Deadline: November 15, 2025
Applications are officially open for the Brooklyn Non-Fiction Prize 2025, a unique literary opportunity for writers whose work captures the people, places and lived stories of Brooklyn. If you are a storyteller with a true Brooklyn narrative, this annual award offers a chance to be recognised, published and featured at a public reading event.
The Brooklyn Non-Fiction Prize 2025 is looking for original, compelling essays rooted in the cultural, personal, social or historical landscape of Brooklyn. Submissions are open to adults aged 18 and above from any background, provided the story is fully grounded in Brooklyn.
About the Brooklyn Non-Fiction Prize 2025
The Brooklyn Non-Fiction Prize is an annual award run by the Brooklyn Film & Arts Festival. It highlights essays that reveal the “rich soul and intangible qualities” of Brooklyn, as experienced by real people.
Finalist entries will be published as part of the Brooklyn Non-Fiction Collection, an online anthology, and invited authors will read and discuss their stories at the festival’s public finale event.
This prize celebrates non-fiction rooted in place, memory, culture and community—making it ideal for writers of biography, memoir, documentary, personal history, urban storytelling and place-based essays.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to writers aged 18 years and above
- Submissions must be non-fiction essays
- The story must be set in Brooklyn and be about Brooklyn and/or Brooklyn people/characters
- Global submissions are welcome as long as the story authentically centres Brooklyn
Submission Guidelines
- Essay length must be 4–10 pages (approx. 2,500 words maximum)
- Submit in Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx)
- Your document must include:
- Story title
- Author’s full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- All entries must be submitted by email to the address provided in the official announcement
- Judging will be conducted by a panel of experienced Brooklyn writers
- Finalists will participate in a live reading at the annual event and be included in the official Brooklyn Non-Fiction Collection anthology
Prize & Benefits
- Winner receives US $500
- Finalist entries will be published online as part of the Brooklyn Non-Fiction Collection
- Authors will be invited to read and discuss their work at the Festival Finale
- No application fee required
- Open to emerging and established writers worldwide, provided the work is Brooklyn-focused
Deadline
15 November 2025
Late submissions will not be accepted.
Is This Opportunity Right for You?
This opportunity is ideal if:
✅ You already have a true Brooklyn story to tell
✅ You work in creative non-fiction, memoir, documentary or personal narrative writing
✅ You want publication credit and visibility in a themed anthology
✅ You want to participate in a live author reading event
This may not be the best fit if:
⚠️ Your work is not connected to Brooklyn in a meaningful way
⚠️ You are looking for a high-value financial grant or fellowship rather than a literary prize
⚠️ You are currently focused on programme funding or organisational grants rather than creative writing
How to Apply
✔️ Read more about the programme
Need Help With Grant or Proposal Writing?
If you need expert support for proposal drafting, refining and review, feel free to reach out — contact us for proposal drafting, refinning and review.
