First Book Awards
Awards and prizes for debut authors, first novels, and emerging writers across all genres.
About First Book Awards
First book awards play a crucial role in launching literary careers. These prizes recognize debut novels, first poetry collections, and initial nonfiction works, often providing cash prizes, publication opportunities, and crucial visibility for emerging writers.
First Novel Awards
Center for Fiction First Novel Prize
Major award for debut novels. Prize: $15,000
PEN/Hemingway Award
Distinguished first novel by an American author. Prize: $25,000
Desmond Elliott Prize
UK prize for debut novels. Prize: £10,000
Edgar Award for Best First Novel
MWA award for debut mystery novels.
William C. Morris Award
ALA award for debut YA novels.
First Poetry Collection Awards
Yale Series of Younger Poets
Oldest annual US literary award for first poetry books.
Walt Whitman Award
Academy of American Poets first book award. Prize: $5,000
Cave Canem Poetry Prize
First book award for African American poets.
National Poetry Series
Five poetry manuscripts selected for publication annually.