Next Chapter 2026
Join LA County Library and the City of West Hollywood for the Next Chapter Writers’ Summit & Book Fair, a free daylong celebration of books, storytelling, and belonging. Whether you’re a devoted reader, aspiring writer, or an industry professional, the Next Chapter Writers’ Summit & Book Fair brings together narratives from across Los Angeles County and beyond for an inspiring day of author talks, panel discussions, consultations, and community connection.
Celebrating the Art of the Story
This year’s theme centers on celebrating the art of the story by honoring the timeless power of storytelling to connect people, preserve culture, inspire imagination, and create lasting change. Every story has the ability to open minds, spark meaningful conversations, and help us better understand ourselves and one another. This year’s theme recognizes storytelling as both an art form and a powerful force that shapes communities, challenges perspectives, and builds empathy across generations.
For avid readers, stories offer opportunities to discover new worlds, explore different experiences, and connect with voices that leave a lasting impact. For aspiring writers, every story represents the courage to create, share their truth, and to contribute something meaningful to the literary ecosystem. Whether written through fiction, memoir, poetry, or children’s literature, stories remind us that every voice has value and every experience deserves the opportunity to be heard.
The Next Chapter Writers Summit & Book Fair is committed to uplifting the freedom to read, championing creative expression, and amplifying stories from underrepresented communities. By celebrating authors whose perspectives have too often been overlooked, we create space for richer conversations, broader representation, and a literary future where every reader belongs and can find themselves reflected in the pages of a book.
Join us in celebrating the artists behind the stories, the readers who keep them alive, and the enduring power of books to educate, inspire, and transform lives. Together, we celebrate the art of the story and the voices that shape our next chapter.
Where & When
Saturday, November 14, 2026
From 10 am to 6:00 pm
at West Hollywood Library, West Hollywood Aquatic Center and West Hollywood Park.
What to Expect
- Headliner Author Talks, Book Signings, and a Celebration
- Thought-Provoking Panel Discussions with Best-Selling Authors and Established Literary Professionals
- Sign-Up to Meet with Literary Agents and Editors
- Book Fair and Resources from Local Partners and Vendors
- Engaging Activations and Entertainment!
Have A Question?
Event Highlights
Take Your Writing to the Next Level
Do you have a completed manuscript but you’re not sure where to go next? Struggling with your query letter? Sign up for a 1:1 meeting with a literary agent or a small group session with an editor! Registration Will Open Wednesday, October 7 at 10 am.
Please note: Our guests are here to answer your questions and provide general professional guidance. They will not be accepting pitches or providing personalized editorial notes at this time. An LA County Library Card is required to register for a 1:1 or a roundtable. If you don’t have one, sign up for a digital library card.
In order to make this program accessible for as many authors as possible, please only register for one 1:1 or roundtable discussion.
Literary Agent 1:1s
Courtney Gatewood, The Genert Company
Courtney Gatewood is the foreign rights agent with the Genert Company, which means she negotiates and sells rights to foreign publishers on behalf of authors. However, with 20 years of experience in publishing, Courtney is a great person to ask about general publishing and representation questions.
Bonnie Nadell, Hill Nadell Literary Agency
Bonnie Nadell is the President of the Hill Nadell Agency, where she represents writers of both fiction and narrative nonfiction. Bonnie is a great person to talk to about literary and adult fiction and nonfiction.
Dana Newman, Dana Newman Literary Inc
Dana Newman is the founder of Dana Newman Literary, where she represents adult fiction and nonfiction authors. Dana is a great person to talk to about literary and adult fiction and nonfiction.
Eddie Gamarra, Gamarra Media
Eddie Gamarra runs Gamarra Media, selling stories and building franchises across publishing and entertainment. Prior, he was VP Literary Affairs for Paramount’s Nickelodeon & Awesomeness brands. Eddie is a great person to talk to about screen writing, adaptations, and media projects.
Michaela Whatnall, Dystel, Goderich, & Bourret
Michaela Whatnall is an agent representing middle grade and young adult projects of all genres, upmarket adult fiction, and grounded fantasy. Michaela is a great person to talk to about adult fiction (including romance), narrative nonfiction, graphic novels, and picture books.
Anne Tibbets, Donald Maas Literary Agency
Anne Tibbets is an agent representing adult genre fiction, primarily thrillers, mystery, science fiction, and fantasy horror. She’s a great person to talk to about genre fiction.
Jamie Weiss Chilton, Andrea Brown Literary
Jamie Weiss Chilton is an agent representing children’s, middle grade, and YA fiction, with genre interests in thriller, science fiction, and speculative fiction. She’s a great person to talk to about books that feature intense emotions, as well as books that make great educational resources for parents and teachers.
Joy Fowlkes, The Gernert Company
Joy Fowlkes is an agent representing podcast creators, journalists, and authors. She is a great person to talk to if you’re an entrepreneurial writer who is building a following outside of traditional publishing, or if you’re a romance author rewriting the rules of the genre.
Kiana Nguyen, Donald Maas Literary Agency
Kiana Nguyen is an agent representing YA fiction, Adult romance, and domestic suspense thrillers. She’s a great person to talk to about dark and twisty stories, happy and hopeful queer romance, and thrillers.
Nephele Tempest, The Knight Agency
Nephele Tempest is an agent representing historical fiction, women’s contemporary fiction, contemporary and paranormal single-title romance, and adult fantasy. She’s interested in diverse cultural influences, #ownvoices projects, and stories that make her think.
Editor Roundtables
Kait Feldmann, KT Literary
Kait is an agent representing picture book illustrators, but spent several years as an editor. Kait is a great person to ask about illustration, picture books, and other works for young people.
Eden Railsback, Tor/Macmillan
Eden Railsback is an editor who works on character-driven and high-concept adult fiction and diverse nonfiction. Eden is a great person to ask about genre fiction, memoir, and adult fiction.
Erin Young
Erin is a former agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret who now works as a freelance editor. Her portfolio includes work in epic fantasy, middle grade fiction, romance, thrillers, and YA fantasy.
See Photos from Next Chapter 2025
From Pitch to Print: Insider Tips from Publishing Professionals
Make a Lasting Impact
Support the Next Chapter Writers’ Summit and similar programs by making a charitable gift to LA County Library Foundation.
Special Thanks to Our Supporters
