PEN Dau Short Story Prize- A Prestigious Award for Emerging Writers

Job Description

PEN DAU Short Story Prize

The PEN DAU Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers, organized by PEN America, celebrates the creative potential of new voices in fiction. Each year, 12 talented debut short story writers are honored for their first published work, receiving financial support and publication in a prominent anthology.

This prize aims to launch the literary careers of emerging authors by providing them visibility, community, and encouragement.

Prize Details & Benefits

• Cash Award: Each of the 12 winners receives $2,000 USD.
• Publication: Winning stories are published by Catapult in the annual anthology Best Debut Short Stories: The PEN America DAU Prize.
• Recognition: Winners gain exposure in the literary community, enhancing their credibility and reach as fiction writers.
• Career Boost: This award helps emerging authors build their profile and connect with other writers, editors, and readers.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. First Published Fiction: The submitted story must be the author’s first piece of fiction published after editorial review. No prior short story or book-length work is allowed.
2. Publication Venue: The story must have appeared in a literary magazine, journal, or a cultural website with a regular publishing schedule.
3. Language: The story must be written in English and originally published in English. Translated works are not eligible.
4. Word Limit: The story should not exceed 12,000 words. Opportunity Desk
5. Submission: Only editors (of the publications) can submit stories. Authors cannot submit their own work. (Grants Database)
6. Declaration: The editor and author must sign an eligibility declaration form confirming these criteria.

Important Dates & Application

• Submission Window: June 25 – November 25, 2025.
• Submission Process: Editors submit anonymized stories (no author name in files).
• Judging: A panel of three judges selects 12 winners each year.
• Publication: Selected stories appear in the Catapult anthology Best Debut Short Stories: The PEN America Dau Prize.

Why This Prize Matters

• Career Launch: It’s one of the most well-known awards for debut fiction writers — an ideal springboard.
• Financial Support: Beyond recognition, $2,000 can help emerging authors dedicate more time to writing.
• Publication: Getting a story into a Catapult anthology opens many doors — literary agents, publishers, and readers.
• Prestige: With PEN America’s reputation and a rigorous judging process, this award is a strong mark of quality.
• Legacy: The prize is generously funded by the family of Robert J. Dau, supporting new voices in memory of his literary commitment.

Tips for Editors & Writers

• Editors: Make sure the author is eligible (first published fiction) before submitting.
• File Submission: Keep story files anonymous—identify only by title, not author.
• Promotion: Publications nominated for this prize gain prestige, so it’s also a notable achievement for journals and websites.
• Networking: Alumni winners often connect with other emerging writers, agents, and publishers — use this as a stepping stone.

How to Apply

The PEN / Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize is more than just a cash award — it’s a platform for emerging writers to launch their literary careers, be recognized by top judges, and feature in a respected anthology. If you’re an editor with a debut fiction author, or a writer whose first story has just been published, this is a golden opportunity.

1. Visit PEN America’s official prize page for full guidelines, submission form, and eligibility declaration.
2. Read the Declaration of Eligibility to ensure your authors qualify.
3. Stay updated on PEN Literary Awards: they regularly post calls and deadlines on their website.

Apply Now

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