Genre: Creative Nonfiction

Two prizes of $5,000 each are given annually to writers “working on a biographical work about an African American figure (or figures) whose story provides a significant contribution to our understanding of the Black experience.” The winners also receive publicity through the Biographers International Organization (BIO) website and the Biographer’s Craft newsletter, registration to the annual BIO Conference in May, and a one-year BIO membership. Tamara Payne and Eric K. Washington will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a writing sample of up to 20 pages, a project description, a statement of need, and an author bio by February 1. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.

A prize of $5,000 is given annually for a work-in-progress by a writer who has not published a biography, a book of historical nonfiction, or other book-length work of narrative nonfiction. The winner also receives a review of their manuscript proposal by an agent, publicity through the Biographers International Organization (BIO) website and the Biographer’s Craft newsletter, registration to the annual BIO Conference in May, and a one-year BIO membership. Writers who have not previously published or who are not under contract to write a book of biography, history, or other work of narrative nonfiction are eligible. Gretchen Gerzina, Nigel Hamilton, and Paula Tarnapol Whitacre will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a writing sample, a manuscript proposal, and a résumé in one document totaling no more than 20 pages with a $25 entry fee by March 1. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.

Two prizes of $10,000 each are given annually for a book of fiction and a book of nonfiction (including creative nonfiction) published in the previous year that “foster peace, social justice, and global understanding.” A runner-up for each prize receives $5,000. Publishers may submit any number of books published in 2024 with a $100 entry fee per title by March 1. Books first printed in or translated into English are accepted. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.

A prize of €1,000 (approximately $1,056) and publication in the Fish Publishing anthology is given annually for a short memoir. The winner is also invited to give a reading at the West Cork Literary Festival in July. Ted Simon will judge. Submit a memoir of up to 4,000 words with a €20 (approximately $21) entry fee for online entries or €23 (approximately $24) for postal entries by January 31. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.