Finding America's next great author is the goal of a new reality show

on Jul 20, 2022

There isn't a lot of crossover between writers and reality TV, except all the reality stars who later published novels. However, that is about to alter.

America's Next Great Author is a forthcoming programme that seeks to identify exactly what its name implies: America's next great author. A statewide tour of locations will precede the premiere of the programme, during which potential participants will each have a minute or less to pitch their book idea to a panel of judges. A month-long writer's retreat with "live-wire challenges and magnificent storytelling" will thereafter be attended by six people, according to the website.

At the beginning of the retreat, they will just have an idea for their book; at the conclusion, they must have finished writing it. That's kind of the goal if it seems like a high-stakes, high-pressure situation. The curriculum is "geared for anyone who enjoys drama on and off the page," according to the website.

However, you are not required to have an MFA or a prior book deal in order to put your name in the running. Producers might really prefer that you didn't. According to the website, "America's Next Great Author is committed to including writers who aren't typically granted a seat at the table in mainstream publishing."

The series will be hosted by best-selling author Kwame Alexander, who took home the 2015 Newbery Medal for his middle-grade book The Crossover. Additionally, it has a distinguished panel of judges, including dramatist Marga Gomez, Jason Reynolds, and Angie Goff, a broadcast journalist.