Debut Authors Program


Is your first novel debuting between Sunday, May 10, 2026 and Saturday, May 1, 2027? If so, you may be eligible for ITW’s 2026/2027 Debut Author’s Program, which celebrates our annual Debut class at ThrillerFest’s annual Debut Author Breakfast on Saturday morning of ThrillerFest week. We strongly suggest applying early so that you can fully participate in all the Debut Program has to offer.

International Thriller Writers (ITW) is the parent organization of ThrillerFest, and their Debut Author program helps writers who are launching their career to network, promote, and learn—for their first books and beyond.

Benefits during the ThrillerFest conference include:

  • Presentation at the Debut Author Breakfast, where writers appear on stage to introduce themselves and their new books
  • Networking events just for Debut Authors
  • Additional Media coverage opportunities

Please note: Debut Authors who think they might qualify for the 2026/2027 class at ThrillerFest 2027, must apply to the program (and be registered for ThrillerFest) by no later than March 15, 2027.

We thank our Debut Author Breakfast sponsors for their generous donation to support our 2026 Debut Author Breakfast:

Traci Abramson, David Baldacci, C.J. Box, Heather Graham, Mark Greaney, Dennis Lehane, Vicki Montet, Louise Penny, Deborah Goodrich Royce, and an Anonymous Donor.