Writers of the Future Volume 42 audiobook tops Amazon new release chart

By AI, Created 11:17 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The audiobook edition of L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42 is now available on major platforms and quickly reached No. 1 on Amazon’s New Releases in Science Fiction Anthologies list. The release pairs 12 contest-winning stories with a 9-voice ensemble and adds fresh momentum to the long-running speculative fiction franchise.

Why it matters: - The Volume 42 audiobook gives the annual Writers of the Future anthology a bigger audio audience. - The release adds another format for new readers, longtime fans and aspiring writers following the contest. - The audiobook’s immediate rise on Amazon signals early demand in science fiction anthologies.

What happened: - Galaxy Press released the audiobook edition of L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42 on April 30, 2026. - The audiobook is available on major audiobook platforms. - Galaxy Press President John Goodwin said the audiobook immediately topped Amazon’s New Releases in Science Fiction Anthologies bestseller list. - The audiobook was voiced and produced by two-time Grammy Award winner Stefan Rudnicki. - The cast includes Orson Scott Card, Gabrielle De Cuir, Janina Edwards, Susan Hanfield, Kirby Heyborne, John Lee, Jim Meskimen and Scott Peterson. - Mark Isham composed the music.

The details: - Volume 42 includes the 12 winners of the 42nd annual Writers of the Future anthology. - The audiobook also includes additional stories by L. Ron Hubbard, Orson Scott Card and Nina Kiriki Hoffman. - The production uses an ensemble of nine voice actors. - Skyboat Media produced the audiobook. - Phaseshift handled editing, mixing and mastering. - The narrators are assigned by story, including Rudnicki on “Artistic Presentation,” “Shell Game,” “Skinny-Shins,” “The Creator’s Journey,” “In Living Color” and “A Girl and Her Dragon: A Life in Four Parts.” - Orson Scott Card reads his bio and introduction. - Gabrielle De Cuir narrates Jody Lynn Nye and Echo Chernik’s introductions and “Bloom Decay.” - Janina Edwards narrates “Thickly.” - Susan Hanfield narrates “Canary” and “A Girl and Her Dragon: A Life in Four Parts.” - Kirby Heyborne narrates “Saffron and Marigolds,” “Dragon Visits” and “As Long as You Both Shall Live.” - John Lee narrates “The Triceratops Effect.” - Jim Meskimen narrates “Form 14B—Application for Certification of Consciousness Transfer (Post-Mortem),” “Space Can,” “Collaboration” and “Ghost Dog.” - Scott Peterson narrates “A Ready-Made Bubble of Light.” - Rudnicki said the anthology stands out for stories from multiple cultures and a range of genres, styles and subjects. - Rudnicki said the stories explore perception, identity, justice and humanity, and several include dragons.

Between the lines: - The early Amazon ranking gives Galaxy Press a marketing lift at launch and may help the audiobook stand out in a crowded anthology category. - The multiple narrators and composer suggest a high-production approach designed to make each short story feel distinct. - The contest’s long history and volume count remain part of the brand’s appeal for readers and writers.

What’s next: - Readers can order the audiobook through Galaxy Press at the new-release page. - Galaxy Press continues to position the contest and anthology as entry points for speculative fiction writers and illustrators. - The company also points to the broader Writers and Illustrators of the Future program, which has now produced 42 anthology volumes.

The bottom line: - Volume 42 arrives with star-powered narration, a strong launch ranking and a clear push to keep the franchise visible across print and audio.