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National Society of Arts and Letters Literature Award


Name: National Society of Arts and Letters (NSAL) Literature Award

Award Amount: $5,000

Information And Eligibility:
The National Society of Arts and Letters (NSAL) Literature Award is a prestigious national competition designed to recognize and support emerging writers who demonstrate exceptional promise in the literary arts. This award is intended for young writers working in the genres of fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry who are committed to developing their craft and pursuing long-term careers in writing, publishing, academia, or related creative fields.

The NSAL Literature Award places a strong emphasis on artistic excellence, originality, and voice. It is specifically designed to support writers at an early stage in their careers, helping them gain national recognition while providing financial support that can be used for educational expenses, creative development, writing workshops, or time dedicated to producing new work. Many past recipients have gone on to publish books, earn advanced degrees, and receive additional national literary honors.

Applicants are evaluated by experienced judges with backgrounds in literature, publishing, and higher education. Submissions are reviewed carefully for technical skill, thematic depth, originality, and overall literary merit. The competition encourages bold, thoughtful writing that demonstrates both creative vision and mastery of language.

This award is an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates who have been actively engaged in creative writing through coursework, workshops, independent projects, or literary publications. While formal publication is not required, applicants should submit polished, well-developed work that reflects a serious commitment to the literary arts.

The NSAL Literature Award also serves as a valuable résumé credential for students applying to graduate writing programs, literary fellowships, residencies, or teaching positions. Receiving national recognition from a long-standing arts organization can significantly strengthen an applicant’s academic and professional profile.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must be between the ages of 18 and 29 at the time of application.
  • Must be working in fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry.
  • Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic or artistic background in writing or literature.
  • All submitted work must be original and unpublished.

Application Requirements:

  • Complete the official application form provided by the National Society of Arts and Letters.
  • Submit a writing portfolio consisting of 20–40 pages of original work in a single genre.
  • Provide proof of age and U.S. citizenship.
  • Submit one letter of recommendation from a professor, mentor, or literary advisor familiar with your work.

Additional Details:

  • Applicants should submit their strongest and most cohesive body of work rather than multiple genres.
  • Writing samples should be carefully edited and formatted according to submission guidelines.
  • Selection is based on literary quality, originality, and overall artistic promise.
  • The award may be used for educational, creative, or professional development purposes.

Deadline: March

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Request to Update or Remove This Scholarship. The CollegeWhale ID number for this Scholarship is #15021. This Scholarship was added in December 2024 and last reviewed by a member of our staff on December, 2025.

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This Scholarship is tagged with the following criteria: College Freshman / College Junior / College Senior / College Sophomore / English / Graduate Level / High School / Literature / March

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