Deadline: November 25, 2025
The PEN / Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers 2026 is now open for submissions! This prestigious literary award celebrates and amplifies the voices of new fiction writers whose debut short stories have made a powerful first impression in the world of literature.
Each year, twelve emerging writers are selected for their exceptional debut short stories — works that represent the beginning of their literary journey. Winners receive cash prizes, publication opportunities, and global recognition for their talent and storytelling craft.
About the PEN / Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers 2026
The PEN / Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers 2026 honors twelve debut short stories published by emerging writers in literary magazines, journals, or cultural websites.
Each winner receives a US $2,000 cash prize, and their stories are published in the annual PEN America anthology, “Best Debut Short Stories: The PEN America Dau Prize.”
This initiative is supported by the family of the late Robert J. Dau and organized by PEN America, a leading institution that promotes freedom of expression and celebrates literary excellence worldwide. The prize aims to recognize and nurture new voices in fiction who show extraordinary promise.
Eligibility Criteria
The competition has specific eligibility requirements to ensure it highlights debut fiction writers and supports editorial discovery.
Who can submit:
- Only editors of literary magazines, journals, or cultural websites are eligible to submit stories.
- Authors cannot submit their own work directly.
Type of Story:
- Entries must be debut fiction short stories, meaning the author’s first piece of fiction published after editorial review.
Language & Publication:
- The story must be published or accepted for publication in English.
- Journals or publications may be based anywhere in the world.
Word Count Limit:
- Stories must not exceed 12,000 words.
Submission Quantity:
- Each editor can submit up to four (4) debut stories per award year.
Anonymity Requirement:
- Submitted stories must be anonymized, with no author name or identifying details in the document.
Prize and Benefits
- 12 winners will each receive $2,000 USD.
- Winning stories will be featured in the annual PEN America anthology, distributed internationally.
- Winners gain recognition in the literary community and are introduced to a global readership.
Timeline and Deadline
- Submissions are currently open.
- The deadline for submissions is November 25, 2025.
Editors are encouraged to prepare early to ensure that eligible stories are properly formatted and anonymized before submission.
How to Apply
Submissions are handled through PEN America’s designated portal. Editors are required to provide publication details and upload anonymized story files.
Why You Should Apply
Winning the PEN / Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers 2026 not only brings recognition but also opens doors to a lasting literary career. Past winners have gone on to secure book deals, literary residencies, and further awards.
For literary editors and publications, this prize provides a platform to highlight the voices they have nurtured — a testament to editorial commitment to new storytelling talent.
Final Thoughts
The PEN / Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers 2026 continues to be a beacon for fresh, creative, and compelling fiction from emerging authors worldwide. It bridges the gap between emerging writers and the larger literary stage, helping new talents gain visibility and credibility.
If you or your publication have discovered a powerful debut story this year, this is your chance to showcase it to the world.
📩 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to help ensure your submission stands out and meets every requirement.
