The Pulitzer Prize is perhaps the best-known prize for literature. Joseph Pulitzer was a passionate, vocal journalist and newspaper publisher who wanted to encourage excellence in journalism. When he died in 1904, he set up a trust to provide prizes for the best writers of American journalism, as well as awards for novels, plays, and other literary endeavors.
The annual Bancroft Prizes are awarded by Columbia University in New York City as part of the will of Fredric Bancroft, an American author. Two prizes are given for works of American History and diplomacy. Winners do not have to be American citizens, but the topic must include something about the Americas, including North, South and Central America. Also, the original work must be written in English.
The National Book Awards are sponsored by a group of book publishers. Established in 1950, the awards honor what is considered exceptional writing by American authors. Awards are given in four categories - fiction, non-fiction, children’s literature and poetry. Each winner receives a crystal sculpture and $10,000 cash prize.
The PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction is given out by the PEN/ Faulkner Foundation. The award is for best published works of fiction by American authors. The prize is named for author William Faulkner, who used his Nobel Prize monies to establish an award for younger writers, and PEN, the international writers’ organization. Five semi-finalists are selected from all the works that are submitted. The winner and four other finalists are honored at a special ceremony in Washington.
The John Newbery Medal is awarded to the author of what the Association for Library Service to Children considers the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The award is donated by the Melcher family and is named after John Newbery, a famous publisher of 18th century children’s books.
The Before Columbus Foundation created the American Book Awards in 1978 to recognize outstanding achievement in American literature with no limitations. There are no set number of awards given and no set categories. Winners are chosen by a panel of judges made up of a diverse group of writers, publishers and editors. No monetary awards are given. Winners include well-known writers as well as first-time authors.