Lannan Literary Awards
らなんぶんがくしょう
A series of literary awards and fellowships established by the Lannan Foundation in 1989 to honor both established and emerging writers of exceptional quality. Winners are selected through anonymous nominations and the foundation's literary committee, with no direct applications accepted.
- Established
- 1989
- Organizer
- Lannan Foundation
- Category
- Poetry and Contemporary Poetry
- Selection Method
- Recommendation
- Target
- Professional
- Frequency
- Irregular
- Status
- Active
Description
A series of literary awards and fellowships by the Lannan Foundation. Multiple categories including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, fellowships, Lifetime Achievement Award for long-term accomplishments, Cultural Freedom Prize for cultural freedom, and more, with recipients including renowned writers from around the world. The foundation does not accept applications; selections are made via anonymous nominations from writers, scholars, publishers, and editors, with final decisions by the foundation's literary committee. Prize amounts vary by year; for example, in 2006, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction awards each carried $150,000. The foundation also provides grants to indigenous communities and others.
Prize
- Main Prize
- Prize money and fellowships (varies by year). Example: In 2006, major awards were each $150,000.
- Cash Prize
- 150,000 USD
- Fellowship (support for research and creation)
- Cultural Freedom Prize (separate award category)
- Grants to indigenous communities and non-profit organizations
Selection
Selection Process
| Stage | Judges | Pass Rate | Announcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomination (candidate nomination) | Anonymous nominations from a network of writers, literary scholars, publishers, editors, etc. | null | Candidates are handled internally, with shortlist information kept private |
| Final selection (decision by literary committee) | Final decisions made by the Lannan Foundation's literary committee | null | Winners announced via Lannan Foundation official announcements or press releases |
Criteria
- Excellence of the work (exceptional quality)
- Recognition of both established and emerging writers
- Cultural freedom and promotion of expression and creativity (regarding Cultural Freedom Prize)
- Diversity and originality, social impact, and intellectual contributions
Application Tips
Dos
- Elevate the quality of your own work and build consistent publication records and critical acclaim
- Build networks with writers, editors, and scholars to make your work widely known
- Aim for outstanding works addressing diversity and themes of social significance
Don''ts
- Attempt to apply directly to the Lannan Foundation (the foundation does not accept applications)
- Overestimate chances of winning and apply unofficial pressure
- Prioritize award-chasing projects over quality
From Judges
- Highest emphasis on the quality and originality of the work itself
- Also evaluate long-term achievements and social/intellectual contributions
- Perspective respecting cultural freedom and diversity of expression is key
Related Awards
- Lannan Literary Fellowship
- Lannan Lifetime Achievement Award
- Cultural Freedom Prize
- An Especially Notable Book award