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.

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.

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.

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. The judges for books published in 2023 were critic Merve Emre, librarian Allison Escoto, and fiction writer Tania James.

When will the finalists be announced?

The three finalists for The Story Prize for books published in 2023—Wednesday’s Child by Yiyun Li (Farrar, Straus and Giroux), Other Minds and Other Stories by Bennett Sims (Two Dollar Radio), and The Hive and the Honey by Paul Yoon (Marysue Rucci Books)—were announced on January 9, 2024, via social media and email blasts.

How will the winner be announced?

We announced the 20th winner of The Story Prize—The Hive and the Honey by Paul Yoon—on March 26, 2024, at a private event consisting of readings by and interviews with the three finalists. The winner received an engraved silver bowl and $20,000. The other two finalists—Yiyun Li and Bennett Sims—each received $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 at his discretion from among the regular pool of entries for The Story Prize. Any book submitted will also receive consideration for The Story Prize Spotlight Award. There is no separate entry process or additional fee. The Story Prize Spotlight Award winner for books published in 2023 is The Goth House Experiment by SJ Sindu (Soho Press).