The PenMasters Global Award for Literary Excellence is our premier, flagship competition—honoring exceptional writing across 81 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To ensure we spotlight the freshest voices and most current works, only unpublished manuscripts and books published within the last five years (2021–2026) are eligible for entry.
At PenMasters, we believe the most enduring reward is visibility, credibility, and long-term recognition.
Winners and finalists receive:
At PenMasters Global, we believe that real value comes from visibility, credibility, and community. 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 5/17/2026*
EASY TWO-STEP PROCESS FOR REGISTERING
PenMasters Global Award For Literary Excellence Entry Form (docx)
Download📚 FICTION CATEGORIES
General & Literary Fiction
Genre Fiction
Young Adult & Middle Grade
Short & Long Form Fiction
Visual & Experimental Fiction
🧒 CHILDREN’S CATEGORIES
📖 NONFICTION CATEGORIES
✍️ POETRY CATEGORIES
🏆 SPECIAL CATEGORIES



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