Prometheus Award

ぷろめてうすしょう

Annual literary award recognizing long-form SF/fantasy works dealing with libertarian thought (including Best Novel category and Hall of Fame).

Science fictionFantasyLibertarian SFNovel (Best Novel)Hall of Fame

Established: 1979
Organizer: Libertarian Futurist Society
Category: Genre Fiction
Selection Method: Vote
Target: Open
Frequency: 1 per year
Status: Active

Description

The Prometheus Award is an annual literary award hosted by the Libertarian Futurist Society (LFS) in the United States, targeting SF/fantasy works dealing with libertarian perspectives (promotion of individual freedom and human rights, criticism of despotism or abuse of government power, etc.). The Best Novel category targets novels first published in English in the previous calendar year; it was founded by L. Neil Smith in 1979 but regularly implemented since LFS revived it in 1982. The Hall of Fame (Prometheus Hall of Fame) was established in 1983 to honor classic works more than 20 years post-publication (not limited to novels; includes films, plays, lyrics, etc.). Winners receive a plaque and gold coin. The selection process: member nominations → finalist selection by Best Novel Committee → final voting by all members. Awards historically at Worldcon/NASFIC, but since pandemic, live Zoom announcements and YouTube releases.

Prize

Main Prize: Best Novel winners receive plaque and 1 oz gold coin, Hall of Fame winners receive plaque and smaller gold coin.

Award plaque
Gold coin (Best Novel: 1 oz, Hall of Fame: smaller gold coin)
Honorary and promotional value (LFS promotion, Prometheus Blog reviews, etc.)

Selection

Selection Process

Stage	Judges	Pass Rate	Announcement
Nomination	All LFS members (All members may nominate)	—	Nominations by members. Nominated works sent to Best Novel Committee.
Preliminary screening (finalist selection)	Best Novel Committee (reads nominated works, votes to select usually 5 finalists)	Usually 5 out of 12–16 nominations to finalists (approx. 30–40%)	Finalists announced in early months of following year.
Final voting (winner selection)	Voting by full members, sponsors, and benefactors (higher-tier members)	1 selected from finalists (usually 5) (approx. 20%)	Announcement around early summer of following year. Historically at Worldcon/NASFIC, recently live Zoom announcement and YouTube post.

Nomination

Judges All LFS members (All members may nominate)

Announcement Nominations by members. Nominated works sent to Best Novel Committee.

Preliminary screening (finalist selection)

Judges Best Novel Committee (reads nominated works, votes to select usually 5 finalists)

Pass Rate Usually 5 out of 12–16 nominations to finalists (approx. 30–40%)

Announcement Finalists announced in early months of following year.

Final voting (winner selection)

Judges Voting by full members, sponsors, and benefactors (higher-tier members)

Pass Rate 1 selected from finalists (usually 5) (approx. 20%)

Announcement Announcement around early summer of following year. Historically at Worldcon/NASFIC, recently live Zoom announcement and YouTube post.

Criteria

Thematic content promoting individual freedom/human rights or criticizing tyranny, slavery, war, government power abuse
Literary quality (structure, characters, prose, etc.)
Theme originality and clarity of libertarian examination
Best Novel: First English publication as novel in previous calendar year (target year publications)
Hall of Fame: At least 20 years post-publication (various formats: novels, films, plays, poems, graphic novels, etc.)

Application Tips

Dos

Confirm Best Novel is long-form first published in English in target year (calendar year).
Clearly state in synopsis/introduction why the work addresses individual freedom/human rights.
Publishers/authors: check LFS site/Prometheus Blog info, promote to reach members for advantage.
Prepare short intro/key message conveying theme to judges, assuming finalist status.
Always check latest nomination procedures/schedule on LFS official site.

Don''ts

Do not force libertarian elements compromising expression.
Hall of Fame requires 20+ years post-publication; do not ignore.
Do not use outdated nomination info (e.g., wrong deadlines/target periods).
Do not make inappropriate contact/pressure on judges (e.g., direct benefits).

From Judges

We focus on how 'individual freedom'/'human rights' themes are handled in the story.
Value libertarian views reflected in plot/character decisions, not mere slogans.
Literary merit (plot coherence, characterization, style) is key criterion.
Best Novel requires meeting 'this year publication' eligibility precisely.