The PenMasters Global Award for Literary Excellence is our premier, flagship competition—honoring exceptional writing across 73 diverse categories of fiction and nonfiction. Open to authors worldwide, this award was created to recognize those who push the boundaries of storytelling, offering fresh insight, emotional resonance, and intellectual depth.
To ensure we spotlight the freshest voices and most current works, only books published within the last five years (2021–2026) are eligible for entry.
At PenMasters, we believe the most enduring reward isn’t a cash prize—it’s visibility, credibility, and long-term recognition.
Winners and finalists receive:
At PenMasters Global, we believe that real value comes from visibility, credibility, and community—not just a check. Our mission is to create a space where writers can gain meaningful exposure, build their audience, and earn recognition that helps elevate their career long after the contest ends. Whether you’re sharing your first story or your fiftieth, the crew at PenMasters Global is here to champion your voice—and celebrate your journey.
A single-category book submission qualifies a piece for a category prize as well as "Book of the Year" consideration. A full list of categories can be found on the entry form.
$39 per title/per category
(Example: One book in two categories equals $78.00--requires separate $39 transactions)
*DEADLINE TO ENTER 12/10/2025*
EASY TWO-STEP PROCESS FOR REGISTERING
PenMasters Global Award For Literary Excellence Entry Form (docx)
Download1. General Fiction
2. Historical Fiction
3. Fantasy
4. Science Fiction
5. Horror
6. Romance
7. Thriller / Adventure
8. Mystery / Suspense
9. Psychological Fiction
10. LGBTQ+ Fiction
11. Inspirational Fiction
12. Religious / Spiritual Fiction
13. Women’s Fiction
14. Young Adult Fiction
15. Middle Grade Fiction
16. Children’s Fiction
17. Flash Fiction
18. Novelette
19. Novella
20. Short Story Collection
21. Dystopian Fiction
22. Urban Fiction
23. Literary Fiction
24. Magical Realism
25. Satirical Fiction
26. Memoir
27. Biography
28. Self-Help
29. Health & Wellness
30. Business / Finance
31. True Crime
32. Political
33. Cultural Criticism
34. Humor
35. Essay Collection
36. Science / Nature
37. History
38. Travel Writing
39. Parenting & Family
40. Academic
41. Food & Drink
42. Art & Photography
43. Religion / Spirituality (Nonfiction)
44. LGBTQ+ Nonfiction
45. Poetry
46. Narrative Poetry
47. Experimental Poetry
48. Spoken Word
49. Haiku
50. Political Poetry
51. Spiritual Poetry
52. Nature Poetry
53. YA Poetry
54. Graphic Novel
55. Illustrated Fiction
56. Hybrid (Fiction & Poetry)
57. Hybrid (Fiction & Nonfiction)
58. Interactive Storytelling
59. Metafiction
60. Autofiction
61. Best Debut Book
62. Best Indie-Published Book
63. Best Self-Published Book
64. Best Book Series
65. Best Illustrated Book
66. Best Cover Design
67. Best Youth Author
68. Best College-Aged Author
69. Best Senior Author
70. Best Teen Debut
71. Best Cross-Genre Book
72. Best Genre Fiction
73. Best Sports Book
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