Books-A-Million Celebrates Associate Creativity and Announces Winners of Fourth Annual Round Up For Writers Contest; Customers Help Raise More Than $200,000 for Poets & Writers

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Books‑A‑Million™, the second‑largest bookstore retailer in the United States, is proud to announce the five winners of its fourth-annual Round Up For Writers contest, celebrating the creativity and talent of its store associates across the country.

This year's contest showcased an outpouring of original writing and artwork from Books-A-Million associates. The four written and one art contest winners exemplify the passion for storytelling and creativity that lives within the company's store teams. As part of their recognition, winners attended a gala hosted by the nation's largest nonprofit literary organization, Poets & Writers, in New York City.

"We are incredibly proud of the talent our associates have shared," said Olivia McDaniel, Vice President of Marketing at Books-A-Million. "It takes courage to put creative work into the world, and we are honored to celebrate our winners while also supporting the important mission of Poets & Writers. Thanks to our customers, this year's Round Up For Writers campaign made an even greater impact."

Books-A-Million customers played a vital role in the success of the Round Up For Writers campaign. The more than $200,000 raised will help Poets & Writers continue its mission to support writers at every stage of their careers—providing access to publishing resources, professional development, and a vibrant literary community.

Celebrating the 2026 Winners

Read excerpts from their inspiring submissions below:

Tegan Emery — "The Shadows of the Storm" — Goldsboro, NC
"Kazimir was neither a thief nor a murderer, and he kept to himself except to visit the Market, so he was left alone for the most part. He hated visiting the Market, preferring to maintain his relative anonymity and solitude, but there was no other way to get coffee, and he'd be damned if he was going to give up coffee."

Julie Dueis — "Four Words" — Beaufort, SC
"Available at Humane Society.
Those four simple words changed two lives.
Mine was infinitely better.
Hopefully, hers was too."

Jake Pruett — "More Than Muscle: The Weight of Words" — Katy, TX
"The power of words in my life isn't abstract. It's practical. It's lived. It shows up in radios crackling over scene noise, in quiet conversations after hard calls, and in the internal reminders that keep me grounded. Words don't just describe the work I do—they help define the kind of firefighter, teammate, and person I strive to be."

Skylar Betterley — "You Will Not Break Me" — Jacksonville Beach, FL
"You will not break me… Even if he didn't truly believe it. Even if he knew it was pointless, he screamed it to the world. To anyone that would listen. You will not break me. They will not break me."

Tiffany Walerych — Art Contest Winner (Second Consecutive Year) — Ft. Myers, FL
This year's art contest winner, Tiffany Walerych, once again impressed judges with her creativity and unique artistic voice, earning top honors for the second year in a row.

About Books-A-Million

Books-A-Million is the second-largest bookstore retailer in the United States, with more than 220 stores located primarily across the East Coast, South, and Midwest. Founded in 1917 as a small newsstand in Florence, Alabama, the company has grown into a leading bookseller offering a wide range of books, magazines, toys, and gifts. In addition to its brick-and-mortar locations, Books-A-Million operates a robust online storefront and a popular membership-based loyalty program, the Millionaire's Club, which provides members with exclusive discounts and special offers. Books-A-Million places a strong emphasis on personalized customer service, numerous author events, and a diverse selection of genres and merchandise—catering to a broad spectrum of customers.

Media Contact:
Olivia McDaniel
[email protected]

SOURCE Books-A-Million, Inc.