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PEN America is now accepting applications for its PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
The PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers 2026, an annual literary award that celebrates debut short stories by new fiction writers.
Stories must be submitted by editors of literary magazines, journals, or cultural websites.
Must be the author’s first fiction publication in any language.
Stories must be originally written and published in English.
Translations and self-submissions by authors are not eligible.
Editors may submit up to four stories from debut authors per award year.
Stories must be under 12,000 words and free of identifying information.
Apply for PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers
