The PEN/Beyond Margins Awards invites submissions of book-length writings by authors of color, published in the United States during the current calendar year. The Beyond Margins Awards were created by PEN American Center's Open Book Committee, a group committed to racial and ethnic diversity within the literary and publishing communities. The awards confer five $1,000 prizes upon authors of color. U.S. residency or citizenship is not required. Works of fiction, literary nonfiction, biography/memoir, and other works of literary character are strongly preferred.

Past winners: Laila Halaby, Suki Kim, Nasdijj, Willie Perdomo, April Reynolds, Meena Alexander, Luis Francia, Joy Harjo, Victor LaValle, Nelly Rosario, Faith Adiele, Raquel Cepeda, Lan Samantha Chang, Lolita Hernandez, Ishle Yi Park, Richard Blanco, Andrew Lam, Ed-Bok Lee, Caryl Phillips, Jennifer Tseng, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ernest Hardy, Harryette Mullen, and Alberto Ríos

Who is eligible:
The Beyond Margins Awards are open to authors of color who have not received wide media coverage. Submissions will be accepted from publishers and agents only.

Deadline:
Nominations must be received between September 1, 2009 and December 14, 2009. Early submissions are strongly recommended.

How to apply:
Publishers and agents may submit three copies of book-length writings by an author of color published during the calendar year under consideration, with an official letter of recommendation. Self-published books are not eligible.

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

2) Fill out the online submission form and click "submit."

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

PEN/Beyond Margins Award
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.

For more information, please contact Nick Burd, Literary Awards Program Manager, at nick@pen.org or (212) 334-1660 ext. 108.