This biennial prize of $10,000 will go to the author of a distinguished book of general nonfiction possessing notable literary merit and critical perspective and illuminating important contemporary issues which has been published in the United States during the previous two calendar years. The book should possess the qualities of intellectual rigor and importance, perspicuity of expression, and stylistic elegance conspicuous in the writings of author and economist John Kenneth Galbraith, whose four dozen books and countless other publications continue to provide an important and incisive commentary on the American social, intellectual and political scene.

Deadline:
(This award is not currently open for submission.) Submissions must be received between October 1, 2012 and February 1, 2013.

Who Is Eligible:
A candidate’s book of nonfiction must have been published in the United States between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012. Candidates need not be U.S. residents. Biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs are not accepted.

Nominations are welcome from writers, publishers, editors, and literary agents. One need not be a Member of PEN to submit a nomination.

How to Apply:

1) Pay the $50 entry fee online and proceed to checkout. If paying by check, skip to step 2.

2) Fill out the online submission form and click “Submit Form.”

3) Mail three copies of the candidate's book, your printed submission form, and proof of online payment or a check between October 1, 2012 and February 1, 2013 to:

PEN/John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction
PEN American Center
588 Broadway, Suite 303
New York, NY 10012

Submission fees will be waived for publishers whose annual net sales do not exceed $4 million. Simultaneous submissions (submitting the same book in multiple categories) are strongly discouraged.

For more information, please contact awards@pen.org or (212) 334-1660, ext. 126.