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The PEN America Literary Awards


Name: The PEN America Literary Awards

Award Amount: Varies

Information and Eligibility:
The PEN America Literary Awards are among the most prestigious literary honors in the United States, celebrating exceptional works across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translation, drama and more. These awards are designed to recognize outstanding literary achievement, uplift important voices and support writers at all stages of their careers. PEN America offers a wide range of prizes, with award amounts varying by category. Several awards include substantial cash prizes, often ranging from $2,500 to $75,000 depending on the specific award.

Writers recognized by PEN America often go on to receive national and international acclaim, making these awards a highly respected credential in the literary world. Categories span debut fiction, literary science writing, translation excellence, emerging writers, poetry collections, research-based nonfiction and works that advance social justice or deepen cultural understanding.

Eligibility requirements vary by award but often include:

  • Genre: Open to authors in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translation, drama and related categories.
  • Publication Status: Many awards require works to be published by a qualifying press; others honor unpublished manuscripts or emerging writers.
  • Author Background: Some awards focus on early-career writers, translators or underrepresented voices.
  • Residency: Certain categories require U.S. citizenship or residency, while others are open internationally.

Application Requirements:

  • Submission of published book, manuscript or writing sample as required by the category.
  • Completed online entry form for the appropriate award.
  • Entry fee for some awards (fee waivers may be available for eligible applicants).

Selection Criteria:

  • Artistic excellence and quality of writing.
  • Originality, impact and literary significance of the work.
  • Contribution to cultural understanding, artistic innovation or public discourse.
  • Strength of voice, craft and narrative power.

Additional Details:

  • PEN America administers more than 20 literary awards annually.
  • Categories include debut authors, mid-career writers, translators and established literary figures.
  • The awards ceremony is one of the most prominent annual events in the literary community.

Deadline:

  • October

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This Scholarship is tagged with the following criteria: English / Literature / October

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