MacKenzie Scott's Return to Fiction
Billionaire philanthropist and acclaimed author MacKenzie Scott has announced her return to the literary world with a new novel, "Last Days in Two Nations (A History in Eighteen Minds)." Breaking from traditional publishing models, Scott will release her third novel for free on the Substack platform, serialized throughout August 2026.
The project was unveiled on Saturday, August 8, 2026, when Scott shared the book's title page, table of contents, character list, and epigraphs. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the novel is expected to span approximately 80,000 words, delivered in installments over the month.
A New Chapter in Publishing
This decision marks a notable departure from the conventional publishing route Scott followed for her previous works. By offering "Last Days in Two Nations" directly to readers for free online, she embraces a more accessible and direct distribution method, echoing the philosophy behind her large-scale philanthropic giving.
Earlier Literary Works
Scott's literary career began with the critically acclaimed novel "The Testing of Luther Albright," published in 2005. The book, which won the American Book Award in 2006, explores the unraveling life of a civil engineer amidst marital and professional tensions. Scott notably studied creative writing under Nobel laureate Toni Morrison at Princeton University.
Eight years later, in 2013, she released her second novel, "Traps." This suspenseful, neo-noir narrative follows four women—a reclusive movie star, a bodyguard, a protective teenager, and a recovering alcoholic—whose lives intertwine unexpectedly. The novel delves into themes of vulnerability, survival, and complex relationships.
Beyond the Literary World: Philanthropy
In recent years, MacKenzie Scott has become globally recognized for her transformative philanthropic efforts. Following her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Forbes estimates she has donated over $26 billion to thousands of organizations, often through direct, unrestricted grants. Her choice to release her new novel freely on Substack aligns with this pattern of direct action and broad accessibility, marking a significant moment for both her literary and philanthropic legacies.