The Center for Fiction

A prize of $15,000 is given annually for a debut novel by an American citizen published in the United States during the current year. Six finalists receive $1,000 each. Self-published works, books published exclusively in e-book editions, and novels previously published in other countries are not eligible. Publishers may submit 10 finished copies or bound galleys/edited manuscripts of a novel published, or scheduled to be published, in 2025 with a $100 entry fee by March 14. Small independent publishers may apply for a fee reduction. Visit the website for complete guidelines.