Writers of the Future, The First 25 Years

L. RON HUBBARD PRESENTS WRITERS OF THE FUTURE: The First 25 Years, Kevin J. Anderson – executive editor, Galaxy Press, $44.95, 270 pages, ISBN: 9781592128488, reviewed by Barry Hunter.

In the 25 years that the Writers of the Future contest has been in existence, there have been many wonderful writers who have gone on to reach the bestseller lists. By their count there have been over 700 novels and 3,000 short stories published by the contest winners. That’s quite an accomplishment for a simple writing contest. There’s no telling how many writers who have entered the contest and have had success as well.

This volume is overflowing with photos showing the workshops, award ceremonies, and special guests who have helped the contestants move from unknown to becoming a published author. Some of them have gone on to win awards such as the Hugo, the Nebula, the Stoker, and the National Book Award as well as others.

Each published volume is represented by the cover, a list of winners, and remembrances by some of the winners and other finalists. Robert Silverberg presents a retrospective of the contest, K.D. Wentworth takes a look back at growing from contestant to judge, and there is a look at some of the writers who have been judges over the years.

This is a treasure trove of information that has been 25 years in the making and shows an idea can grow from origin to fruition and change the lives, not only those of the winners, but the publishing industry and the millions of readers who have been entertained with the fruits of their labors.

Thanks to Kevin Anderson, Galaxy Press, and the Writers of the Future for an extremely interesting and well done volume. Put this on your Christmas wish list or, if you can’t wait, pick it up now. It should be on the Hugo list next year for "Best Related Work".