A Library Between Two Covers: L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future

Why This Anthology Matters

What if I told you that between two covers, you could explore the future of science fiction and fantasy—before anyone else?

Fans of the Writers of the Future Contest have known this fact for over forty years. The annual anthologies are more than just books. Each is a library of discovery. Every story shows a new writer innovating in a lively, dynamic literary field. I invite readers to open each book to find inspiration. Speculative fiction—science fiction, fantasy, horror, alternate history, and so on—broadens the scope of your imagination.

As in every year for the last several decades, April brings you a new edition of the anthology. For readers who have loved the previous books, you’ll find a dozen new stories that will excite, intrigue, delight, and perhaps horrify, but certainly, make you think—and isn’t that why you read science fiction and fantasy in the first place? If you have never picked up one of the anthologies, there’s no better time to start.

A Treasure Trove for Readers

The Writers of the Future Contest opens its doors to writers (in the English language) from all around the world. Every year, twelve brand new authors whose unique world-building, voices, and storytelling styles rise to the top of the many thousands of entries and are chosen for the latest volume. The fresh outlook in their fantasy and science fiction short stories helps shape the way speculative fiction will be viewed in years to come.

The anthology isn’t based around one theme, as is typical of other genre collections. The only parameters that this writing contest looks for are unique vision and excellent style. Therefore, you may have a first-contact story followed by a cat story that leads into an exploration of artificial intelligence, faraway planets, or alternate realities. Every author has the ability to tell their own story in their own way, providing the book with diverse voices and points of view.

The response from readers has been gratifying. They talk about the originality of the stories, the emotional impact, and often mention the lively energy of the storytelling. Readers use our anthologies as an escape from their everyday lives, and we want to make this a happy diversion for them. The reviews we receive have proven that we are fulfilling that aim.

As a bonus to the readers, three stories from honored professionals in the field are included in each book, including one from the founder of the Contest, L. Ron Hubbard. So, not only are you getting the best from twelve promising newcomers, but tales from legendary authors to enjoy as well.

A Springboard for Aspiring Writers

New writers have a hard time being noticed among the massive number of those who want a writing career. The Writers of the Future Contest is a gateway to gaining positive attention. To have won the Contest means that they were selected by judges who are among the best in the field of science fiction and fantasy writing. To have Larry Niven, Kevin J. Anderson, or Nancy Kress say that your story is worthy of winning is an important boost. Being able to put a quote by one of these distinguished judges on your next work will draw readers in.

Many of the winners of past years have gone on to become bestselling authors and full-time professionals. Others have earned numerous awards beyond the Writers of the Future, including the Hugo and Nebula awards. Notable among them are Dave Wolverton, Eric Flint, Nnedi Okorafor, Patrick Rothfuss, Sean Williams, and Aliette de Bodard, for whom the Contest was an important springboard. The opportunity is there for aspiring writers to take advantage.

Within the pages of each anthology, writers can find invaluable insights into what makes a story a winner. Articles by the masters of the genre, our judges, give you guidelines to the craft of writing. Study those articles and learn from them as much as you do the stories themselves. Those will guide you to bring out the best in your own writing. Study the “competition” and figure out how you can do better. Have confidence in your work. Each of the winners in every book was once where you are now. You can do what they have done. You can write a winning story.

A Canvas Is to an Artist What a Page Is to an Author

One of the best parts of winning the Writers of the Future Contest is to have your story illustrated. Few new writers see artwork paired with their story, but every writer winner is paired with a winner from the Illustrators of the Future Contest. Those talented newcomers will bring your story to life, creating that precious synergy between your words and visual art. Both Contests help launch careers.

Every writer and illustrator winner attends a weeklong celebration with the others of their year. My favorite part of the week is called The Big Reveal. In it, the illustrations are arrayed on easels in a room with the illustrators (and most of the judges) waiting. Then, the writers are allowed to enter. It takes only a split second before the writers pick out the piece of art that belongs to their story. Some writers shriek and jump up and down. Some gaze blissfully. Some cry. Some stand and stare at their illustration in quiet contemplation. It’s a beautiful moment when they see that, for the first time, someone has understood their story so well that they created a picture that goes perfectly with it. The writers and artists often form a friendship and a professional lasting bond.

Why You Should Start Your Collection Now

The anthology isn’t just a bunch of stories in a pretty binding. It’s a tradition that has spanned over four decades. It is part of a culture of success and support for new writers, and it helps readers find authors whose work they will love in future projects.

Don’t wait for the next volume to release in April. There are dozens of previous volumes available for you to read and enjoy. They are all gold mines of emerging talent.

The opportunity is here. If you love to find the next great voices before the rest of the world does, this is where you will find them.

If you dream of becoming a published author or illustrator, this book is proof that it’s possible. All the tools you need are at your fingertips.

The Last Word

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41 is now available for presale and releases in April in the US and Canada and in June in Australia, Africa, and the UK. Go to your favorite bookstore online or your local bookstore down the street to order the latest anthology or past volumes. Whether you are an aspiring writer or a devoted reader, you will find so much in this book to love. You will find it well worth your time.

As I said, each of these books is a library between two covers. It’s a future to be discovered, enjoyed, and cherished. Will you turn the page?