the ever-popular Writer’s Digest Annual Conference.

In addition to $13,000 in total cash prizes, all entrants will receive a brief commentary of their book from one of Writer’s Digest’s competition readers.

All Entrants will receive a brief commentary from one of the judges.

Categories include a wide range of subjects in fiction and non-fiction.

Early-Bird Deadline: August 14, 2026 – cost is $100 for first entry; $85 each additional entry.

Deadline: September 15, 2026 – cost is $125 for first entry; $110 each additional entry. Additional information, rules, submission instructions, and more can be found on the Writer’s Digest website.

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Congratulations Members
For the Following Accomplishments

Grace Grogan’s “Who Am I?” genealogy column Was Your Ancestor an Indentured Servant? begins on page 7 of the June 2026 edition of The Lakeshore Guardian; her column What Your Grandmother Couldn’t Do begins on page 16 of the July edition of The Lakeshore Guardian.

Grace’s article, In Celebration of Disability Pride Month is on page 5 of the July edition of The Freshwater Reporter.

John Jeffire’s flash fiction story “Cucumbers” is now live on Bright Flash Literary Review.

Weam Namou’s essay “Meeting America Through Scarlett O’Hara” was published in Oh Reader Magazine’s summer issue (#24).

As a Detroit Chapter Ambassador for the Authors Guild of America, Weam will host monthly meetings. Her next event is Authors Guild Gathering: Works in Progress, A Casual Meetup for Writers, taking place August 12th. See details below.

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Authors Guild Gathering: Works in Progress

A Casual Meetup for Writers

Led by Weam Namou, Authors Guild Detroit Chapter Ambassador

No critique pressure, no formal presentations, no homework. Just coffee and honest conversation about the writing life — querying, revising, staying motivated, or just showing up on the hard days. Bring your current project or just yourself. Open to all writers, no Authors Guild membership required — drop in anytime.

Date & Time: Wednesday, August 12, 12 – 1:30 pm

Location: Barnes & Noble, 2897 S Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307

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2026 Amsterdam Book Festival

The 2026 Amsterdam Book Festival has issued a call for entries to its annual program celebrating books worthy of further attention from the world publishing market. The Amsterdam Book Festival will consider books in English, Dutch and German in the competition.

The works may be published, self-published or independent publisher non-fiction, fiction, self-help, biography/autobiography/memoir, children’s books, cookbooks, compilations/anthologies, genre-based, how-to, photography/art, spiritual, young adult, unpublished, business, wild card (anything goes!), romance, science fiction, and poetry. Multiple entries must be accompanied by a separate fee for each book.

In addition to honoring the top selections in the above categories, The Amsterdam Book Festival will award from the submissions Author of the Year, Book Design of the Year, and Publisher of the Year.

Deadline: October 25, 2026. Winners in each category will be notified by email and on the web site. Please note that judges read and consider submissions on an ongoing basis, comparing early entries with later submissions at our meetings.

Entry forms and additional information is available at https://www.amsterdambookfestival.com/. Non-refundable entry fee of $50 in the form of a check, money order or PayPal online payment in U.S. dollars for each submission. Multiple submissions are permitted, but each entry must be accompanied by a separate form and entry fee.

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Author Signings and Book Fairs

M-Dash Horror Novel Signing: August 1, 2026, at 2:00 pm

Horror authors Rebecca Rowland, Ronald Malfi, Angelique Jordonna, and Jeremy Wagner, all Michigan authors, will participate in the M-Dash Horror Novel Signing. Meet the authors of these best selling, award-winning, genre bending horror and avant garde fiction novels. Location: Barnes & Noble, 6134 Westnedge Avenue, Portage, Michigan 49002.

The ROCK Barnes & Noble Book Fair: August 8, 2026, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

The ROCK Center for Youth Development is a teen focused organization that helps youth succeed and thrive. Support The ROCK through purchases at Barnes & Noble in Saginaw; mention you’re supporting the book fair at checkout and your purchase will be credited towards the book sale goal. Location: Barnes & Noble, 3311 Tittabawassee Road, Saginaw.

Historical Fiction Talk: August 14, 2026, at 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Join Jillian Laine, author of “Henry Tudor Must Die” for a fun evening celebrating her book. The book takes a feministic spin on the Tudor story, empowering women to choose their own path. Queenly attire is encouraged. The one-hour event takes place at The Folded Leaf, 414 E. Eighth Street, Unit 103, Traverse City, Michigan.

First Annual Michigan Bookstock Market: August 16, 2026, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Hosted by Love by Chapters Bookstore, the Michigan Bookstock Market gives you the opportunity to knock a book of your TBR list, decorate your library, sip bookish themed cocktails/mocktails, and more. The event offers the ultimate book lover all types of books, bookish merchandise, jewelry, décor, and more from a variety of book vendors and bookish vendors. Of course it wouldn’t be a book event without local indie authors for you to meet, chat and take photos with. Tickets are $10.00 and are available for the 12-2 pm time slot or 2 pm to 4 pm time slot to control crowds. Location: Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site, 49965 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township.

Garrison Keillor Tonight: August 21, 2026 at 8:00 pm

Garrison Keller is America’s favorite storyteller who has hosted A Prairie Home Companion for over 40 years. He is an essayist, columnist, substack blogger, and writer of sonnets, songs and limericks. He is author of over two dozen books. He will perform his solo show, “Garrison Keillor Tonight” at The Acorn, an intimate nonprofit performing arts venue; tickets are $128 for general admission. The evening features storytelling, poetry, limericks, audience sing-alongs and his signature “News from Lake Wobegon.” Location: The Acorn, 107 Generations Drive, Three Oaks, Michigan.

Grown-up Book Fair at North End Taproom: August 26-27, 2026, 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Sidetrack and North End Taproom are collaborating for another grown-up book fair. Sidetrack will have a selection of books and bookish gifts to browse and purchase while you enjoy the excellent food and self-pour tap offerings at North End. Feel free to RSVP for the timeframe you are most likely to come. RSVPs do not guarantee a ticket into the book fair, they are just to gauge interest. We will be abiding by capacity requirements at the Taproom, so attendees may have to wait to get in. Sidetrack offers a mission-driven, curated selection of new fiction and non-fiction chosen to share comfort and laughter and build community and compassion with people of all ages and identities. North End Taproom is a unique gathering place where the ability to pour your own drink comes alive. Choose from one of 40 taps featuring a variety of craft beers, seltzers, ciders and wines. Our kitchen works hard to make scratch menu items that compliment your beverage selection.

Location: North End Taproom, 111 South Main Street, Royal Oak.

Rebels at Sea: September 3, 2026, at 6:30 pm

Best-selling author, Eric Jay Dolin, reclaims the daring sailors who proved essential to winning the Revolutionary War. The heroic story of the founding of the U.S. Navy during the Revolution has been told before, yet missing from most maritime histories is the ragtag fleet of private vessels that truly revealed the new nation’s character—above all, its ambition and entrepreneurial ethos. Dolin corrects that omission, contending privateers (often seen as profiteers at best and pirates at worst) were in fact critical to the Revolution’s outcome. Book sales, signing, and a reception will follow. Location: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library, 1000 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor.

Marlon James: September 3, 2026 at 7:00 pm

The Literati Bookstore welcomes Booker Prize winning and New York Times bestselling author Marlon James, to celebrate the release of his new book The Disappears. Tickets are $37.74 and include a copy of the novel. The Disappears is about the murder of a gay man in 1980s Jamaica and its tragic consequences. Location: First United Methodist Church, 120 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Holland Literary Festival: September 12, 2026, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Come meet many authors of different genres at the Holland Literary Festival, featuring two time international selling author, Gabrielle Jones, best known for her debut romantic thriller series, Letters of Confession (Killing Kam and Breaking Brielle). Location: The Bluestocking Bookshop, 12330 James Street, Holland.

Marjan Kamali Events: September 14, 2026, at 6:30 pm

The New York Times bestselling author of The Lion Women of Tehran will be in conversation with Cathy Russ, Executive director of the West Bloomfield Township Public Library and a Q&A session, and book signing. Early bird tickets are $30; after August 17th tickets are $35. Proceeds help cover the cost of the event and raise funds for grant programs offered to Michigan Libraries. More information and tickets are available on the Book & Author Society information page. Location: Visatech Center, Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia.

Crooked Nook’s Backyard Bookfest: September 26, 2026, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Hosted by The Crooked Nook, a magical travelling book store, this outdoor event takes a grown-up twist on the classic childhood book fair. The event features over 80 authors and vendors, specialty cocktails, food, and book-related activities. Tickets: $3.00 per person at the door. Location: The Backyard of Kalamazoo, 10441 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo.

Trail of Michigan Authors Event: September 26, 2026, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Friends of the Hackley Public Library is hosting an event where you can meet over 20 Michigan authors, including international-selling young adult author Gabrielle Jones, best known for her debut young adult romantic thriller series, Letters of Confession (Killing Kam and Breaking Brielle). Talk to the authors, get your books signed, and mention Bookfair ID #12884383 or mention you are supporting the Hackley Library and a percentage of your purchase benefits the library. If you can’t attend the event, you can still support the effort by mentioning the library or book fair ID from September 27-October 1. Location: Barnes & Noble, 5275 Harvey Street, Muskegon.

A Bookish Market: September 26, 2026, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

The Bookish Market returns this fall with a book fair for grown-ups. Expected curated vendors with book-themed goods, cozy lifestyle finds, and paper treasures for readers and writers alike. Whether you’re a casual browser or die-hard bookworm, this is the market for you. VIP entry is from 5-6 pm, general admission 6-8:30 pm. Vendor applications are closed; you can message to get on the mailing list for future events. Location: Osgood Wedding and Events, 614 Center Avenue, Bay City.

Book Besties Adult Book Fair: September 27, 2026, 12:00 to 3:00 pm

Book fairs aren’t just for kids anymore. Join us for the Book Besties Adult Book Fair—a cozy, book-lover’s dream afternoon out. For just $12.50 per person, you’ll get access to an afternoon filled with amazing vendors selling books, bookish goods, and other fun finds perfect for treating yourself. Do not purchase tickets from anywhere other than the link provided. Your ticket includes a DIY book-themed craft, so you can create something special while you shop, mingle, and talk all things books with fellow readers. We also have fun, book-inspired drinks available for purchase to sip as you browse. Tickets will be sold by arrival time slots to keep the event comfortable and enjoyable for everyone, so be sure to grab your preferred time slot early. Arrival time does not determine how long you can stay. Make sure to hop over to the Tap Room for some delicious food and drinks. The event is 18+, ticket price is $12.50 per person; parking available at the Fairfield Inn and near the library. Location: The River View at Frankenmuth Brewery, 425 S Main Street, Frankenmuth.

One Grand Read: September 27, 2026, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Join critically acclaimed author Hanif Abdurraqib to discuss his book There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension, a lyrical, historical, and emotionally rich exploration of what it means to make it, who we think deserves success, the tension between excellence and expectation, and the very notion of role models, all of which he expertly weaves together with intimate, personal storytelling. Those under 18 must attend with a parent or legal guardian. Doors open at 1:00 pm, event is free, click here for more information and to reserve a spot. Location: Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, 219 South Harrison Road, East Lansing.

Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair: October 11, 2026, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

The 50th year of the Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair takes place at the Michigan Union on the campus of the University of Michigan. The book fair has brought together booksellers and dealers from across America for five decades, handling a wide range of old and rare books, Americana, children’s books, autographs and manuscripts, maps, prints, ephemera, photography, fine press material and more. The $5 admission fee benefits the William L. Clements Library. Location: Michigan Union, 530 S. State Street, Ann Arbor.

An Evening With David Sedaris: October 15, 2026, 7:00 pm

Best selling humorist David Sedaris is bringing his North American Tour, “An Evening With David Sedaris” to Midland. The performance will feature all-new stories, social satire, and a book signing of his most recent book of short stories, The Land and Its People. In his customary sartorial and humorous manner, David will make you laugh and think in equal measures, with all new, unpublished stories and commentary. As always, the reading will be accompanied by a pre and post-show book signing. Information and tickets starting at $41 available online. Location: Midland Center for the Arts, 1801 W. Saint Andres, Midland.

October Author Jamboree: October 17, 2026, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

Head to Charlin’s Book Nook to meet over 25 local authors representing multiple genres in a free, public book signing. The Author Jamboree is a multi-author book signing event dedicated to celebrating storytelling and community. We are thrilled to bring together a fantastic and diverse lineup of writers for this all-day gathering. This is the perfect opportunity to meet your next favorite author, get personalized signings, find the perfect gift, and support local talent. The event is free and open to the public. Books by all participating authors will be available for purchase at Charlin’s Book Nook. Location: Charlin’s Book Nook, 925 S Main Street D-7, Frankenmuth.

Rochester Author Fair: November 28, 2026, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Rochester Hills Public Library and Rochester Writers will showcase 10 local authors for the Eighth Annual Rochester Author Fair and Book Sale. Applications are being accepted to participate until 5:00 pm on July 31, 2026. Selected authors will be notified in September. See the individual listing in this newsletter for more information.

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Early-Bird Deadline: September 1, 2026

We’re looking for personal essays! Think you can write a winning essay in 2,000 words or fewer? Enter the Writer’s Digest Personal Essay Awards for your chance to win $2,500 in cash, get published in Writer’s Digest magazine, and a paid trip to our ever-popular Writer’s Digest Conference!

There is one Grand Prize Winner, one Second Place Winner, one Third Place Winner, 4-10th place winners, and 11-25th place winners, so although competition is heavy, there is a solid chance of winning some top-notch prizes.

Early-Bird Deadline: September 1, 2026; $30 entry fee

Deadline: October 1, 2026; $35 Entry Fee

All deadlines are at 11:59 PM EST, on the specified date. All payments must be submitted at the time of entry.

Click here for full entry details, complete list of prizes each of the winning categories receives, and more.

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OUR MEMBERS BOOKS

When looking for your next great read or shopping for a book to give as a gift, don’t forget to check the “Our Books” section of the DWW Website for an extensive list of publications by our Members. You will find children’s books, fantasy, poetry, mystery, nonfiction, young adult, and more. Click here to view Member Books – and don’t forget to let Laura Hedgecock know if you have one to add to the list!

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Please Contribute

If you have information that may be of interest to other members, upcoming events, author readings, published articles or books, etc. please email them with “Newsletter” in the subject line by the deadline shown below. Thank you!

August Newsletter — Saturday, August 15, 2026

September Newsletter – Saturday, September 12, 2026

October Newsletter — Saturday, October 10, 2026

November Newsletter — Saturday, November 14, 2026

December Newsletter — Saturday, December 12, 2026

I will share your news with Richard Stiennon who handles our LinkedIn account, and Linda Sienkiewicz, who manages our Facebook Page to provide the most recognition and event coverage possible.

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Thank you
for reading!

Grace Grogan
Newsletter Editor