novel

A prize of $5,000 is given annually for a novel published in the previous year that is set in a period when the United States was at war. Publishers or authors may submit seven copies of a book published in 2020 by December 1. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.

Four prizes of $500 each are given annually for a poetry collection, a first novel, a book of fiction, and a book of nonfiction (including creative nonfiction) by African American writers published in the United States in the previous year. The awards honor books that depict the “cultural, historical, and sociopolitical aspects of the Black Diaspora.” Publishers may nominate books published in 2020 by December 31. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines and a list of jurors to whom books should be sent.

A prize of $5,000 is given annually for an unpublished novel. Submit a manuscript of any length with a $30 entry fee by September 30. Visit the website for complete guidelines. 


A prize of $2,000 and publication in Miracle Monocle is given annually for a work of fiction written in the fabulist experimental style of Italo Calvino. The winner will also receive airfare and lodging to read at the University of Louisville. Joyce Carol Oates will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a short story or an excerpt from a story collection, novel, or novella of up to 25 pages with a $25 entry fee by October 15. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $15,000 and publication by Fiction Collective Two, an imprint of University of Alabama Press, is given annually for a novel, short story collection, novella, or novella collection. U.S. writers who have published at least three books of fiction are eligible. Joyelle McSweeney will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript of any length, a brief bio, and a list of three previously published books of fiction with a $25 entry fee by November 1. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Five prizes of $1,000 each and publication by University of Massachusetts Press are given annually for a first poetry collection, a poetry collection, a short story collection, a novella or novel, and a book of creative nonfiction. The creative writing faculty at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst will judge. Submit a poetry manuscript of 50 to 70 pages or a story collection, novel, novella, memoir, book of narrative nonfiction, biography, or essay collection of 150 to 300 pages with a $30 entry fee by September 30. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $1,500 and publication by Fiction Collective Two is given annually for a novel, short story collection, novella, or novella collection. U.S. writers who have not previously published a book with Fiction Collective Two are eligible. Vi Khi Nao will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript of any length with a brief bio and a $25 entry fee by November 1. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $1,000 and publication by Journal of Experimental Fiction and JEF Books is given annually for an innovative novel. Submit a manuscript of any length with a $25 entry fee by August 31. Visit the website for complete guidelines.