Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award

ぺぎー・ぶい・へるめりっちけんしょうさっかしょう

An American literary prize awarded annually by the Tulsa Library Trust to an internationally acclaimed author for a distinguished body of work.

Literary prizeAuthor recognitionInternational acclaim

Established: 1985
Organizer: Tulsa Library Trust (Tulsa City-County Library)
Category: Literature and General Literary Arts
Selection Method: Recommendation
Target: Professional
Frequency: 1 per year
Announcement Period: around December
Status: Active

Description

Established in 1985 and named for Peggy V. Helmerich, the Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award is presented annually by the Tulsa Library Trust (Tulsa City-County Library) to an internationally acclaimed author who has written a distinguished body of work and made a major contribution to literature and letters. The prize began at US$5,000 and by 2006 had grown to US$40,000 plus an engraved crystal book. Recipients traditionally participate in a public program and an award dinner in Tulsa.

Prize

Main Prize: Cash prize and an engraved crystal book (US$40,000 as of 2006).
Cash Prize: 40,000 USD

engraved crystal book
honorarium
featured speaking engagements and award ceremony attendance

Selection

Selection Process

Stage	Judges	Announcement
Selection / Nomination	Tulsa Library Trust selection committee (appointed panel)	Committee selects an honoree (not an open-submission competition).
Public announcement		Announcement via Tulsa Library Trust press release, library website and local/national media.
Award ceremony		Presentation at an award dinner and a public lecture or event in Tulsa.

Selection / Nomination

Judges Tulsa Library Trust selection committee (appointed panel)

Pass Rate

Announcement Committee selects an honoree (not an open-submission competition).

Public announcement

Judges

Pass Rate

Announcement Announcement via Tulsa Library Trust press release, library website and local/national media.

Award ceremony

Judges

Pass Rate

Announcement Presentation at an award dinner and a public lecture or event in Tulsa.

Criteria

International acclaim
A distinguished body of work
A major contribution to the field of literature and letters

Application Tips

Dos

Build a distinguished body of work over a long period
Enhance international recognition and strengthen relationships with publishers and libraries
Participate in performances and lectures (such as library events) to maintain visibility

Don''ts

Do not assume you need to send application materials yourself, as this is not an open call
Do not rely on a single sensational work (continuous achievements are emphasized)

From Judges

International acclaim and outstanding achievements over many years are the criteria
Emphasis on overall contributions to literature and letters (person's body of work over a single piece)
Recipients typically participate in performances or library activities, so that factor is considered