Submissions are open to published and self-published books. The submitting author must own or control the screen adaptation rights to the submitted work. Works must be submitted in English language only (original or version). Each submission must represent a complete literary work (fiction or nonfiction). Authors are only enrolled for 1 (one) cycle, but they may submit the same book again in a future cycle.

Each cycle accepts a maximum of 50 books. Submissions are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Each submission requires a one-time, USD $147 participation fee, which helps cover curation, moderation, and industry-facing materials. Payment does not guarantee selection as a finalist or winner.

All submitted books will be reviewed by the Malin Entertainment team with a focus on: - Cinematic potential - Series or feature adaptability - Market viability - Narrative structure and character strength At the conclusion of each cycle: - Three (3) finalist books (“Top 3”) will be selected. - From these finalists, one (1) winner will be chosen.

There are 4 (four) cycles in 2026: Spring / Summer / Fall / Winter. Each cycle is open for submissions for approximately two (2) months. After deadlines submissions will roll over to the following cycle. Finalists and winners will be announced according to the schedule outlined in the calendar below. Failure to accept the award or to respond to any contact attempt made by the Malin Entertainment team within seventy-two (72) hours will result in disqualification.

All three (3) finalists selected in each cycle will receive full access to the following benefits: Welcome to Hollywood Academy (W2H): Full access to the complete program, consisting of seven (7) online modules and twenty-one (21) instructional videos presented by Laura Malin, for a period of two (2) months (retail value: USD $1,997). Become part of our bestsellers list. Promotional Exposure: Feature placement across Malin Entertainment’s official social media channels, website, and press releases.

The winner of each cycle will receive the following: Welcome to Hollywood Academy (W2H): Full access to all program modules (retail value: USD $1,997). Private Strategy Sessions: Two (2) private strategy calls with Laura Malin and the Malin Entertainment team (retail value: USD $800). Newsletter Feature: Featured placement in one Malin Entertainment newsletter distributed to more than 3,000 international IP buyers across over 70 countries (retail value: priceless). IP Representation: Malin Entertainment will represent the winning intellectual property for a period of two (2) years. During this term, Malin Entertainment will actively seek opportunities to sell, option, or develop the IP for film and/or television (retail value: priceless).

Malin Entertainment will represent the winning IP for 2 (two) years after the win. If the IP is optioned or acquired during the representation term: Malin Entertainment will act as Executive Producer. Malin Entertainment will be entitled to 30% of the option price. Full commercial terms will be outlined in a separate representation agreement executed with the winner.

The winner must provide a minimum of five (5) physical copies of the book for promotional and industry purposes. The winner agrees to participate in interviews, provide testimonials, and create/participate in social media content to be published on Malin Entertainment’s official social media channels. The author warrants that all submitted materials are original and do not infringe upon third-party rights.

Malin Entertainment reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify timelines, benefits, eligibility requirements, or program structure, provided that reasonable prior notice is given. All decisions made by Malin Entertainment in connection with the contest, including but not limited to selection, eligibility, and interpretation of these regulations, are final and binding. All submission fees, if applicable, are non-refundable. Submission of an entry constitutes full and unconditional acceptance of these regulations.