From Lambda Literary
Every year, Lambda administers a number of cash awards for LGBTQ+ authors in varying stages of their careers. In 2022, we are delighted to offer five of these prizes, including the new J. Michael Samuel Prize for Emerging Writers Over 50. Applications are open through February 15th, 2022.
The Randall Kenan Prize for Black LGBTQ Fiction
The Randall Kenan Prize for Black LGBTQ Fiction, in memory of the celebrated author Randall Kenan, honors Black LGBTQ writers of fiction.
In 2022, one winner will receive a cash prize of $3,000.
The award will go to a Black LGBTQ writer whose fiction explores themes of Black LGBTQ life, culture, and/or history. To be eligible, the winner of the prize must have published at least one book and show promise in continuing to produce groundbreaking work.This award is made possible by founding sponsors Cedric Brown, Darnell Moore, Dr. L. Lamar Wilson, and Steven Petrow.
Please read the guidelines thoroughly and apply now! Apply now
Jim Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelists’ Prize
The Jim Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelists’ Prize honors LGBTQ-identified novelists of demonstrated ability who show promise for growth in their writing.
Two winners will each receive a cash prize of $5,000.
The winner must have published at least three novels, or two novels and substantial additional literary work (including poems, stories, or essays). This award is made possible by the James Duggins, PhD Fund for Outstanding Mid-Career LGBTQ Novelists, a fund of the Horizons Foundation.
Please read the guidelines thoroughly and apply now! Apply now
Judith A. Markowitz Award for Emerging LGBTQ Writers
The Judith A. Markowitz Award honors two LGBTQ-identified, emerging writers whose work demonstrates their strong potential for promising careers.
Each award comes with a cash prize of $1,000.
By emerging writer, we mean those who have published at least one, but no more than two, books of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
Please read the guidelines thoroughly and apply now! Apply now
Jeanne Córdova Prize for Lesbian/Queer Nonfiction
Granted in memory of the beloved activist and author, the Jeanne Córdova Prize for Lesbian/Queer Nonfiction honors lesbian/queer-identified women and trans/gender non-conforming nonfiction authors who are committed to nonfiction work that captures the depth and complexity of lesbian/queer life, culture, and/or history.
The award includes a cash prize of $2,500.
The winner must have published at least one book and show promise in continuing to produce groundbreaking and challenging work.
Please read the guidelines thoroughly and apply now! Apply now
*NEW* J. Michael Samuel Prizefor Emerging Writers Over 50
The J. Michael Samuel Prize honors emerging LGBTQ writers over the age of 50. The prize will go to an unpublished LGBTQ writer over 50 working in any genre.
The award includes a cash prize of $5,000.
This award is made possible by writer and philanthropist Chuck Forester, who created it out of the firmly held belief that “Writers who start late are just as good as other writers, it just took the buggers more time.”
Please read the guidelines thoroughly and apply now! Apply now
Good luck!
We will be accepting applications for all prizes until 11:59PM ET (GMT-5) on February 15, 2022.
Please read the application requirements thoroughly before applying, as we have updated our process for the current year.
And of course, please do not hesitate to contact us with any queries: awards@lambdaliterary.org.
L. Lewis
Awards Manager
