World Literary Awards

Literary Awards

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580 literary awards

South African Literary Awards (SALA)

Established
2005
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
wRite associates (SALA) in partnership with the South African Department of Arts and Culture (DAC)
Selection Method
Open call
Category
Children's Literature, Fairy Tales, and Picture Books
Target
Newcomer
Announcement Period
around November
Children's literatureYouth LiteratureLiterary JournalismNovelPoetryCreative Non-FictionFirst-Time Published Author (Debut)Literary TranslatorsK. Sello Duiker Memorial Award (for novelists under 40)Nadine Gordimer Short Story AwardPoet Laureate PrizesLifetime Achievement AwardPosthumous Literary AwardChairperson's Literary Award

A literary award presented annually since 2005 to South African writers. Recognizes literary excellence across multiple categories.

Prize: Prize money is awarded to winners in each category (e.g., R30,000 per award as of 2021). National Poet Laureate receives R100,000.

Sunday Times CNA Literary Awards

Established
1989
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
The Sunday Times (South Africa)
Selection Method
Open call
Category
Nonfiction and Documentary Literature
Target
Open
Announcement Period
around June
FictionNonfictionLiterary awardSouth Africa

South Africa's annual literary award. There are fiction and non-fiction categories, with prize money awarded to winners in each category.

Prize: R100,000 prize money to the winner in each category

Thomas Pringle Award

Established
1962
Frequency
annual
Organizer
English Academy of South Africa
Selection Method
Selection
Category
Poetry and Contemporary Poetry
Target
Professional
Book/Play/Film/TV reviewLiterary article or substantial book reviewArticle on English educationShort story or one-act playPoetry

An annual literary award by the English Academy of South Africa for works published in newspapers, periodicals, and journals.

Prize: Awarded by the English Academy of South Africa; monetary prize not specified in source.

University of Johannesburg Prize

Established
2006
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
University of Johannesburg
Selection Method
Open call
Category
Research, Translation, and Scholarship
Target
Open
Announcement Period
around September–October
EnglishAfrikaansZulu (isiZulu)Northern Sotho (Sesotho sa Leboa)Literary Translation

Annual University of Johannesburg Prize (UJ Prize) for South African writing across multiple language categories including English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Northern Sotho and Literary Translation.

Prize: Main prize: R70 000 to the main winner in each language category. Debut prize: R35 000 for a debut work. Literary Translation main prize: R50 000. A youth translation prize is also awarded.

W.A. Hofmeyr Prize

Established
1954
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Media24 (presented by Media24, part of Naspers)
Selection Method
Open call
Category
Poetry and Contemporary Poetry
Target
Open
Announcement Period
around June
Afrikaans literatureFictionPoetryDramaSouth African literary awards

Annual South African prize for Afrikaans literature (drama, poetry, prose) presented by Media24; established in 1954.

Prize: Monetary prize (as of 2020: R35,000)

Dong-in Literary Award

Established
1955
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Chosun Ilbo
Selection Method
Selection
Category
General Fiction and Popular Fiction
Target
Professional
South Korean literary awardsFiction awardsShort and mid-length fiction

Annual South Korean literary award established in 1955, awarded to short and mid-length fiction published in major Korean literary magazines.

Prize: Prize details not specified in source.

Hyundae Munhak Award (Contemporary Literature Award)

Established
1956
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Hyundae Munhak (Contemporary Literature)
Selection Method
Selection
Category
Poetry and Contemporary Poetry
Target
Professional
FictionPoetryCriticismDramaLiterary magazine award

One of Korea's major literary awards. Sponsored by the Hyundae Munhak (Contemporary Literature) magazine, it honors outstanding works in fiction, poetry, criticism, and drama.

Prize: Recognition and promotion of outstanding literary works; selection and publication/promotion through Hyundae Munhak outlets.

Manhae Prize

Established
1997
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
The Society for the Promotion and Practice of Manhae's Thoughts
Selection Method
Selection
Category
Research, Translation, and Scholarship
Target
Professional
Announcement Period
around July–August
PeaceSocial ServiceAcademic ExcellenceArtLiteratureBuddhist Missionary Work

A series of awards in memory of Han Yong‑un recognizing achievement across peace, social service, academia, art, literature and Buddhist missionary work.

Prize: Awards across multiple categories (Peace, Social Service, Academic Excellence, Art, Literature, Buddhist Missionary Work).

Yi Sang Literary Award

Established
1977
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Munhaksasangsa (문학사상사)
Selection Method
Selection
Category
General Fiction and Popular Fiction
Target
Professional
Literary awardFictionSouth Korean literary awards

Korean literary award established in 1977. Named after the writer Yi Sang, it is a prestigious award organized by Munhaksasangsa.

Prize: Honor for the winning work (prize money not specified in sources)

Sowol Poetry Prize

Established
1986
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Moonhaksasangsa (문학사상사)
Selection Method
Selection
Category
Poetry and Contemporary Poetry
Target
Professional
PoetryLiterary awardSouth Korean literary award

A prestigious Korean poetry literary award. Established in 1986 by the publisher Moonhaksasangsa (문학사상사) to commemorate the poetic spirit of Kim Sowol.

Prize: Grand prize awarded to the author of the winning poem. The winning work is included in Moonhaksasangsa's annual poetry anthology. The remaining 9 poems are published and recognized as honorable mentions.

Park Kyong-ni Prize

Established
2011
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Toji Foundation of Culture
Selection Method
Recommendation
Category
Literature and General Literary Arts
Target
Professional
Announcement Period
around September
International Literary AwardKorean Literary Award

International literary award based in Korea, established in 2011 in memory of Park Kyong-ni.

Prize: Prize money and honor ($100,000 prize money)

Ho-Am Prize in the Arts

Established
1994
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Samsung Ho-Am Prize Committee
Selection Method
Recommendation
Category
General Arts and Media Arts
Target
Professional
Arts

The arts category of the Samsung Ho-Am Prize, awarded annually since 1991 to ethnic Koreans who have made outstanding contributions to cultural development.

Prize: Winners receive recognition (honor) and an official award ceremony. No prize amount is specified in the text (refer to source).

Premio Nadal

Established
1944
Frequency
Once a year (every January 6)
Organizer
Ediciones Destino (Planeta Group)
Selection Method
Open call
Category
General Fiction and Popular Fiction
Target
Open
Announcement Period
around January
Literary prizeNovelSpanish literature

Spanish literary prize established in 1944 by Ediciones Destino (Planeta Group). Awarded every January 6, current prize money is €18,000.

Prize: The winner receives a cash prize (current amount €18,000).

National Prize for Literature (Spain)

Established
0
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Ministry of Culture, Spain
Selection Method
Selection
Category
Research, Translation, and Scholarship
Target
Professional
EssayDramaChildren's literatureNovel (Narrative)PoetryPoetry for Young People (Miguel Hernández Prize)HistoryTranslationLifetime Achievement Award for TranslatorsComicsIllustrationCultural JournalismPromotion of ReadingCultural Editorial Publishing

A list of national literature prizes (National Prizes) awarded by the Ministry of Culture, Spain.

Premio Azorín de Novela (Azorín Prize for Best Novel)

Established
1994
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Diputación de Alicante (Alicante Provincial Council) and Editorial Planeta (Planeta)
Selection Method
Open call
Category
General Fiction and Popular Fiction
Target
Open
Novel awardSpanish-language literature

One of Spain's major literary prizes awarded to unpublished long novels written in Spanish. The winning work is published by Editorial Planeta and a cash prize is awarded.

Prize: Cash prize and publication of the winning work (by Editorial Planeta)

Premios de la Crítica (Spanish Critics' Prizes)

Established
1956
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Asociación Española de Críticos Literarios
Selection Method
Selection
Category
Criticism and Critical Writing
Target
Professional
Premio de la Crítica de narrativa castellanaPremio de la Crítica de poesía castellanaPremio de la Crítica de narrativa catalanaPremio de la Crítica de poesía catalanaPremio de la Crítica de narrativa gallegaPremio de la Crítica de poesía gallegaPremio de la Crítica de narrativa en euskeraPremio de la Crítica de poesía en euskera

The Spanish Association of Literary Critics awards this literary prize annually to the best narrative (narrativa) and poetry (poesía) works published in Spain in the previous year, categorized by language. It is an honorary award with no prize money.

Prize: Honorary literary award (no monetary prize awarded)

Prudenci Bertrana Prize

Established
1968
Frequency
Annual
Organizer
Fundació Privada Prudenci Bertrana
Selection Method
Selection
Category
General Fiction and Popular Fiction
Target
Professional
Announcement Period
around September
Novel awardCatalan-language literatureLiterary award

Literary award for novels written in Catalan. Established in 1968.

Prize: The winner receives 42,000 euros.

Princess of Asturias Awards

Established
1980
Frequency
Once a year (every October)
Organizer
Princess of Asturias Foundation (Fundación Princesa de Asturias)
Selection Method
Recommendation
Category
Research, Translation, and Scholarship
Target
Professional
LiteratureArtsCommunication and HumanitiesInternational CooperationSocial SciencesSportsScientific and Technical ResearchConcordExemplary Town of Asturias

An international award conferred annually by Spain's Princess of Asturias Foundation. Winners are selected in multiple categories including literature, and receive prize money, sculptures, and more.

Prize: €50,000 to each category's winner(s) (divided if multiple), diploma, sculpture by Joan Miró, foundation emblem pin, etc.

Gratiaen Prize

Established
1992
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Gratiaen Trust
Selection Method
Open call
Category
Poetry and Contemporary Poetry
Target
Open
Application Deadline
around December
Announcement Period
around May–June
FictionPoetryDramaCreative proseLiterary memoir

Annual Sri Lankan literary prize for the best work of literary writing in English by a resident of Sri Lanka.

Prize: The Gratiaen Prize title and associated recognition; specific monetary amount not specified in the provided source.

State Literary Award (Sri Lanka)

Established
1959
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Government of Sri Lanka (Department of Cultural Affairs)
Selection Method
Selection
Category
Research, Translation, and Scholarship
Target
Professional
FictionPoetryTranslationsSongsCover designSinhalaTamilEnglish

Annual literary award in multiple categories sponsored by the Sri Lankan government. Targets works in Sinhala, Tamil, and English.

Prize: Awards and commendations per category (details such as prize money not specified in materials)

August Prize

Established
1989
Frequency
Annual
Organizer
Swedish Publishers' Association (Svenska Förläggareföreningen, SvF)
Selection Method
Recommendation
Category
Children's Literature, Fairy Tales, and Picture Books
Target
Professional
Announcement Period
around November
FictionNonfictionChildren and Young Adult

An annual Swedish literary prize (Augustpriset) awarded since 1989 by the Swedish Publishers' Association to the best Swedish books of the year in three categories.

Prize: Bronze statuette (August figurine) and a monetary award

Samfundet De Nios stora pris (De Nio's Grand Prize)

Established
1921
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Samfundet De Nio (The Nine Society)
Selection Method
Recommendation
Category
Poetry and Contemporary Poetry
Target
Professional
Literature prizeFiction (Novels)Poetry

The main literary award (Grand Prize) awarded by the Swedish literary organization Samfundet De Nio. It has been awarded almost every year since 1921.

Prize: Samfundet De Nios stora pris (Grand Prize): The main award given to Swedish literary figures.

Best Swedish Crime Novel Award

Established
1982
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Swedish Crime Writers' Academy (Svenska Deckarakademin)
Selection Method
Selection
Category
Genre Fiction
Target
Professional
Mystery FictionCrime FictionFull-Length Novel

Crime novel award selected annually by the Swedish Crime Writers' Academy since 1982.

Prize: Recognition for the best crime novel by the Swedish Crime Writers' Academy

Max Frisch Prize (City of Zürich)

Established
1996
Frequency
usually every four years
Organizer
City of Zürich (Stadt Zürich); judging by the Max Frisch Foundation (Max Frisch-Stiftung) at ETH Zürich
Selection Method
Recommendation
Category
Literature and General Literary Arts
Target
Professional
Literary awardGerman-language literatureSwiss literary award

A Zurich city literary prize (est. 1996) awarded usually every four years to writers in German-speaking countries; endowed with CHF 50,000.

Prize: Main prize endowed with 50,000 Swiss francs; since 2018 an additional sponsorship award (Förderpreis) of 10,000 CHF.

Solothurner Literaturpreis

Established
1994
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Solothurner Literaturpreis (Official website operating organization. Refer to published materials for details.)
Selection Method
Selection
Category
Literature and General Literary Arts
Target
Professional
Announcement Period
around February
Literary awardGerman-language literatureSwiss literary award

Swiss literary prize awarded for the achievements of writers who write in German. Established in 1994. Prize money is 15,000 Swiss francs.

Prize: Prize money 15,000 Swiss francs (presented to the winner)

Swiss Book Prize

Established
2008
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Swiss Booksellers' Association (Schweizer Buchhändler- und Verleger-Verband, SBVV)
Selection Method
Selection
Category
Literature and General Literary Arts
Target
Professional
Application Deadline
around April
Announcement Period
around November
Literary prizeGerman-language literary prizeSwitzerland

Annual Swiss literary prize established in 2008. Targets German-language works, with CHF 30,000 awarded to the winner.

Prize: Cash prize (CHF 30,000)

S.E.A. Write Award (Southeast Asian Writers Award)

Established
1979
Frequency
Annually
Organizer
S.E.A. Write Award Executive Committee (Initiated by: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok; Supported by: corporate sponsors such as Thai Airways; Under the patronage of the Thai Royal Family)
Selection Method
Recommendation
Category
Poetry and Contemporary Poetry
Target
Professional
Announcement Period
around October–November
PoetryShort storiesNovelsPlaysFolkloreAcademic and religious worksLifetime achievement

A literary award presented annually to poets and writers from Southeast Asia. Established in 1979.

Prize: Honor of winning (recognition at the ceremony, trophy/plaque, etc.)

Sriburapha Award

Established
1988
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Sriburapha Fund
Selection Method
Recommendation
Category
General Arts and Media Arts
Target
Professional
Announcement Period
around May
JournalismLiteratureArts

An award recognizing achievements in Thai journalism, writing, and arts. Established in 1988.

Prize: Recognition (details often not publicly announced)

Erdal Öz Literature Award

Established
2008
Frequency
Annual
Organizer
Can Publisher (Can Yayınları)
Selection Method
Selection
Category
Literature and General Literary Arts
Target
Professional
Literary awardTurkish literatureErdal Oz Literature Award (honorary)Erdal Oz Novel PrizeErdal Oz First Short Story Collection Prize

Annual Turkish literature award established in 2008 by Can Publisher to commemorate Erdal Öz.

Prize: The winner receives 15,000 Turkish Lira (approximately US$500).

Sedat Simavi Literature Prize

Established
1977
Frequency
Once a year
Organizer
Sedat Simavi Foundation / Turkish Journalists Association (Türkiye Gazeteciler Cemiyeti, TGC)
Selection Method
Selection
Category
Literature and General Literary Arts
Target
Professional
Application Deadline
around September
Announcement Period
around December
Literature prizeTurkish literatureLiterary award

Turkish literature prize established by the Sedat Simavi Foundation in 1977. Awarded annually through selection.

Prize: Sedat Simavi Literature Prize (Literature Category) win