Nonfiction Book Awards
Comprehensive guide to awards for nonfiction writers. From history and science to memoir and current affairs, discover competitions for your nonfiction work.
About Nonfiction Book Awards
Nonfiction encompasses a vast range of subjects, and awards exist for nearly every category. The Pulitzer Prizes include categories for General Nonfiction, History, and Biography. The National Book Award honors nonfiction alongside fiction and poetry. Specialized awards exist for science writing, history, and more.
Major Nonfiction Awards
Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction
America's most prestigious award for distinguished nonfiction by an American author. Prize: $15,000
National Book Award for Nonfiction
One of America's most prestigious literary prizes with a dedicated nonfiction category. Prize: $10,000
Baillie Gifford Prize
UK's most prestigious nonfiction prize (formerly Samuel Johnson Prize). Prize: £50,000
Kirkus Prize for Nonfiction
One of the richest literary prizes in the world. Prize: $50,000
History & Biography Awards
Science & Nature Writing Awards
Nonfiction Awards FAQ
What's the most prestigious nonfiction award?
The Pulitzer Prize categories (General Nonfiction, History, Biography) and the National Book Award for Nonfiction are considered the most prestigious American nonfiction awards. The Baillie Gifford Prize is the UK equivalent.
Are memoir awards separate from nonfiction?
Memoirs are typically included in general nonfiction or biography categories. Some awards have specific memoir categories. See our Memoir Awards page.