PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction

PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction is a prestigious American literary prize presented annually to honor the best published works of fiction by American authors. Established in 1980, it was founded by members of the Folger Shakespeare Library board to create a national award that would emulate the peer-judged model of France's premier literary award, the Prix Goncourt. As the largest peer-juried fiction prize in the United States, it is administered by the PEN/Faulkner Foundation in Washington, D.C., and carries a significant monetary award.

History and establishment

The award was conceived in 1980 by a group including William H. Gass, R. H. W. Dillard, and R.H. Ives Goddard, who were trustees of the Folger Shakespeare Library. They sought to establish a major national fiction prize judged by writers themselves, directly inspired by the tradition of the Prix Goncourt. The award is named in honor of William Faulkner, who used his Nobel Prize in Literature funds to create an award for young writers, and PEN America, the literary and human rights organization. The first ceremony was held in 1981 at the Folger Shakespeare Library, with the inaugural award presented to Walter Abish for his novel How German Is It. The founding connected the award's mission to the cultural institutions of Washington, D.C., distinct from the New York-centric publishing world.

Selection process and criteria

Each year, three practicing fiction writers are appointed as judges, who consider hundreds of submissions from American publishers. The process is strictly confidential and conducted through blind readings to ensure impartiality. Eligible works must be full-length books of fiction by American citizens published in the calendar year. The judges select a winner and four finalists, all of whom are honored at a ceremony in the spring at the Folger Shakespeare Library. This peer-review model is central to the award's identity, setting it apart from other major prizes like the National Book Award or the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, which utilize panels of critics, editors, and academics.

Notable winners and works

The award has recognized a wide spectrum of American literary talent, from established masters to emerging voices. Early winners included Tobias Wolff for The Barracks Thief and Peter Taylor for A Summons to Memphis. Major authors like E.L. Doctorow (for Billy Bathgate), John Updike (for Rabbit at Rest), and Annie Proulx (for Postcards) have received the honor. In the 21st century, winners have included Sabina Murray, Deborah Eisenberg, Joan Silber, and James Hannaham. The award has also spotlighted significant works such as The Known World by Edward P. Jones, The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard, and The Throwback Special by Chris Bachelder.

Significance and impact

The PEN/Faulkner Award is regarded as one of the most distinguished literary honors in the United States, often cited alongside the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Its peer-judged nature confers a unique prestige among writers. Winning or being named a finalist typically results in increased critical attention, stronger sales, and greater academic interest for the authors' works. The award has played a crucial role in amplifying diverse voices within American fiction, having honored writers from varied backgrounds including Ha Jin, Yiyun Li, and Julie Otsuka. Its ceremony and associated public readings form a key part of the literary calendar in Washington, D.C..

Administration and funding

The award is administered by the PEN/Faulkner Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.. The foundation oversees the award process, the annual ceremony, and a robust series of literary outreach programs, including the Writers in Schools program. Funding is derived from a combination of private donations, grants from cultural institutions, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events. Key support has historically come from entities like the Folger Shakespeare Library, which hosts the award ceremony, and partnerships with organizations such as PEN America. The monetary award for the winner is substantial, and all four finalists also receive a significant honorarium.

Category:American literary awards Category:PEN America Category:Literary awards established in 1981