Literary Awards

Since 1963, the PEN America Literary Awards have honored many of the most outstanding voices in literature across diverse genres, including fiction, poetry, science writing, essays, sports writing, biography, children’s literature, and drama. With the help of our partners, PEN America confers over 20 distinct awards, fellowships, grants and prizes each year, awarding nearly $350,000 to writers and translators. 

To stay up to date on Literary Awards news, sign up here.

2019 PEN AMERICA LITERARY AWARDS

Click here to view a full list of our current awards. Book submissions will be accepted from June 1, 2018 through August 15, 2018. Please check individual awards for eligibility and application requirements.

We also accept nominations from Professional Members for many of our most prestigious career awards. If you are a current Professional Member in good standing, please take a moment to nominate deserving poets, playwrights, editors, and more.

Together with our esteemed judges, we look forward to another vibrant awards season.

 

View a full list of our awards, grants, and fellowships, both past and present.  

Search the PEN Literary Awards archives. 

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Find links to work by and interviews with featured honorees. 

News

The 2018 PEN America Literary Awards Winners

PEN America is thrilled to announce the 2018 PEN America Literary Awards winners. Our awards are juried by panels of esteemed, award-winning writers, editors, booksellers, and critics. Learn more… More

The 2018 PEN America Literary Awards Finalists

PEN America is thrilled to announce the 2018 PEN America Literary Awards finalists. Our awards are juried by panels of esteemed, award-winning writers, editors, booksellers, and critics. Learn more… More