Whiting Award

The Whiting Award is one of the most prestigious awards for emerging writers in the United States. Established in 1985 by the Whiting Foundation, it recognizes exceptional promise and early achievement in: Fiction Nonfiction Poetry Drama Each year, 10 writers receive US$50,000 in unrestricted prize money to support their literary careers. The award is designed to give writers the freedom to devote more time to their craft. Many recipients later go on to win major honors such as the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and MacArthur Fellowship. Importantly, writers cannot apply directly; candidates are nominated confidentially by invited experts

✅ Emerging Writer Applicants (nominees) should be writers in the early stages of their careers with exceptional promise. ✅ Literary Category Work must fall into one or more categories: Fiction Nonfiction Poetry Drama ✅ Demonstrated Excellence Candidates should have: Outstanding literary talent. Strong published work or productions. Evidence of exceptional promise. ✅ Nomination Required Writers cannot apply directly. Instead: Anonymous invited nominators (writers, editors, professors, critics, booksellers, agents, dramaturgs, etc.) each recommend one candidate. Winners are selected by a confidential committee. ✅ No Age Restriction There is: ❌ No minimum age requirement. ❌ No maximum age requirement. Talent may emerge at any stage of life