The National Book Foundation extends its recognition of great literature beyond the National Book Awards to embrace emerging writers at the outset of their careers, literary icons who have spent a lifetime building a body of exceptional work, and those champions who have profoundly affected the literary landscape in their personal lives or careers.
Prizes, Honors, & Grants
Lifetime Achievement
The National Book Foundation’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters (DCAL) and Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community are honors that recognize a lifetime of achievement in writing and serving readers, respectively.
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Literary Arts Emergency Fund
The Literary Arts Emergency Fund, launched and administered by the Academy of American Poets, the Community of Literary Magazine & Presses (CLMP), and the National Book Foundation in Summer/Fall 2020, distributed $3,530,000 in emergency funding to 282 nonprofit literary arts organizations and publishers nationwide that experienced severe financial losses due to COVID-19.
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5 Under 35
The 5 Under 35 honorees are a selection of debut fiction writers under the age of 35 whose work promises to leave a lasting impression on the literary landscape.
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Science + Literature
The Science + Literature program identifies three books annually, steered by a committee of scientific and literary experts, to deepen readers’ understanding of science and technology with a focus on work that highlights the diversity of voices in scientific writing.