Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Story Prize?

The Story Prize is an annual book award honoring the author of an outstanding collection of short fiction with a $20,000 cash award. Each of two runners-up will receive $5,000. Eligible books must be written in English (by a living writer) and first published in the United States during a calendar year. Translated works are not eligible.

How are books considered for the award?

Publishers, authors, or agents may enter eligible works of short fiction. Guidelines and application forms may be found by following the appropriate links on this site under the INFO menu. The deadline for books published from January through June is July 1. For books published from July through December, the deadline is November 15. The Story Prize reserves the right to decline any entry. Please contact us if the $75 entry fee presents a hardship, and we will consider waiving it. Please keep in mind that The Story Prize is itself not a for-profit organization and has a limited budget.

How is the winner decided?

Larry Dark, director of The Story Prize, and Founder Julie Lindsey select three finalists from among the books entered. Three independent judges choose the winner from among the finalists. We generally receive between 100 and 120 short story collections each year as entries.

Who will serve as the judges?

The group of judges will have a different composition every year but will consist of a mix of writers, booksellers, readers, critics, teachers, publishers, and editors. One judge is always a fiction writer, a second judge is either a bookseller or librarian in alternating years, and the third is generally a critic or editor or someone else associated with the short story.. The judges for books published in 2025 are writer and copyeditor Benjamin Dreyer, writer and past winner of The Story Prize Ling Ma, and Chicago librarian Stephen Sposato.

When will the finalists be announced?

We announced the finalists for books published in 2025 on January, 14 2026.

How will the winner be announced?

We will announce the 22nd winner, for books published in 2025, at an event consisting of readings by and interviews with the three finalists on March 31, 2026. The finalists are Other Worlds by André Alexis (FSG Originals), Atavists by Lydia Millet (W.W. Norton & Company), and Long Distance by Ayşegül Savaş (Bloomsbury Books). Winners receive an engraved silver bowl and $20,000. The other two finalists each receive $5,000.

What is The Story Prize Spotlight Award?

The Story Prize Spotlight Award is an additional $1,000 prize for the author of an outstanding story collection that merits further attention. Director Larry Dark will select the winner from among the regular pool of entries for The Story Prize. Every submission also receives consideration for The Story Prize Spotlight Award. There is no separate entry process or additional fee. The winner for books published in 2025 will be announced in February.