PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction
America's largest peer-juried literary award, honoring the best published works of fiction by American citizens.
About the PEN/Faulkner Award
The PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction is the largest peer-juried award for fiction in the United States. Established in 1980 by writers to honor their peers, it was named for William Faulkner, who used his Nobel Prize winnings to establish a fund to support new fiction writers.
The award is unique in that it is judged entirely by fiction writers, making it a true recognition from peers. The PEN/Faulkner Foundation also runs extensive literary programs, including bringing authors into schools and hosting public readings.
Award Structure
- Winner - Receives $15,000 cash prize
- Finalists - Four finalists each receive $5,000
- Ceremony - Award presented at a celebration in Washington, D.C.
- Readings - Winners and finalists participate in public readings
Eligibility Requirements
Books must be works of fiction (novels or short story collections) published in the United States during the calendar year. Authors must be American citizens. Publishers submit books for consideration, and the judging panel of three writers reviews all submissions.
Recent PEN/Faulkner Award Winners
| Year | Title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | The Bee Sting | Paul Lynch |
| 2023 | Trust | Hernan Diaz |
| 2022 | The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois | Honoree Fanonne Jeffers |
| 2021 | Interior Chinatown | Charles Yu |
| 2020 | Disappearing Earth | Julia Phillips |
| 2019 | The Mars Room | Rachel Kushner |
| 2018 | Sing, Unburied, Sing | Jesmyn Ward |
| 2017 | The Underground Railroad | Colson Whitehead |
| 2016 | The Turner House | Angela Flournoy |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the PEN/Faulkner Award unique?
It is the largest peer-juried fiction award in America, meaning only fiction writers serve as judges. This makes it a direct recognition from fellow practitioners of the craft, valued highly by authors.
Can short story collections win?
Yes, both novels and short story collections are eligible for the PEN/Faulkner Award. The award recognizes excellence in fiction regardless of form.
How are the judges selected?
The PEN/Faulkner Foundation selects three distinguished fiction writers to serve as judges each year. Judges read all submitted books and deliberate to choose the winner and finalists.
Must authors be American?
Yes, the award is open only to American citizens, though the author may reside anywhere in the world. The book must be published in the United States.