The Martha's Vineyard Institute of Creative Writing's Summer Writers' Conference offers a deep dive into fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction with award-winning poets and authors. The conference includes generative seminars, evening readings, panel discussions, and individualized manuscript sessions. 
MVICW is committed to supporting writers from all backgrounds, abilities, and genres. Our Fellowships are aimed to support BIPOC writers, LGBTQIA+ writers, parent-writers, teachers & educators, caregivers, and emerging poets and authors. Full fellowships include registration, lodging, and a manuscript session at the MVICW 2026 Summer Writers' Conference.

IBPA Publishing University, the premier learning and networking event for indie publishers, will take place in Portland, OR, from May 14-16, 2026. In addition to three keynote speakers, there will be 15 breakout tracks dedicated to Established Publishers, Newer Publishers (including Author-Publishers) and Industry Hot Topics, all led by fellow publishers and publishing experts. Make sure to register by January 31, 2026 to get the lowest rate (and save up to $186).  https://www.publishinguniversity.org/

​NMBA members Mari Angulo and Lisa Madison of Mango Moon Media have published a timely blog post warning authors about the rise of AI-generated scams circulating in the publishing world. Their new article breaks down how these scams work, why authors are being targeted, and the red flags every writer should watch for. It’s an important read for anyone navigating book marketing, reviews, and online outreach. Read the full post on their blog to learn how to protect your work and stay informed.

New or old, we want to read your book. … Each year, independent publishers release extraordinary books to little or no recognition. The Eric Hoffer Book Award recognizes excellence in publishing. A SINGLE REGISTRATION provides SEVEN WAYS TO WIN - by genre, press, the Montaigne Medal, the da Vince Eye, the First Horizon Award, the Medal Provocateur (for poetry), and the Hoffer grand prize. There is a category for every book. (See submission guidelines below, check our listing in Writer’s Market, or visit www.HofferAward.com.) E-books and chapbooks also accepted.

          * $5,000 GRAND PRIZE * 
          * Low Entrance Fee: $60 early registration by December 10 *
          * Final Registration January 21 *
          * Many Categories (see below) *
          * E-BOOK categories for fiction and nonfiction digital submissions *
          * LEGACY categories for books older than 2 years *
          * CHAPBOOK category at a reduced rate: $45 *
          * New  MEDAL PROVOCATEUR for the best on the frontier of poetry * 

AWARDS/BENEFITS:
* $5,000 GRAND PRIZE (the Eric Hoffer Award for Books)
* Winner of the Montaigne Medal for most thought-provoking books
* Winner of the da Vinci Eye for best covers
* Winner of the First Horizon Award for debut authors
* Winner of the Medal Provocateur for experimental poetry
* Winner and First Runner-Up awarded for every category 
* Honorable Mentions for every category
* Individual Awards for Micro, Small, and Academic Presses, as well as Self-Published Books
* Coverage in The US Review of Books (www.theUSreview.com) and on www.HofferAward.com
* Gold Seal Certificates
* Worldwide Exposure

Our categories cover the entire spectrum of publishing: Art, Poetry, Chapbook, General Fiction, Commercial Fiction, Children, Middle Reader, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Mystery/Crime, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Short Story/Anthology, Spiritual Fiction, Culture, Memoir, Business, Reference, Home, Health, Self-Help, Spiritual Nonfiction, Legacy Fiction, Legacy Nonfiction, E-book Fiction, and E-book Nonfiction. 

While Eric Hoffer wrote along one particular subject matter during his lifetime, most people are not aware that he read virtually every book in the library, both fiction and nonfiction. Hoffer's sensibilities are not a factor in our judging process. Good writing within its category gains the highest merit.

​New Mexico and Navajo writers seeking financial support and recognition for their work may apply for the annual grants offered by New Mexico Writers (NMW). The grants provide funding for new writing as well as works in progress.


Applications are accepted in the following genres: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, journalism, playwriting, and screenwriting. Grants are typically between $500 and $2,000 and are intended to support a variety of writer’s needs, including attendance at a writing-related workshop, conference, or mentorship program; research-related travel costs; time away from work to focus on a writing project; and more.


There are three grant categories:

• New Mexico Writers Annual Grant: The NMW signature grant supports writing, research, publishing, and other activities pertaining to the creation of new works or works in progress.
• Douglas Preston Travel Grant: This annual $1,000 grant, funded by best-selling author and Santa Fe resident Douglas Preston, specifically supports an author’s travel needs in the service of a writing project.
• Preston Young Writers Grant: Supported by author Douglas Preston and his wife Christine, this grant of varying amounts is intended to assist an aspiring young writer between the ages of 18 and 25 obtain professional experience, networking, and training. 

Since the program’s inception in 2019, New Mexico Writers has awarded more than $70,000 to 63 writers of all ages, and at all stages of their writing endeavors, from across New Mexico and the greater Navajo Nation. To learn about our past grantees and their unique projects, visit the NMW website here.


Applications are due via email submission no later than Friday, March 6, 2026. 


Grants will be awarded at the 2026 NMW annual dinner, where grantees will be honored as special guests on April 30, 2026, at La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe.

With a heavy heart, our community learned that NMBA board member, Dan Fallon passed away
on October 4 , 2025. Dan brought a wealth of intellect, humor, and passion to the New Mexico
Book Association. His interests and curiosity about the world knew no bounds.

Born in Cartagena, Colombia, before emigrating to the United States at a young age, Dan was deeply
interested in his family history spending years researching and reconstructing his family tree.
Dan’s inquisitiveness led him to write the book, Love’s Legacy: Viscount Chateaubriand and Irish Girl,
after inheriting a treasure trove of letters written by a renowned historical figure addressed to
one of his great great grandparents.
​
Dan was an active and committed board member as chair of the workshop committee and an
eager participant at the NMBA’s monthly meetups at Tiny’s Restaurant in Santa Fe, among other
activities. Dan will be missed by all the NMBA board and the Santa Fe writing community.

Dear Book Lovers:
A Day with Santa Fe Authors: Fact and Fiction is the second annual fundraiser that connects booklovers with outstanding women authors and supports Reading Quest, a local nonprofit that helps at-risk children improve their literacy skills and develop a love of reading. New Mexico has the lowest reading proficiency of any state, and the most recent national assessment reveals that only 20% of our public school students read at grade level. It is disheartening to realize that our children’s reading skills are neither strong enough for them to succeed in school nor useful enough for them to navigate the world around them. They are both locked out and locked in. Please join us to help change our children’s lives.
​
Registration is now open for A Day with Santa Fe Authors: Fact and Fiction

When: Saturday, November 1, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

What:  Meet six women authors whose experiences and imaginations will inspire you. 

Why: Your attendance and donations will support Reading Quest.

Where: The Santa Fe Women's Club, 1616 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe

Who: Fact authors: Katie Arnold, Jamie Figueroa, Bettye Kearse.

          Fiction authors: J.C. Cervantes, Jenn Givhan, Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez